Three local women from Clackmannanshire were the first in Scotland to take delivery of new baby boxes as part of a new Scottish Government initiative.
Expectant mums Toni Akandi and Joan McKinven and new mum Gayle Mellor, with two week old baby Libby, were presented with the boxes at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The baby boxes, full of essential items, such as clothes, nappies and books will be gifted by the government to every newborn baby, to help ensure they get the best start in life. Following the hugely successful Finnish model, the Box is also suitable for babies to sleep in.
The First Minister also met Community Midwives Sheila Lannon and Rachel Boyland.
Gillian Morton, Head of Midwifery at NHS Forth Valley said: “We are delighted that Clackmannanshire has been selected as one of the pilot sites for the new baby boxes. Pregnant women from the local area are really looking forward to receiving their boxes and we are sure the wide range of items will be very useful during those important early weeks and months.”
The three-month pilot began on 1st January 2017 in Clackmannanshire and Orkney, and the new baby boxes will be rolled out to all newborns across Scotland by summer 2017.
