Finnish Baby Boxes - Let's Discuss

[amshark]

So, I came across this article about a box of baby supplies that is available to every mother in Finland.

www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22751415

Not only is it full of baby supplies, it also encourages expectant mothers to go to prenatal doctor visits, and the box itself has a mattress and can be used as baby's first bed.  And, its been available to everyone since 1949.

Who wants to discuss the concept, its merits, the box contents... whatever?

[snarkysparklefart]

I saw this awhile back and thought it was absolutely fascinating. The items provided are wonderful, and I certainly like the idea of encouraging women to get prenatal care. The Finnish are doing this right.

I signed up for my H's company maternity support program (a free perk of our insurance, they call me every so often to ask how pregnancy is going, answer any questions I have, and offer 'helpful tips [occasionally stupid info, but still] ' for preparation for baby. They also have a 24 hour nurse line, if needed). I have to say that now that I've been assigned a new maternity nurse, who I had a great conversation with about IF, that part of the program is even more awesome.

They've sent several free gifts: a copy of what to expect and a baby care book; a box full of pamphlets, including some to share with family about TDAP and newer regulations for car seats, etc; a 'daddy bag' for the hospital, which is basically an overnight bag that'll fit an outfit, some snacks, and a few other things for DH and came with a guide for what we should pack; and my favorite so far- a toiletry bag packed with nice shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand sanitizer, chap stick, face wipes and personal cloths- basically premium sized samples from their national brands which is perfect for packing for me for the hospital.
I talked to her again on the phone today and she's sending us an infant CPR kit, which includes the baby/dummy. I'm certified already, and so is my mom, but my H could definitely benefit from it! I think it's a cool program and I'm glad it's available.

[daydreamernyc]

Wow, I can't get over how much stuff is in the box. Moms don't need to get anything for the first couple of mo ths (even includes a snow suit).

While its a great perk, it seems a bit unnecessary. I wonder if it's customary to have baby showers in Finland or if this takes its place.

[ginnyjones82]

I think it's a great idea! Especially for lower income families. I see all the time on Facebook yard sale sites young mothers due any day now and they are claiming that they have nothing. I'm always a sucker for a sad story, so I usually believe them and feel bad that I have nothing to give. I like that everyone gets it. I know plenty of families that don't qualify for any services, but they still struggle.

[amshark]

I love the baby box. I like how everyone gets the same things - I even love that all babies born in the same year will have the same snowsuit. And the outfits are adorable. 
I like how the new box helps new mothers by showing them what the essentials are. When it's a major retail store telling you what you'll *need* as a parent, the list is a whole lot longer than when the list is compiled by the government, who is also footing the bill. I also like how the box changes over the years, encouraging breast feeding or cloth diapers, based on current studies or social practices.

daydreamernyc, I don't know which countries traditionally hold baby showers, but I think the U.S. tends to make them a pretty big event, more so than other locations. I think I might prefer the certainty of getting the contents in Finland's box, rather than the unknown of wondering if you'll have a shower, when it will be and what you will get. I've seen a number of FTM's on my BMB who will not be having a shower (few friends and no family in their location), and who are worried about getting what they need. I'm sure those mothers will find a way to provide, but I wish I could give a baby box to each of them.

Baby showers are a bit like getting a salary bonus. DH's bonus is usually larger than his salary, and people will often comment how great it is that he gets a large bonus. Sure, a large bonus is great, but planning would be so much easier if he got an actually salary increase, which we could depend on to be consistent year over year.

AFM - I just want two boxes and two mattresses.  They seem like such cozy places for babies to sleep. 

[sunshinedaisies]

I think it's a cool idea. Maybe I've never noticed these articles before because for the last few years, I've avoided anything with the word "pregnancy" but now that I am pregnant, I'm beginning to see all kinds of things that put the U.S. to shame (starting with the lack of maternity leave). I also am amazed by the box's contents. So much stuff.

I do think it would be a bit harder to implement in the U.S. For starters, in the U.S. there is a huge economic disparity between the rich and poor that I am not sure exists in Finland. Does a millionaire really need this box? By contrast, for low income families, this would be an amazing gift. Also, temps in the U.S. vary widely. Not everyone needs a snowsuit (as cute as it was).

[jessimi06]

I love the idea of the box. It provides the basics for all families, has significantly lowered their infant mortality, and encourages pre natal care. I love that everyone gets the same things (oh look, the elusive gender neutral things! ), and that it provides mothers with a starting point (especially if they have no idea on what they'd really need). And you know what's really cool about the program? That 95% of people choose the box over the $140 cash incentive, which proves how useful it is and how much people appreciate it.

@sunshinedaises they started the baby boxes as a low income supplement, but changed it so that everyone gets a box regardless of income. I don't think the income thing would be an issue as the prents request the box- they could just opt up. And even if they didn't opt out, chances are they'd donate them (and if they use it, that's ok too- they pay their taxes just like everyone else and being a new mom is overwhelming no matter what your financial status is).

[vballbaby]

Wow the boxes are awesome. I'd rather have that than a baby shower

[ProfessorChaos]

I've had so many people send me this, and it just makes me want to cry. The US seems to hate (or at least actively devalue) its mothers, and I don't know why.

[hbanana18]

My cousin shared this last year when she was pregnant. I think it is awesome!

It encourages prenatal care, it shows you how a little can go a long way and I love the concept of everyone starting off equally.

[ProfessorChaos]

Feb 25, 2015 13:59:32 GMT -5 hbanana18 said:

My cousin shared this last year when she was pregnant. I think it is awesome!

It encourages prenatal care, it shows you how a little can go a long way and I love the concept of everyone starting off equally.

Commie.

[viola]

I love this; it's a fantastic idea and is obviously effective at helping promote healthy moms and healthy babies. I wish the states would do something like this.

[kmc84]

I've seen this a few times before, and I love it! I think what I love most about it, is how it improved infant mortality rates so dramatically. Babies don't need a lot of 'stuff' to be happy or safe, and I think this a great example of that.

[amshark]

The U.S. is a much larger country than Finland in both land area and population. (There are more people in NYC on an given day than there are in the entire country of Finland). Logistically, I think this would be a much bigger endeavor in the U.S.
I was also thinking about sunshinedaisies 's comment about climate and snowsuits. Babies in Texas and Florida wouldn't get much use out of these.
I could, however, see a similar program being run at the state level. I can see a state like Vermont trying this first - and if it worked, other states would copy the model. Maybe VT babies could get their little government issue snow suits after all.

Is anyone here involved in VT state politics? Make it happen!

[lilyharper]

I want one! What a smart idea, and I think that while it is obviously an expense, there would probably be a considerable savings given the drop in infant mortality and assisting parents who truly need it. And I love the idea of the box as their bassinet.

[snarkysparklefart]

@ketchup, I haven't gotten it but I can only assume that it's the standard CPR baby (they didn't call them by name when I took the class in the past). We've actually been really pleased with our insurance, it is pricey but they're one of the few that also offer some coverage for Fertility treatments as well (not much but I feel like we all know just how expensive it is and how any little bit can help.!)