Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes (2013)
For 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.
It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life.
The maternity package - a gift from the government - is available to all expectant mothers.
It contains bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as nappies, bedding and a small mattress.
With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby's first bed. Many children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the box's four cardboard walls.
~ https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22751415* https://www.nordicpolicycentre.org.au/baby_boxes
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maternity_package
Of course it takes more than just one off tossing of money or gifts to make a real sustained impact as Finland has done:
A critical analysis of the Finnish Baby Box’s journey into the liberal welfare state: Implications for progressive public policymaking
~ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S01907...
Contrary to some extremist people believe, when people receives cash they will use it to improve their family well being.
To cut basic income on the poorest of society just creates more poverty, suffering and death.
AI does not need another trillion dollars, but the poor will make this world a better place if they get that money to raise their children.
giardini•1h ago
I would expect an increase in reported infant births (and reductions in reported infant deaths) if someone offered $1000 no-strings-attached! In fact, I'd expect a radical jump in births. And I'd expect researchers to skim off a proportion of the winnings too.
JSR_FDED•59m ago
The article describes a randomised controlled trial, and explains the result is from better access to healthcare. What would make you happy, should they have sent you the money instead?