This week Martin Whitfield MSP became the first Scottish Labour MSP to take a pledge to ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ if he is re-elected in the May elections.

Martin took the pledge at a Parliamentary reception he attended, supporting the ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ campaign run by a coalition of seven children’s and mental health charities.

Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily. But many do not get the nurturing care they need. Not everyone bonds easily with their baby. Parents can be overwhelmed by trauma from their own childhood. Some are struggling with mental or physical health difficulties.

The charities estimate that more than 9,000 babies in Scotland are living in fear and distress, and say more support is needed for families. Over 14% of babies in Scotland have at least one developmental concern recorded at their 13-15 month health visitor check.

Martin is one of the MSPs for the South Scotland region, which currently includes the East Lothian constituency, and latest estimates show that there are approximately 11,441 babies aged 0-2 in the region, so he is speaking up for all these local babies and their families who need support. Close to 1160 local babies and their families could need more intensive support from specialist services.

The coalition of charities have just launched a Manifesto for Babies in Scotland, with policy recommendations for the next Holyrood government, noting inequality is already visible in toddlers’ development.

The manifesto is backed by Save the Children Scotland, NSPCC Scotland, Home-Start UK, Mental Health Foundation, Parenting Across Scotland, Starcatchers and the Parent-Infant Foundation.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I am delighted to pledge my support for the campaign to speak up for Babies in Scotland. We know what harms babies and what enables them to thrive, but we are still failing to give all babies the best start in life.”