Scotland’s Baby Box

All newborn babies in Scotland are entitled to a box of essential items to help families prepare for the arrival of their baby.

Did you know the Baby Box also includes books from Scottish Book Trust? We have specially chosen these books so that you can start sharing stories together before your baby is born.

Why share books with your baby from before birth?

It’s never too early to start sharing stories. But we also know that there is plenty of evidence showing the benefits of reading with your baby, even before they are born.

In 2021, we worked with Family Nurse Partnership teams in three regions of Scotland to run a pilot project encouraging parents to sing, rhyme and talk to their babies before birth. We evaluated the pilot and published the overwhelmingly positive results in a report, which you can read about here.

Learn more about the benefits of sharing stories before birth

How do I get my Baby Box?

When you’re about 20 to 24 weeks pregnant, your midwife will fill in a Baby Box registration card with you at your regular antenatal appointment. You will receive your Baby Box about 4 weeks before your baby’s due date.

For more information and to find out what else is in the Baby Box, visit the Parent Club website.(this link will open in a new window)