Ash Denham MSP has welcomed recent figures which show 20,949 baby boxes have been delivered to families across Edinburgh and the Lothians since their introduction by the Scottish Government in April 2017.

The figures which are up to 17th January this year, show that across Scotland a total of 120,193 baby boxes have been delivered, with 96% of expectant parents taking up the opportunity to receive one – while the latest parent survey showed 100% satisfaction.

Adapted from the Finnish model, Scotland’s baby box balances practical items, such as the clothing, the hooded bath towel and the changing mat, with items designed to have a positive impact on parent-child interaction through the inclusion of books, a baby wrap and a play mat to support attachment, early learning and play.

Last year, the box – which costs £8m annually to produce and administer – also included the option of a reusable nappy voucher. At present 1,200 of these vouchers have been distributed to families by NHS Lothian, and the figure is at 5,171 nationality with take up at 14%.

Commenting, Ash Denham MSP said:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is determined that every child – regardless of their circumstance – should get the best start in life, and Scotland’s baby box ensures that every family with a newborn has access to essential items needed in the first six months of a child’s life.

“Figures show that across Scotland 96% of expectant parents in Scotland are now requesting a baby box – that’s a huge vote of confidence in the baby box. To date more than 120,000 have been delivered, of which 20,949 have been sent to families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including my Edinburgh Eastern constituency.

“The introduction in April last year of reusable nappy vouchers has also proven popular with parents, particularly in the NHS Lothians region which has seen more applications than anywhere in Scotland with 1,200.

“The baby box is part of a much wider programme by the Scottish Government to help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents during the first few months of their child’s life.”

ENDS

Notes;

Baby Boxes delivered by Health Board as of 17^th January 2020 

List per Health Board of nappy voucher uptake as of 17^th January 2020