The practice of giving new parents “baby boxes” comes from Finland and could help prevent infant deaths.
New Jersey is now introducing the “baby boxes” thanks to a partnership between the Baby Box Company and New Jersey’s Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board (CFNFRB).
Since the 1930s, Finland has given new parents special “baby boxes” filled with infant essentials that could also be used as newborn beds. This practice has been known to assist new parents in preventing infant deaths. Now, New Jersey is following suit.
According to the Huffington Post, each durable cardboard box is “filled with diapers, clothes, baby wipes, breast pads and more.” A mattress is also provided to allow the box to be turned into the newborn’s first bed.
After registering online at “Baby Box University”, parents have to watch a series of videos from health experts on issues such as safe sleep, breastfeeding and local family service. Once they are done with the 10-15 minute educational program, new parents have to pass a short quizz before being officially considered eligible to receive the free baby box.
“Our goal is to provide universal access to both education and physical resources for New Jersey parents,” Baby Box Company CEO and co-founder Jennifer Clary told The Huffington Post. “These two components go hand in hand.”
Baby boxes are estimated to be worth around $150 and the company expects to distribute about 105,000 boxes statewide this year.
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