6. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the number of baby boxes—[

Interruption

.]

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Excuse me, Ms Roddick; could you resume your seat, please?

Mr Kerr, please refrain from shouting across the front benches; cabinet secretary, please do not respond.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the number of baby boxes that have been distributed since the scheme began. (S6O-01953)

At its heart, Scotland’s baby box scheme strongly signals our determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. Our universal baby box programme, the only one in the United Kingdom, opened for registration on 15 June 2017, and delivery of baby boxes nationwide began on 15 August 2017 for all babies born and resident in Scotland.

I am delighted to say that, since then, we have distributed a total of 250,560 baby boxes to families across Scotland, providing essential items for the first six months of a newborn’s life.

I thank the minister for her response. I welcomed the news of a few days ago that a quarter of a million baby boxes have now been delivered across Scotland. Will the minister outline what she sees as the benefits of ensuring that all expectant parents across Scotland have access to essentials for their newborn, regardless of their circumstances?

Preparing for a baby’s arrival can be one of the most exciting but also one of the most nervous times for a family. Scotland’s baby box supports parents by giving them access to essential items, as well as important practical information on how to support their new arrival.

As well as practical support and items that are designed to have a positive impact on parent and child interaction, our baby box provides a financial saving of over £400 per family through the items provided. In the current cost of living crisis, that is making a huge difference to families across Scotland.