Canadian University Trials Finnish Baby Boxes For Vulnerable Families

You’re probably already aware of the package that is given out to new parents in Finland. In case you’re not, Finnish parents are provided with a cardboard box filled with things for their new arrival including a bath towel, a teething toy, muslin squares and items of clothing. The box, fitted out with a mattress, also serves as a first bed for many babies as some parents feel a full-size cot is too big for their newborn. This programme, provided for by the state for free, has been in place for over 75 years in Finland and it seems the concept could be spreading. According to 9news, a university in Canada is trialling out the boxes to see if they are useful for vulnerable parents in local areas. As well as the practical items, the containers also provide information on support groups and other resources for the new mums and dads. While they have not been officially introduced in Ireland, you can buy one here. We think this should be something that is brought in across the globe. Let us know your thoughts in the Facebook comments.