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Why do babies in Finland sleep in a cardboard box?

Photo: Getty Images

Since 1938 expectant mothers in Finland have been sent a government issued cardboard box containing a ‘starter kit’ for newborn babies.

Initially introduced to aid low income families, the box has all the essentials a new baby needs, including nappies bodysuits, socks, hats, mittens, bathing and grooming essentials, a picture book and lots more.

And once you’ve emptied your cardboard box, it doubles as a crib – complete with mattress and bedding.

The cardboard crib was included to discourage parents from co-sleeping with their baby for health reasons. This was in line with the government’s policy of promoting good parenting practices.


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It has also been associated with Finland’s declining infant mortality rates, which are now among the lowest in the world. In the 1930s the rate of infant mortality in Finland was 65 in every 1,000 babies, compared to just 3 in 1,000 in 2010.

Mika Gissler, a professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, told BBC News that there were several reasons for this - the maternity box, pre-natal care for all expectant mums from around 1940, and a national health insurance system and central hospital network beginning in the 1960s.

All Finnish mums to be get to choose between the maternity box or a cash bonus of around 140 euros. It has been reported that 95 per cent accept the box and it’s now viewed as a rite of passage for all Finnish mothers.


What's in the box?

  • Mattress, mattress cover, undersheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt

  • The box itself, which turns into a crib

  • Snowsuit, hat, mittens and booties

  • Light hooded suit

  • Overalls

  • Socks, mittens, hat

  • Bodysuits, romper suits and leggings

  • Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, bath thermometer, nappy cream, wash cloth

  • Cloth nappy set and muslin squares

  • Picture book

  • Teething toy

  • Bra pads

  • Condoms


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