That Finnish Baby Box

I am super excited and a little overwhelmed by this…

When we first considered relocating to Finland my sister-in-law sent me a link about this wonderful baby box that all expectant mums in Finland are entitled too. I wasn’t quite ready for a second baby at that time but quietly hoped that in our possible Finnish future a baby would eventually be on the cards. So, I did wonder very momentarily if one day I might be so lucky to get one of these little pieces of Finnish history.

Well last week that day finally came, and in the post my awaited baby box arrived. I felt incredibly grateful opening this and I think it’s brilliant that all mummies throughout Finland get this starter kit that’s brimming with all your new baby essentials. The tradition of the baby box began in 1938 to help reduce infant mortality, a system that has proven to work with Finland now rated by Save the Children as one of the safest places in the world to have a baby. It’s also one of the best places in the world to be a mum (I wrote a few thoughts on this during our pre-visit in 2014).

Below are the contents of my 2015 Maternity box with more information available on the Kela Website.

8 bodysuites, 4 rompers, 5 leggings, 1 stretch suit, 1 wool suit, 1 quilted suit, 3 hats, 2 pair socks, 1 pair mittens, 1 pair tights, 2 gauze clothes, 1 set cloth nappies, 1 towel, 1 sheet, 1 duvet cover, 1 blanket, 1 sleeping bag, 1 pair of insulated booties, 1 pair of insulated mittens.

Other products include a thermometre, dribble bib, feeding bib, mattress and mattress cover, a toy, toothbrush, hairbrush, nail scissors, bath thermometer, nipple cream, a book, condoms, sanitary towels, bra pads.

The containing box can even be used as a crib if you so desire and comes complete with a mattress.

It’s all so well-considered and of excellent quality, made in unisex seasonal Finnish colours and prints. I am totally impressed Finland! Let’s hope labour in Finland is equally pleasing! Wish me luck – 6 weeks till D Day!

If you would like to support the baby box initiative happening in New Zealand visit Little Sprouts to see how you can donate your used children’s clothing to New Zealand’s most vulnerable little ones. Great idea!