“Baby Boxes” that help reduce child mortality

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“Baby Boxes” have been used in Finland since the 1930s, and have proven responsible for a significant decrease in sudden unexpected infant deaths by providing newborns with a safe sleep space. In fact, infant mortality in Finland is less than half the rate of that in the US.

But now, a California-based company is partnering with the US Department of Health to provide not only important information about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrom) to new parents and health care providers, but also to distribute free Baby Boxes, which include a mattress, fitted sheet, onesie and diapers, in order to teach parents to keep their newborns away from pillows, heavy blankets or stuffed animals. This week Ohio became the second state to partner with the company in offering Baby Boxes to all parents of newborns.