A pledge to provide all new parents in Scotland with a baby box full of essentials has been described as an "expensive, unhelpful stunt".

Inspired by the Finnish baby box scheme, the Scottish Government has promised to give all newborns an equal start in life with a package that could contain clothes, toiletries and toys.

All the items would be contained in a box that also doubles as a crib.

Estimated to cost £6m a year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed the scheme would be rolled out across Scotland by 2017.

Professor Graham Watt, of Glasgow University, told The Herald the scheme could turn out to be a needless expense, but what about the parents who would use them?

We spoke to one mother-to-be, Emma, who is expecting the arrival of her baby on July 1.

The 34-year-old from Glasgow is both "excited and nervous" to welcome her first child into the world but admits her thoughts are mixed on the idea of a care package that is not means tested.

While Scotland's baby box may eventually differ to the Finnish example, Emma took us through the Scandinavian scheme item by item.

We started on an uncertain note when it came to the box itself which can be used as a crib, complete with mattress and blankets.

Emma said: "I don't know whether it would be that practical - I think you need something a bit more substantial.

"It might be used fleetingly but you'd still need something bigger and a bit more sturdy for your baby. Babies are with parents in their rooms in the first six months, it seems like a short term fix."

Interest peaked when it came to the idea of a reusable nappy, a cost-effective inclusion to the hundreds spent on the basic necessity.

Money Saving Expert calculates across the two and half years a child is in nappies, parents could spent roughly £900 on disposables and £400 on reusables.

Emma said: "I am conscious of the environment but the idea of cleaning out a reusable nappy grosses me out a little bit.

"But it might be good to see what it's like to have a reusable nappy and be encouraged to be more environmentally friendly.

"I think a reusable nappy is a good practical thing to have and parents can see what suits them."

Other positive observations were made on the inclusion of toys and learning materials.

However, Emma thought other methods of guidance on education were possible without the huge spend on the baby box scheme, such as nutrition and health advice through more spending on midwives.

She said: "I think toys and books are essential - I came from a background where reading was important and all those things are very useful and are something parents would have anyway.

"But it seems like a lot of money to spend and I'm not sure all families need or want these things."

In addition to materials for newborns, the Finnish package also includes personal care items for parents such as nail scissors, talcum powder and condoms - the latter of which prompted a raised eyebrow for Emma.

"The condom thing is odd," she said. "I find that a little bit patronising. Is that saying, welcome to the world new baby - don't have any more?

"I think the scheme overall is a nice idea but I question the reason behind it. I don't think it's means tested and I think giving people the opportunity to opt in and out might be good."

While Emma said some of the items in the baby box might be useful to have, she found it difficult to justify an estimated £6m annual spend on a scheme that may not help struggling families long term.

She said: "Having a baby is an expensive business - it's like a wedding. When you have your first you feel the pressure to have everything new and it's quite overwhelming to see all your options.

"But I'm quite mixed. It's a nice idea but to be honest I think the money could be spent on other things. I would rather the government spent money on more midwives or paying them more.

"We're fortunate enough to be comfortable financially and not quite in need of these things. I think it might be good for other families if money is tighter - but it's a one off thing and not something that's going to help long term.

"Midwives do such an amazing job, I don't think there are enough of them. Having gone through the experience with brilliant midwives, I think they could be doing with more money and invested in consultants, especially when the NHS is struggling it doesn't quite sit well with me."