Safety advice issued on eve of Baby Box roll out

Parents are being encouraged to consider safe sleeping practices by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer and the Scottish Cot Death Trust. The advice comes as Scotland’s Baby Box scheme is rolled out nationally from tomorrow (Tuesday).The Boxes will provide new parents with essential items such as clothes, books and blankets and are also suitable for young babies to sleep in.

Safe sleep guidance is provided in leaflet form inside the box and safety guidelines are also printed on the box lid.

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “All parents should think about sleeping practices at the earliest possible stage – even before their baby is born.

“Scotland’s Baby Box is designed to provide a safe sleep space for babies and has been awarded British Safety standard accreditation as a crib for domestic use. Early evaluation shows the scheme is helping raise awareness of safe sleeping practices and we are committed to evaluating how the Baby Box is helping families across Scotland.

“It is important parents make the safe sleeping choice that is right for them, and anyone needing more information should speak to their health visitor or midwife.

“The boxes are a strong signal of the Scottish Government’s determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances should get the best start in life.”

Lynsay Allan Executive Director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust said: “The unexpected death of a baby is one of the most harrowing experiences a parent can go through.

“I am encouraged by the fact that Scotland’s Baby Box scheme is prompting parents to think about their sleeping practices. Whilst the proven safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or moses basket, I also recognise that the box can be used as a safe sleep space for newborn babies, particularly where families may have no alternative and where they might otherwise unsafely share their bed or sleep on a sofa or chair with their baby.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to assess the impact of baby boxes on unsafe sleeping practices.”