Monday, August 11, 2014

Finnish Babies Sleep in Cardboard Boxes

I saw a beautiful post here. It actually took me awhile to find it once again.

Source
You may be wondering why their babies sleep in cardboard boxes?

For 76 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's much like the organization WIC. Instead of giving mom's formula, they give mom's a box filled with everything a mom would need to start the care for their baby.

The kit has clothes, toys, sheets, bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as nappies, bedding and a small box sized mattress. They even have breastfeeding supplies in the box; to encourage women to breastfeed more. It has worked! They do have the option for the mom's to choose money instead. Most Mom's opt for the box. The box and supplies are worth more than the money.

The box it's self ends up as a bed for the baby. You may find that odd, having a baby sleep in a box. Many have said that Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. There is nothing to get tangled up in a box.

The tradition dates back to 1938. To begin with, the scheme was only available to families on low incomes, but that changed in 1949. Now they are offered to every Mom.

No comments: