Baby boxes ‘a must’ for all parents

Baby boxes should be given to all new parents across the UK, midwives have said.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has published a new position statement setting out its support for universal rollout.

The statement said the boxes could be a “positive significant investment” in early years and may contribute to reducing inequality.

Baby boxes were made available to all expectant mothers in Scotland from August last year.

In England, some NHS trusts have introduced pilot schemes or full baby box schemes over the past two years.

Wales and Northern Ireland do not have any such schemes.

The boxes, which contain essential items for newborns, are also promoted as a safe place for babies to sleep.

The RCM said provision of the boxes was likely to reduce the risks associated with unsafe co-sleeping, particularly in more deprived communities.

Co-sleeping has been identified as a key risk factor for cot death or sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

The RCM stressed boxes must be safe.