Queries relating to impact of Baby Box Policy: FOI release

Health Board

We would be interested to hear from you about cases where an expectant parent has not registered for a Baby Box and what reasons were given for not registering

We would also like to hear about any thoughts/feedback you or the families you work with have on the items included within the baby box i.e. Are there any items which are not well used and could be dropped or changed? Are there items you consider essential for the first 6 months of a baby’s life that is not currently provided

More generally, we would also like to hear about any thoughts/feedback you or the families you work with have on the Baby Box i.e Any improvements that you think could be made more generally with the Baby Box and or the application process?

NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Disclosed or late booking for pregnancy prior to birth of baby

Generally positive feedback. Not regular use of sling provided due to lack of confidence with this and training for midwives or demo of use of sling in hospital postnatally to both parents would be beneficial.

Allowing family nurse/health visitor to apply to box in postnatal period should it have been a late booking or concealed pregnancy

NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Forms lost or not completed within time frame

N/A

N/A

NHS Borders

I have never had a client who has not registered for the Baby Box.

The contents of the box are great however most of my clients don’t use the sling provided unfortunately.

No, I think it works very well.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway

Have not had a client opt out.

Thermometers widely liked and helpful. Expensive to buy and often wouldn’t be purchased by families but have been helpful in ensuring medical advice is sought when needed.

N/A

NHS Forth Valley

All of my clients have applied and enjoyed receiving their Baby Box.

All clients have been very pleased with their baby box. Most are astonished at the amount of items that have been included within the box. I have one client who used it for baby to sleep in for the first few weeks of life. Most colour the box in and use as a toy box later on. The sling is possibly the thing that is least well used within my client group despite me demonstrating and practicing prior to baby’s arrival how to use. Most prefer the more robust baby carriers.

Clients say application process was smooth. All clients I have worked with are genuinely happy with their baby box and look forward to it arriving.

NHS Grampian

I don’t know of any of my young mum's who haven't registered for their baby box. They all love it

The item that I hear not being used is the sling, mainly due to them not sure how to use it safely and not trusting that it is safe.

Most comments are around why am I getting a second one?

The thermometer is inconsistent and therefore they buy a new one.

99% really love the box and are grateful for it. I have only had one client who has used the box for baby to sleep in

NHS Grampian

I don’t know of any of my young mum's who haven't registered for their baby box. They all love it

A lot of my mums don’t use the sling. I think they find it complicated to use to be honest. However when I was a health visitor my clients all loved the sling.

I love the baby box and am a huge advocate. I wrote my final uni piece on it in 2016 and had my article published in the journal of health visiting so I am always happy to talk to my clients about it.

I don’t know much about the registration process as I believe that is done with the midwife. I think the contents of the box are fantastic and such a great start, especially for my young families.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Can afford to purchase items myself

Don’t like the items provided

Some young women have disliked the sling and are resistant to using this Otherwise all items are excellent

An online application process would be helpful if possible? Some young women have claimed they posted application but did not receive box which meant having to get another form signed and posted etc Online referral could be paper trail

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

No cases where Baby Box has been declined

Feedback received from Clients is all positive.

I have not encountered any issues with the baby box with my clients. On the very few occasions where delivery has not occurred when expected I contacted the team and they were always very helpful and ensured delivery was made. These cases are from several months ago.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

I have never had a client decline the Baby Box

Clients love the box overall. Some find the sling too complicated. A simpler design such as a ring sling may be better received.

Our families love the baby box. I have had to occasionally chase up a baby box where there has been an issue with the baby box form but on those few occasions it has been handled quickly and efficiently by baby box staff via email and baby box has then been received.

NHS Lothian

forgot to complete/send form

Essential items include clothing, thermometer (preferred when ear thermometer was provided

N/A