Over 15,000 Baby Boxes distributed to Fife families since 2017

The Baby Box has recently underwent a makeover to mark five years since it was first introduced by the Scottish Government.

Under the initiative every newborn in Scotland is entitled to a box containing essential items such as clothes, blankets and toys, intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.

A total of 15,236 Baby Boxes have been delivered across the Kingdom since 2017.

Across Scotland the number of boxes distributed in that time is 235,622.

The updated box will also now include a baby toothbrush for the first time, promoting oral health from the very beginning of a child’s life.

The latest figures have been welcomed by local MSPs including Kirkcaldy’s David Torrance and Dunfermline’s Shirley-Anne Sommerville.

Mr Torrance said: “The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family in the Kingdom, 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 mums and dads, 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.”

Ms Sommerville said that 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.”

Adding: “While the SNP government will continue to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”