Vulnerable mums given baby boxes in Wandsworth

Vulnerable young parents of newborns in Wandsworth are being given baby boxes, containing essentials like nappies and towels.

The local council has launched the scheme, initially as a trial, to help mothers who are under 21, or have been in the care system.

The boxes contain items worth about £250, and also include toys, as well as a mattress to allow the box itself to become a bed.

The idea originates in Finland, where the boxes have been credited with helping the country achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

"It did come as a shock on how much babies actually cost," said Rosabel, who is 17, and is one of the first to receive the boxes.

"Toys are quite expensive sometimes, and mainly clothes as well," she added.

The new mother lives at home, and is studying in college, along with her three-month-old son's father.

Rosabel, who says the box has helped her in a financially challenging time, said: "I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to get everything for him. I didn't want to depend on other people, I wanted to be able to get stuff for my child."

She added: "Because I'm still in college it's a lot more helpful in the sense of I wouldn't have to worry about doing work and also having to get loads of things for my child as well - it's much easier - it's just another thing coming off my plate."

Kate Stock, the cabinet member for children at Wandsworth Council, said: "The first 1,000 days of a child's life are really, really critical and we recognise that some families are really struggling with the cost of living to provide some essentials in those first months of a baby's life.

"We are also are conscious of the impact of child development and the need for there to be toys and books in the box so that can promote early learning and also promote bonding between the parent and the child."

Wandsworth Council said the trial had been successful so far, and that the scheme may be extended to help more families in the borough.

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