Baby Box Scotland: What's in It and How to Get One

Every baby born in Scotland receives a Baby Box — a large cardboard box containing clothing, bedding, healthcare items and books, delivered to your home before (or shortly after) birth. It's completely free, regardless of income, and comes with a mattress so the box can be used as a safe sleeping space for a newborn.

What's in the Baby Box?

The contents are refreshed periodically by the Scottish Government. As of 2026, the box typically contains around 50 items across several categories:

Clothing

• Bodysuits (short and long sleeve) in newborn and 0–3 months sizes
• Sleepsuits (footed, newborn size)
• Scratch mittens
• Hats
• Cardigan or jacket

Bedding and sleep

• Fitted cotton sheets (sized for the box)
• Cellular cotton blanket
• Foam mattress with waterproof cover (meets safe sleep standards)

Bath and skincare

• Baby bath thermometer
• Soft bath towel
• Cotton wool
• Reusable nursing pads
• Toiletry items (fragrance-free)

Health

• Digital thermometer
• Vitamin D drops
• Dental care items

Learning and development

• Board books
• Play mat or activity items
• Muslin cloths

How to register

Registration is through your midwife, health visitor, or directly via mygov.scot/baby-box.

As part of the registration process, you complete a short online learning programme covering:

• Safe sleep guidance
• Breastfeeding information
• Early childhood development

This takes around 20–30 minutes. The programme is not a test — it's informational, and everyone who completes it receives the box.

1. 1

   Register from around 20 weeks pregnant

   Go to mygov.scot/baby-box or ask your midwife to register on your behalf at your next appointment. You'll need your name, address and due date.
2. 2

   Complete the learning programme

   You'll receive a link to the online learning module. It covers safe sleep, infant feeding and development. Takes 20–30 minutes and can be done in sections.
3. 3

   Confirm your delivery address

   The box is delivered by courier, usually 4–6 weeks after registration. Delivery is to your home address. If you're in a rural area, allow extra time.
4. 4

   Receive your box

   A large box (about the size of a cot mattress) arrives by courier. Sign for it, open it up, and put the mattress inside — it's ready to use as a sleep space straight away.

What the Baby Box doesn't include

The Baby Box is a starter kit, not a complete baby equipment list. You'll still need:

• A pram or pushchair
• A car seat (required to take your baby home from hospital)
• A cot or Moses basket for when the box becomes too small (usually 3–4 months)
• Feeding equipment (bottles, steriliser if bottle feeding; nursing pillow if breastfeeding)
• Nappies and nappy cream

Other Scottish benefits for new parents

The Baby Box is one part of a wider package of support for new families in Scotland. You may also be entitled to:

Best Start Grant — Pregnancy & Baby Payment A one-off payment of £796.65 for a first child or £398.35 for subsequent children, available to families receiving qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.). Apply from 24 weeks pregnant. Full guide →

Best Start Foods A prepaid card loaded with £22.40 every four weeks during pregnancy, rising to £44.80 every four weeks once the baby is born (under 1). Used to buy milk, formula, fruit, vegetables, pulses and eggs. Means-tested on qualifying benefits. Full guide →

Scottish Child Payment £28.20 per week per child under 16, for families receiving qualifying benefits. Apply as soon as your child is born. Full guide →

Delivery and timing

The box is typically delivered 4–6 weeks after registration. Register as early as possible after 20 weeks to ensure delivery before your due date. If you register late in pregnancy or after birth, the box is still delivered — it just may arrive after the baby does.

Twins and multiples receive one box per baby. Let the registration team know at the time of registration if you're expecting more than one.

For the full picture of what Scottish families can claim when a baby arrives, use our benefits wizard or read the Best Start Grant guide.