MORE than 283,000 baby boxes have been given out to Scottish families since the scheme began, figures released by the SNP show.
The party said that 283,118 since the initiative started in 2017.
Baby boxes include baby clothes, blankets, books and bibs along with nursing pads, a thermometer, reusable nappy vouchers, sponges, and a carrier wrap.
The box can be used as a bed for newborns - a mattress is included - and can be coloured in by younger family members or parents as a mindful activity.
The boxes are aimed at helping families with the costs associated with raising children.
Fulton MacGregor, the SNP MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, said: “I welcome these new figures which show that 283,118 baby boxes have been delivered to families across Scotland – supporting households with the costs of raising a child from before it's even born.
“We know that raising a child is an expensive endeavour, and these jam-packed baby boxes from the SNP Scottish Government will help to ensure that each child born in Scotland is given an equal start in life.
“From expanding free funded early learning years care, to the Scottish Child Payment and Best Starts Grant, the SNP is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world for children to grow up.”
The break down by health boards is as follows:
- NHS Ayrshire and Arran – 17,144
- NHS Borders – 5014
- NHS Dumfries and Galloway – 6739
- NHS Fife – 18,280
- NHS Forth Valley – 14,819
- NHS Grampian – 31,084
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – 70,273
- NHS Highland – 14,026
- NHS Lanarkshire – 32,368
- NHS Lothian – 49,817
- NHS Orkney – 1071
- NHS Shetland – 1310
- NHS Tayside – 20,135
- NHS Western Isles – 1038
