MSP COLIN BEATTIE WELCOMES REFRESHED BABY BOX TO SUPPORT MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN FAMILIES FACING RISING COSTS

41,408 BABY BOXES ALREADY DELIVERED IN NHS LOTHIAN 
  
Midlothian North and Musselburgh SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 41,408 of which have already been delivered across NHS Lothian – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday. 
  
The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life. 
  
Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.  
  
Commenting MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, said: 
  
“I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 41,408 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lothian by the SNP in government since 2017. 
  
“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life. 
  
“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family in Midlothian and East Lothian but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant - particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.  
 
“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals - and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.  

“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life. 

“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child. 
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 “While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”