Baby Box Registration Begins June

Registration for Scotland's Baby Box will open on 15 June 2017 for all babies due on or after the 15 August this year.

The Box is a strong signal of the Scottish Government's determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. The Box shall include essential items for a child's first weeks and months, supporting all parents.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said; "Scotland's Baby Box will help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents, and we're proud to introduce it in Scotland.

"It will include materials to promote the best possible outcomes for children and the Box itself will also provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents, to promote bonding and early attachment.

"From January 2018, all Baby Boxes will be delivered at least four weeks before the baby's due date."

Expectant mothers will register to receive their baby's box at an existing midwife appointment after the 15 June. Delivery will then begin on the 15 August with the Baby Box sent directly to a home or other preferred address.

The idea, taken from Finland's system, has already received positive feedback across the country.

Head of Midwifery at NHS Forth Valley, Gillian Morton, said; "The response from local families has been fantastic with many commenting on how useful the items have been during those important early weeks and months. The new design of the box has also been well received and I'm sure it will be extremely popular when the scheme is rolled out to the rest of the country."

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