NEW mums and dads in Cumnock and Doon Valley are among over 1,000 in Ayrshire who have benefitted from the baby box scheme since it was introduced in August 2017.

Figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that 1,350 baby boxes were given to newborns across NHS Ayrshire and Arran with over 22,000 distributed nationally.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman said: “It is excellent to see so many families across Ayrshire and Arran benefitting from the Baby Box.

“The Boxes are a really positive Scottish Government initiative providing parents with many of the essentials they need to care for their child.

“From thermometers to towels, changing mats to clothes – the boxes are a fantastic way of giving children in my constituency the very best start in life.

“That 1350 boxes have already been provided to parents across Ayrshire and Arran, part of a total of over 22,000 across Scotland, shows how popular they are proving with parents in every corner of the country – and given how beneficial they are to parents and new-borns, long may that continue.”

The baby box scheme forms part of the Scottish Government’s aim to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

Containing items for parents and babies alike, such as baby clothes, a digital ear thermometer, a bath towel, a changing mat and books, the box itself doubles as a bed for a newborn, with a mattress, protector and sheet.