Baby boxes ‘should have breastfeeding equipment’

Labour has called for breastfeeding equipment to be included in Scotland’s new baby boxes.

The party wants more items that could encourage women to breastfeed to be included in the boxes, which will be handed out to the parents of every baby born on or after August 15.

Inspired by Finnish baby boxes, the Scottish versions are filled with essentials such as nappies, clothes and books as well as a mattress and blanket.

Monica Lennon MSP, Labour’s inequalities spokeswoman, has written to ministers urging them to consider a pilot scheme featuring additional items such as a breast pump, nipple shields and cream, and a higher quantity of nursing pads.

Ms Lennon said she believes the baby boxes offer a “unique opportunity” to improve breastfeeding support, highlighting lower breastfeeding rates among young mothers and those from deprived areas.

Almost half of babies born in Scotland in 201516 were being breastfed at around 10 days old.

Ms Lennon said: “There is more that can be done to support and encourage breastfeeding in Scotland.

“Breastfeeding may be natural but it is not always easy. The baby box presents an opportunity to improve breastfeeding support.”