Two north-east MSPs have described baby boxes as “transformation” for families in their constituencies.
The SNP’s Stewart Stevenson and Gillian Martin welcomed figures showing 13,495 baby boxes have been delivered by NHS Grampian to new parents across the region since their introduction in April 2017.
The boxes contain a variety of essential items for a child’s first weeks and months including clothes, a changing mat and a box that can be used for the baby to sleep in.
Across the country, more than 120,000 have been delivered.
Mr Stevenson, who represents Banff and Buchan Coast, welcomed the numbers and said: “Figures show that across Scotland 96% of expectant parents in Scotland are now requesting a baby box – that’s a huge vote of confidence.
“To date, more than 120,000 have been delivered, of which 13,495 have been sent to families across Grampian, including to my Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency.
“The baby box is part of a much wider programme by the Scottish Government to help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents during the first few months of their child’s life.”
The box also includes a reusable nappy voucher which 723 families in NHS Grampian took up.
Ms Martin, who represents Aberdeenshire East, has encouraged soon-to-be mothers to register for the baby box.
She said: “I know from speaking to mothers across Aberdeenshire East just how transformative this initiative has been as they have welcomed a new-born into the world.”
