THE first 'Finnish-style' baby boxes are being handed out today in Scotland by Nicola Surgeon.
The First Minister is giving out the boxes – filled with useful items such as nappies, clothes and books – to parents at Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre in Alloa.
The Scottish Government announced the introduction of the scheme earlier this year to help children receive the best start in life.
Clackmannanshire has been chosen for a three-month pilot project, along with Orkney, ahead of the boxes being rolled out to all newborns from the summer.
The initiative is based on a policy in Finland of giving baby boxes to expectant parents, which has been in place for nearly 80 years.
Sturgeon said: "Scotland's baby box is a strong signal of our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. The box contains around 40 different essential items for new babies and for parents.
"Being a parent is the most important but also the most difficult job there is, so it's important that parents get as much support as possible. The box complements the existing services available to help babies and parents to thrive in the crucial early months."
Among the items in the box are a play mat, a changing mat, a digital thermometer, a fleece jacket, several babygrows, a hooded bath towel, a reusable nappy and liners, a baby book and an organic sponge. The box, which is suitable for the baby to sleep in, also contains cot sheets, a mattress and a blanket.
A Scots poem entitled Welcome Wee One by Scotland's Makar Jackie Kay is also included.
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