Swinney ‘very proud’ of Scottish baby box scheme as it marks eighth anniversary

First Minister John Swinney said he is “very proud” of Scotland’s baby box scheme as it marked its eight anniversary.

Since the initiative was introduced in August 2017, more than 350,000 of the boxes – which contain essential items for a newborn – have been handed out to expectant parents.

With Scotland the only part of the UK where such boxes are given out, the Government said they saved families £400.

Designed so infants can sleep in them, the boxes contain a mattress and blanket, as well as items for the first months of a child’s life including clothing, a changing mat, play mat and books – as well as a voucher for a reusable nappy and liners.

Mr Swinney said the Baby Box scheme “strongly signals our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life”.

He spoke out ahead delivering one of the boxes to parents-to-be Mairi Morrison and her partner George Waddington, at the Western Isles Hospital in Lewis on Friday.

Speaking about the scheme, Mr Swinney said: “The programme is supporting families right across the length and breadth of Scotland, including here in the Western Isles where 1,281 boxes have been delivered to date.”

He added: “It is clear that this universal offer, a UK first, has been hugely successful with 89% of all parents with newborn babies registering for a box – benefiting around 41,000 families annually.”

Mr Swinney said: “My number one priority as First Minister is to end child poverty in Scotland – and I am very proud of the impact that the baby box is making to support families across the country.”