A Dundee couple have described receiving the 50,000th baby box ever delivered as a “special” moment.
The Scottish Government scheme was launched in August last year and sees “starter kits” sent to all expectant families four weeks prior to the mother’s due date.
?Scotland’s Baby Box has welcomed 50,000 babies into the world! Take a look at its journey as it makes its way to a new family…
Find out more: https://t.co/zjW3iFqe9u #BabyBoxScotland pic.twitter.com/3ixUrvzA1a
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) August 5, 2018
Anna McFarlane and Gary Phillips, who are expecting their first child, a baby boy, on September 6, said they did not initially believe the certificate was “real” when they opened the box.
Gary, 33, who is studying to be a primary school teacher, said: “I thought ‘what’s this all about?’
“At first I considered maybe a few families had received this same message. I then had a look on Twitter and saw the announcement by the Scottish Government.
“It has made it special and it’s quite touching as well.”
Anna, a researcher at Glasgow University, added: “Receiving it actually made me feel like I was in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
“It was like winning the golden ticket. The message inside just wished us all the best and welcomed our child to the world.
“It was perfect. I want to say thanks to the Scottish Government for making this even more special.”
Each baby box contains a selection of clothes – from newborn to six months – as well as vital everyday items, including travel changing mat, a bib and a bath towel.
They include a poem, children’s books, a bath/ room thermometer and a digital ear thermometer.
The pair, who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss in the past, said receiving the box brought with it a sense of “community”.
Gary said: “There’s something special about knowing so many other people are receiving these same gifts.
“For some people I do think during a time like this they can maybe feel isolated.
“This just brings some support and a feeling of community.
“I definitely think other countries should consider doing the same – down south for example.”
Last week, the Royal College of Midwives announced that it supports the universal provision of baby boxes in the UK.
Anna added: “There are so many useful things in the box and lots of things I just would never have thought of.”
