What is a Scotland baby box?
In this article
What's the lowdown?
All newborn babies in Scotland are eligible for a box of essential items
The Scotland Baby Box also doubles as a bed – with a mattress and bedding included
A Scottish baby box is free for Scotland residents, however they do not exist for wider parts of the UK
Requirements to get the box include registering with a midwife and living in Scotland
What is a Scotland baby box?
Every newborn baby in Scotland is given their own Baby Box1, full of goodies to help parents with the arrival of their little one. How lovely!
It’s no secret that newborns need a lot of stuff, which is why Scotland’s Baby Boxes are packed full of useful items to help parents give their babies the best possible start in life. What’s more… The box itself can become a bed (mattress and bedding included)! So parents don’t have to worry about not being able to afford the latest, fancy, crib.
You can watch an unboxing video here.
It gets even better, because not only does it contain lots of useful gifts and turn into a bed, but you can also personalise your box. The boxes are designed so you can have your baby’s name and birthdate on the box lid and if you have another child already they can colour it in!
When do you get a Scotland baby box?
Obtaining your Baby Box requires an application. The steps are simple:
- Register or be registered with a midwife
- Begin the application process at your 18-20 week or 28-week appointment
- Fill out a registration card with your midwife and they will send it off
- You’ll receive a text, email or letter the week before dispatch
- Track it all the way to your door
- The box should arrive around 4 weeks before your due date
Key requirements:
- Register or be registered with a midwife
- Live in Scotland
Unfortunately these boxes do not exist for wider parts of the UK – at least not for free. The English government was going to introduce them, however they were deemed too expensive and cut funding. You can still purchase a baby box from small-independent businesses, however.
When was the baby box introduced in Scotland?
The Scottish government officially rolled out the Baby Boxes in August 20172, starting from a successful pilot scheme earlier in the year. The aim of the box was to tackle child poverty and support parents in this new phase of life.
Scotland baby box contents
The Scottish government came up with a list of items that newborn babies would need, including:
- Clothes – newborn up to 6 months
- Mattress with a blanket
- A digital under-arm thermometer
- A poem for your newborn
- Baby wrap
- Baby mat
- Travel changing mat
- Hooded towel
- Bath and room thermometer
- Bath sponge
- Bath towel
- Books
- Muslin cloths
- Reusable nappies
- Bib
- Comforter toy
- Teething ring soother
- Emery boards
- Toothbrush
- Maternity towels
- Reusable nursing pads
- Box of condoms (oh yes!)
How to use items in your Scotland baby box?
There are so many things included in your Baby Box that it can seem overwhelming. We’ve picked a couple of things from the box to help suggest and advise how to use them3:
Baby wrap
Great for keeping your little one close and safe, whilst allowing you to have your hands free to get on with activities or chores. To learn how to use the baby wrap, you can watch a tutorial here.
Baby mat
Perfect for play-time or tummy-time! Feel safe in knowing that your baby can be placed on their front or back on this mat, whilst you talk or play with them. This will encourage your baby to use their muscles, helping them grow strong, and strengthen their cognitive skills.
Baby books
Even though your baby won’t understand what you’re saying, it’s never too early to start them on a good book! Okay, perhaps not Great Expectation or anything but your newborn will love listening to the sound of your voice and will be processing everything in their brains.
Baby box itself
It’s ridiculously versatile… It acts as a gift box, a storage box, a newborn bed and also a giant colouring box too!
Can I buy a Scottish baby box?
No. You can’t buy these boxes as they are a free gift from the Government. Eligibility includes; being registered with a midwife, living in Scotland and being pregnant.
If you don’t live in Scotland or aren’t registered with a midwife, or any other reason, it is still possible to buy boxes like these from online stores such as Etsy and independent businesses. The original concept of a Baby Box came from Finland, so you might find that a lot are Finnish-inspired.
Does the box have tracked delivery?
Yes. The Scottish Baby box is delivery is tracked. You will receive a text, email or a letter with tracking information and potential time of delivery from the carrier.
Ellie Jones
Social Media Lead, The Lowdown
Ellie started as a social media intern for The Lowdown during her gap-year and now works as their social media and marketing lead. She has a strong passion for women's health including; how women's health is impacting our environment and women's rights across the world.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
