Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes [View all]
4 June 2013 Last updated at 06:15 ET
By Helena Lee
BBC News
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.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415
http://www.kela.fi/web/en/maternitypackage
= new reply since forum marked as read