by Gillian McPherson

THE contents of new baby boxes for Clydebank mums-to-be have been confirmed following a successful pilot.

All babies in the area due on or after August 15 will receive a box of essential items to support parents and promote a fair and equal start for all children.

The items include a selection of clothes from newborn up to the age of six months, a bath towel, travel changing mat, muslin cloth squares, a bib, books and a digital ear thermometer.

The box the items are provided in also acts like a Moses basket for babies to sleep in and comes complete with a mattress and bedding.

The final research informing the contents of the initiative took place in Orkney and Clackmannanshire and was hailed by the government as mostly positive with some suggestions for improvement, which have now been implemented for national delivery.

Mark McDonald, minister for childcare and early years, said: “We are now providing information at initial midwife appointments, registration is taking place earlier and delivery is also being brought forward for parents before their baby is born. The box was widely welcomed although there were differing views on whether it should be targeted at specific groups.”