SCOTLAND’S baby box scheme has received a 100 per cent satisfaction rating from parents over the quality of its contents.
A survey found that every parent whose views were sought was either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of the contents, while 99 per cent were either satisfied or very satisfied with the range of items, the design of the box and delivery arrangements.
The highest-rated item was the bathroom/room thermometer, which 32 per cent of people said was the most useful item. It was followed by the ear thermometer (22 per cent) and sling (15 per cent).
When asked what was missing from the box, about two-thirds of parents (69 per cent) could not think of anything. The most common suggested additions were newborn-sized nappies and a second sheet for the mattress.
The majority of parents (62 per cent) had used or planned to use the box as a bed. The main reason given for not using the box as a sleeping space was that parents had already purchased an alternative or received one as a gift (86 per cent).
The Scottish Government’s minister for childcare and early years, Maree Todd, said: “It’s great to hear how positive parents are about the baby box and also find out what else we can do to make next year’s roll-out even more successful in supporting parents during those crucial early months.
“It is particularly welcome that the most popular items in the box are the ones which are most useful for baby wellbeing but are often the most costly to purchase.
“I am glad new parents are already seeing the health benefits the contents of the box provide, with many commenting they were pleased with the range of high-quality items they wouldn’t have thought to buy.
“I am also pleased to see that the majority of parents are using the box as a safe sleeping space and that the main reason for not doing so is because they already had an alternative.
“We want all parents to make the choice that is right for them when deciding where their baby sleeps, but I hope that as more parents know to expect the box they will no longer need to buy an alternative in advance.”
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