History of baby boxes
Cara Dumaplin, a noted baby sleep expert known as Taking Cara Babies, describes baby boxes as a means to make safe sleep accessible to all families, especially in Europe. Starting from the late 1930s (eventually expanding to all families in 1949), Finland introduced the concept of a “baby box” as a gift from the government to new parents. The box contains essential baby items, including 38 baby products such as clothes, bedding, postpartum hygiene products for moms, and baby care items like bibs, nail clippers, and hairbrushes. The cardboard box also has a small mattress, making it suitable for use as a baby bed.
When the program first launched in Finland, the country had a high infant mortality rate, with 65 out of 1,000 babies dying within their first year. Poverty and co-sleeping practices were contributing factors to the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The baby boxes aimed to incentivize prenatal care and provide a safe sleeping space for infants. While the introduction of baby boxes coincided with a decrease in infant mortality, a 2020 study attributes the reduction to better overall healthcare access and information, not just the boxes themselves. Denmark and Sweden, which also have low infant mortality rates, demonstrate that universal healthcare plays a significant role, rather than solely relying on baby boxes.
Baby boxes around the world
Different countries and organizations have adopted their versions of baby boxes. Scotland, for instance, initiated a free baby box program in 2017, offering clothing, bedding, books, and medical essentials. Similarly, England has implemented a government program providing baby boxes. In South Asia, NGOs like Barakat Bundle provide baby boxes to mothers in need. The United States has experimented with various baby box initiatives, but none have gained significant traction.
Past attempts in the United States
New Jersey became the first state in the U.S. to launch a baby box program in 2017, emphasizing safety and education. Parents were required to take an online course followed by a short quiz to receive the box. Private companies like The Baby Box Co. and Finnbin also tried to make baby boxes profitable, selling their cardboard boxes with bedding but without the comprehensive range of newborn gear found in government-issued boxes. Despite gaining some popularity, American interest in baby boxes never reached the level of traditional bassinets or cribs.
Safety concerns with baby boxes
In 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) introduced new rules for baby sleep products, including baby boxes, which were deemed unsafe. As a result, companies like The Baby Box Co. and Finnbin went out of business, and the New Jersey program was discontinued. The CPSC noted incidents involving the use of unstable products or placing them on unsafe surfaces, leading to injuries and even deaths. In response, DockATot, a Scandinavian company, launched its Kind Essential Bassinet in early 2023, designed to comply with CPSC regulations by being raised off the floor.
DockATot’s Kind Essential Bassinet offers multiple patterns, sustainability, portability, and can be repurposed as a toy box. It represents a modern take on the traditional baby box, offering an opportunity for Americans to embrace this concept. Despite a slow start in sales due to consumer perceptions about cardboard, DockATot has witnessed growing demand as more parents experience the product firsthand.
Conclusion
While baby boxes like DockATot’s Kind Essential Bassinet provide a safe space for infants to sleep, they may not necessarily be the most affordable option when compared to other available baby sleep products like bassinets or play yards. Parents should prioritize the safety and affordability of sleep options for their babies. It is crucial to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using labeled cribs, portable cribs, bassinets, or play yards for sleep, and any baby box used for sleeping should meet CPSC standards and be clearly labeled as a bassinet or portable crib.
