Every new-born child in Scotland will get a Finnish-style “baby box” under an SNP Government, Nicola Sturgeon has promised.
The Nationalist leader also pledged to recruit 500 health visitors by 2018 to help families and support some of “our youngest and most vulnerable parents”.
The baby pack, which includes essential items for new-borns such as clothing, will cost the public purse about £6m a year – or £100 per box.
Ms Sturgeon, who announced the policy during a visit to Glasgow on Monday, said: “The baby box – as well as a practical support package for newly born children – has been shown in other countries to encourage expectant mothers to take up ante-natal care at an earlier stage, contributing to reduced infant mortality and lower stillbirth rates.
“It will be a universal benefit to help us to tackle inequalities in Scottish society and close the attainment gap between the poorest and richest children.”
The maternity kit has been given to families in Finland since the 1930s, where it has been hailed for cutting infant mortality rates and providing a point of contact with health professionals for struggling parents.
Expectant mums will be entitled to the box ahead of birth regardless of income or wealth.
The Scottish version will include clothing, bedding, books, toys and a toothbrush and the box itself can be converted into a basic crib.
A similar scheme was included in the Scottish Liberal Democrat’s manifesto, which was launched last week, and it will form part of the SNP’s blueprint for government when it is unveiled on Wednesday.
