The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Couple who received 50,000th baby box welcome boy to world
‘Landmark’ parcel of goodies from the Scottish Government for little Rory
A Dundee couple who received the 50,000th baby box in Scotland have welcomed a baby boy to the world.
Gary Phillips and Anna Mcfarlane had spoken of their shock when the box arrived in August containing the special message and described it as like “winning the golden ticket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.
Now, six weeks later, little Rory Mcfarlane was born on Thursday September 20 weighing a healthy 7lb 14oz.
The couple say he is doing well and thanked staff at Ninewells for their “unbelievable” help during the birth.
They say they are excited to tell him he was a landmark baby when he grows up.
Anna, a researcher at Glasgow University, said: “We have the certificate saying he is the 50,000th baby to receive it still so we will make sure he knows.
“We’ll probably put it up in the nursery and he’ll see it when he’s older.
“We’ll paint the box too.”
Gary added: “We’ve both been amazed at how useful all the items have been already.
“The bath thermometer in particular is just great for peace of mind.
“During his first bath, the screams were like he was being water-boarded but at least we knew everything was fine!”
Gary, who is studying to be a primary school teacher, said the moment Rory was born, his life “changed forever”.
He said: “He was two weeks overdue so we were really eager to meet him. “He was a really quick delivery luckily. “He has been very much what you’d expect from a new born baby – lots of crying and sleeping.
“We’re over the moon.”
The Scottish Government scheme was launched in August last year and sees “starter kits” sent to all expectant families four weeks prior to the mother’s due date.
Each baby box contains a selection of clothes – from newborn to six months – as well as vital everyday items, including travel changing mat, a bib and a bath towel.
They include a poem, children’s books, a bath/ room thermometer and a digital ear thermometer.
We’ve both been amazed at how useful all the items have been already. The bath thermometer in particular is just great for peace of mind. DAD GARY