For immediate release:

2378 BABY BOXES DELIVERED IN LANARKSHIRE IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF SCHEME

Latest figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that the transformative Baby Box policy has already benefitted 2378 newborns across NHS Lanarkshire since they were introduced last year – and over 22,000 across Scotland.

The Baby Box is a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland the very best place in the world to grow up – and contains important items for parents and babies alike, such as baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books.

The box itself also doubles as a bed for a newborn, containing a mattress, mattress protector and fitted sheet – providing a safe and warm place for babies to sleep.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Rutherglen Clare Haughey said:

“It is excellent to see so many families across Lanarkshire benefitting from the Baby Box.

“The Boxes are a really positive Scottish Government initiative providing parents with many of the essentials they need to care for their child.

“From thermometers to towels, changing mats to clothes – the boxes are a fantastic way of giving children in Scotland the very best start in life.

“The fact that 2378 boxes have already been provided to parents across Lanarkshire, part of a total of over 22,000 across Scotland, shows how popular they are proving with parents in every corner of the country – and given how beneficial they are to parents and newborns, long may that continue.”

ENDS

Notes:

In response to a Parliamentary question, the Scottish Government revealed:
The following table details the number of Baby Boxes delivered, by Health Board between 19 June and 31 December 2017.
Health Board Boxes Delivered
NHS Ayrshire and Arran 1350
NHS Borders 428
NHS Dumfries and Galloway 524
NHS Fife 1380
NHS Forth Valley 1132
NHS Grampian 2493
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 5621
NHS Highland 1028
NHS Lanarkshire 2378
NHS Lothian 3834
NHS Orkney 88
NHS Shetland 74
NHS Tayside 1587
NHS Western Isles 84

Date published: 16th January 2018