LATEST figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that the transformative Baby Box policy has already benefitted 1380 newborns across NHS Fife since they were introduced last year – and over 22,000 across Scotland.

The first Baby Box issued in Fife went to Cowdenbeath couple Nicola and Lee Hughes for little Emma-Lily in August.

The Baby Box is a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland the very best place in the world to grow up – and contains important items for parents and babies alike, such as baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books.

The box itself also doubles as a bed for a newborn, containing a mattress, mattress protector and fitted sheet – providing a safe and warm place for babies to sleep.

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP for Mid Fife & Glenrothes said: “It is excellent to see so many families across Fife benefitting from the Baby Box.

“The Boxes are a really positive Scottish Government initiative providing parents with many of the essentials they need to care for their child.

“From thermometers to towels, changing mats to clothes – the boxes are a fantastic way of giving children in Fife the very best start in life.

“That 1,380 boxes have already been provided to parents across Fife, part of a total of over 22,000 across Scotland, shows how popular they are proving with parents in every corner of the country – and given how beneficial they are to parents and newborns, long may that continue.”

Lee commented when the family received their Box: "There really is something for everyone. Items like the electronic thermometer aren’t something you would necessarily think about buying before your child is born, but it’s great to have those sorts of things included."