8 Years of the Baby Box – A Proud SNP Achievement, But We Can Do Even More with Independence

Marking the eighth anniversary of Scotland’s much-loved Baby Box scheme, the latest figures show that over 350,000 baby boxes have now been delivered to families across the country since the SNP Scottish Government introduced the initiative in 2017.

The Baby Box gives every newborn in Scotland a box containing essential items worth around £429, designed to make sure every child has the best possible start in life. It’s a practical expression of our values – ensuring no baby is disadvantaged from day one and that families are supported, no matter their circumstances.

First Minister John Swinney has made eradicating child poverty a key priority for this Government, and the Baby Box is just one example of that commitment in action. Alongside other bold policies – such as the Scottish Child Payment and the rollout of universal free school meals – we are making a real and lasting difference to children and families.

SNP Candidate Martyn Day said:
“The SNP continues to deliver bold policies for a fairer Scotland, while Westminster policies push more people into poverty.”

Sadly, the reality is that while we use every power we have to support people, Westminster continues to impose harmful measures like the Two Child Limit and other austerity-driven policies that hit the most vulnerable the hardest.

We are delivering what we can within the constraints of devolution – but those powers are reaching their limit. If Scotland had the full powers of independence, we could go further and faster in building a country where no child grows up in poverty, and every family is given the best start in life.

Eight years of the Baby Box proves what’s possible when Scotland makes its own choices. Independence would allow us to do so much more.