MORE than 10,000 baby boxes have now been delivered to new parents in Scotland in just two months.
The Scottish Government also said registration for the boxes has reached 20,000 since the nationwide roll-out of the innovative scheme in August.
Under the baby box programme, which is aimed at tackling inequality and promoting health, new parents receive a box of essential items for their baby such as clothes, books and blankets.
READ MORE: Public are asked to help shape Scotland's National Investment Bank
The boxes, which are inspired by Finnish baby boxes, can also be used for babies to sleep in.
Announcing the 10,000 box delivery, Scotland’s Childcare and Early Years Minister Mark McDonald said: “I want every child born in Scotland to have the best start in life and the baby box is a key part of that.
“It is great to see so many new and expectant parents receiving and registering for their boxes.
“The feedback we have had so far is very positive and we will continue to work with parents to ensure the contents of the box meet their needs.”
The boxes meet the highest safety standards and have been awarded British Safety Standard accreditation as a crib. Safe sleep guidance is provided in a leaflet inside the box and safety guidelines are also printed on the box lid.
According to the chief medical officer for Scotland, Dr Catherine Calderwood, early evaluation has shown the scheme is helping raise awareness of safe sleeping practices.
The Scottish Cot Death Trust says the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or Moses basket, but the box can be used, particularly where families have no alternative.
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