Why Finland's Newborns Sleep in Cardboard Boxes

For 75 years in Finland, every mom receives a huge box as a present from the government. It contains everything that a baby needs: winter and summer clothing , reusable diapers, thermometer, toys and other products handy in the first year of a baby’s life.

The tradition appeared in the 1930s, when nearly one of out 10 infants in Finland died in their first year. It's meant to support mothers at an important point after giving birth. Most importantly, the boxes are believed to have helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

In time, the idea appeared in other countries. In South Africa, the box is made from plastic and is used as a bath tub. In the USA, it's hoped that the box will encourage people not to place their child in their own bed. In Canada, the box is provided with the phone number of a mentor who is ready to help the young mother at any moment.