MSP Clare wants mothers to apply for the new baby box

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey is encouraging all expectant mothers in the constituency, whose babies are due on or after August 15, to register for a baby box at their next midwife appointment.

The boxes contain various items for a child’s first weeks and months. These include books, clothes, blankets, a bath towel, a changing mat, a bib and a thermometer.

The box can also be used as a place for a baby to sleep.

Ms Haughey said the move showed the SNP government’s commitment to ensuring children in Scotland get the best possible start.

She also said a new maternity and early years allowance would see expectant mothers on low incomes receive £600 for their first child and £300 for any subsequent children.

A £250 grant would also be paid when the child starts nursery and again when it starts school.

Ms Haughey said:“The Scottish Government is proudly gifting a baby box to every child in Scotland to help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents – just one part of our determination to ensure that every child has an equal start in life.

“And with the new powers coming to Scotland, the SNP Government will also provide targeted support to help low income families via our Maternity and Early Years’ Allowances.

“For mothers in Rutherglen, Cambuslang, and Blantyre, looking forward to welcoming a newborn into the world on or after August 15 this summer, all they need to do to be gifted a baby box is apply through their midwife in advance, supplying their preferred delivery address.”