Babies Who Sleep In Boxes, For Fashion Or Health?

In recent years, the custom of babies sleeping in boxes has become popular, before they were made of cardboard and more recently they have been changed to materials such as plastic. The idea was promoted by the Finnish government about 30 years ago, but it is actually a Finnish tradition; The purpose is to guarantee equality in all citizens, that is, people who will arrive in the world in the same conditions and with guarantees of receiving the minimum care.

It is estimated that this project has contributed to the reduction of infant mortality for different reasons; Furthermore, it has become a viable initiative for many governments worldwide. The characteristics of each box may vary from one company to another, but in general they have functioned correctly for their purpose.

Before the implementation of this project, in Finland there was a very high infant mortality rate, today it has been so effective that millions of children have benefited from this idea all over the world. Today, countries such as South Africa, India, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom, have made a commitment to the child population through this initiative.

Why do babies sleep in boxes?

In 2013, at least 10 million people benefited from the Finnish government’s investment so that babies from all socio-economic sectors slept in boxes. Although it is a fairly high budget, the results are very valuable and important for the population, since more children have survived since its implementation.

It is a tradition rather typical of the lower economic sector, because in certain communities where living conditions were more precarious, babies were removed from the ground and protected from the cold by putting them in boxes. The idea evolved once the social projects proposed the allocation of a special package for newborns containing the essential products.

The families that received these boxes made sure that the newborns had clothes, blankets, toys and other products for babies; But it was not all, because the box that contained these items also served as a cradle. In this way the custom was maintained and at one time the government boxes as cradles became a tradition; However, an idea revolutionized the project, now there were conditions to receive the package.

The State knew that in most cases infant mortality was caused by the lack of care of the pregnant woman during pregnancy and another cause was the condition in which they came into the world. For this reason, a particular condition was created to be eligible for the box: anyone who needs to receive a maternity package must commit to attend to their pregnancy in state health centers for four months during the prenatal stage.

The idea ensured that fathers received specialized care during pregnancy, often attracting mothers who might never think of attending a prenatal visit. In this sense, the agreement guided pregnant women to continue their regular check-ups and somehow ensured that deliveries were also attended in medical centers.

Similarly, upon receiving the box, families were guaranteed a package of baby items that cost a lot and that not everyone can afford. Depending on the society where the project is carried out, families may receive mosquito nets, coats, medicines or vaccines, in addition to the main elements to guarantee a timely shelter for the baby.

The boxes as such have evolved, in certain times cloth or implements were assigned to sew sheets or diapers; today everything has changed according to social needs.

In South Africa, for example, the boxes are not made of cardboard but plastic to also serve as a bathroom, and in civilizations where babies are still born on earth, the packages include cleaning and healing products, as well as offering a warmer environment. and appropriate for the newborn.

The countries that embraced the Finnish idea have different needs, but all were genuinely interested in seeing that lives were actually being saved with such a simple initiative.

In nations whose infant mortality rate is very high, being able to improve the situation through this idea is quite acceptable, since it provides a survival package that includes novel products for some people ; at the same time, it means a fair start for every child in the country.