Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the refreshed Baby Box, saying the scheme will be more important than ever in the coming months as families face rising costs.
Scotland’s Baby Box is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday. According to the latest figures of boxes distributed by health boards, 235,622 boxes have been distributed across Scotland since the start of the scheme. That includes 11,728 in the NHS Highland area, 1,104 in Shetland, and 908 in Orkney.
The Baby Box scheme, which was introduced in 2017, entitles every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items; the goal of the scheme is to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
Commenting on the new box, Ms Roddick said:
“It is fantastic to see Scotland’s much-loved Baby Box being given a makeover as we approach the scheme’s fifth anniversary. Already, thousands of these boxes have been delivered across the Highlands and Islands by the SNP in government since 2017, and I look forward to seeing this number climb with the refreshed box.
“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Regardless of the circumstances of new parents, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.
“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.
“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game-changing Scottish Child Payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.
“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”
Emma Roddick MSP 