BABY boxes will be sent out to new parents across Scotland from today, as the scheme is introduced across the country.
The boxes containing essential items such as clothes, books and blankets will be delivered this week.
The national roll-out follows pilot projects in Orkney and Clackmannanshire which started in January.
Inspired by Finnish baby boxes, they can also be used for babies to sleep in. New parents are being urged to consider safe sleeping practices for their newborns ahead of the launch.
Boxes issued under the Scottish scheme meet the highest safety standards, and have been awarded British Safety Standard accreditation as a crib for domestic use, the Scottish Government said.
Safe sleep guidance is provided in a leaflet inside the box and safety guidelines are also printed on the box lid.
Chief medical officer for Scotland Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “All parents should think about sleeping practices at the earliest possible stage even before their baby is born. Early evaluation shows the scheme is helping raise awareness of safe sleeping practices and we are committed to evaluating how the baby box is helping families across Scotland.
“It is important parents make the safe sleeping choice that is right for them, and anyone needing more information should speak to their health visitor or midwife.”
Lynsay Allan, executive director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust, said: “Whilst the proven safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or moses basket, I also recognise that the box can be used as a safe sleep space for newborn babies, particularly where families may have no alternative and where they might otherwise unsafely share their bed or sleep on a sofa or chair with their baby.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here