Statistics Related to Baby Boxes

According to a study done by New Jersey Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board (CFNFRB) in 2015, out of the 61 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in kids under 1-year-old, 93% were associated with their sleeping environment. So sad, don’t you think so? Some countries like Finland have experienced the beauty of using baby boxes.

Baby boxes emerged in the 1930s in Finland after there was increased rate of infant mortality. As a matter of fact, they usually experienced 1 death out of 10 infants under the age of 1 year in the 1960s. And you may not believe what has happened by 2015 after the introduction of baby boxes. The mortality rate in children under 1 year as per the year 2015 report was 2 deaths in every 1000 live births. What a huge significance!

This has made Finland enter into top 10 countries in the world with the lowest rates of infant mortality. Compared to the United States which had an infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1000 live births and 3700 SUIDs in 2015, Finland had gone a step further in reducing infant deaths.

In reducing infant mortality rate in the US, in January 2017, New Jersey State has made a huge step of offering over 100,000 free baby boxes to every expectant mother. They are required to watch a brief educative video, complete some questions and they are given a certificate before requesting for the baby box.

Contents of a Baby Box

The contents of various baby boxes vary regularly depending on the country and state. However, a baby box should have the following:

  • The box
  • A mattress
  • A blanket
  • Various clothes for different seasons
  • Cloth diapers
  • A bathing towel
  • Linens
  • Onesies
  • Cuddly toy
  • Personal care items like thermometer, nail cutter, and a pair of scissors
  • A book
  • A smoke detector
  • Some have an access to a mobile app which helps parents

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that infants of under the age 1 year should sleep on their backs. AAP recommends that these infants should sleep on a firm surface fitted with sheets nevertheless; you should avoid pillows or any other soft bedding which may cause suffocation to your child.

As a matter of fact, a study by AAP shows that many infants who die due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have their heads covered which block their breathing ability. That’s why as a parent you should not share a bed with your child. A baby box will give your child an ample room for breathing.

Many hospitals have adopted the act of offering baby boxes and other packages for any new parent. At first, the program of baby boxes was handled by national and various state governments but when its significance was realized, hospitals popped in.

Importance of Baby Boxes

After New Jersey, Ohio adopted the culture of giving free baby boxes in March 2017 and the impact has been seen compared to other states. The mortality rate has reduced to 7.2 per 1000 live births. However, the program is expanding to other states in the US like Minnesota, San Francisco, and San Antonia etc. You could ask yourself why the program is spreading so fast. Well. It is because of the benefits that come along with it.

The main importance of a baby box is how it reduces the risk of infant mortality as a result of sleep-related deaths.

In conclusion, if you have not acquired a baby box, please do so to avoid the possible death of your child due to suffocation.