Parenting Tip: Get The Baby Box
In the eight weeks that we’ve been home with the baby, there have been a few things that have made Oliver most comfortable and happy.
One of those things is his Baby Box.
Early in Jess’s pregnancy she found www.babyboxuniversity.com online and learned that by taking their online tutorials, watching videos, etc., they would send us a Baby Box. So, (as parents who knew early that get free stuff is awesome) she did it, and we got our Baby Box.
Now, as a first time dad, I really had no idea what was going on with this whole Baby Box thing, but in learning just a little, I became instantly enamoured.
The boxes (to the best of my knowledge and research) come from Finnish tradition. For more than 75 years, Expecting mothers in Finland have been eligible to receive a baby box, stocked with essentials and baby products (clothes, sleeping bag, diapers, mattress, etc.) in return for going to see a doctor in regards to their pregnancy.
The boxes have been credited with increasing education in mothers-to-be and more importantly, improving the infant mortality rates in Finland.
To be eligible to receive a Baby Box, Finnish moms have to see a doctor early in their pregnancy to better ensure their health and their baby’s health. Similarly, Jess had to finish a series of online modules to qualify for Ollie’s box.
Related: Why Finnish Babies Sleep in Cardboard Boxes
After registering and qualifying, Jess went to pick up our box from a local doula, and inside was a newborn onesie to go along with samples of diapers, wipes, as well as some coupons and other little things.
The idea that new moms in any country can be educated and given supplies and samples to help them care for their newborn babies is amazing. There is no downside. None. The moms win, the dads win, the babies win. Everyone wins.
And at our place, we are all happy to be winners thanks to the Baby Box.
We are comfortable putting Oliver in his box to nap (which he has done many times) or just as a place to put him down for a quick moment while I run to the washroom or refill my coffee cup. He hangs out and wiggles and squeaks, or he just lays there and chills out. Either way, it works.
Sadly, it seems like he doesn’t have much time left in his Baby Box because his baby body keeps growing and filling the small space. BUT, every day that we can use it, we will.
And, this is me recommending that every mom (and dad) that is expecting visit www.babyboxuniversity.com to learn more and get themselves a Baby Box!
ps. Here’s my favourite photo of Oliver in his Baby Box, taken during the 2018 Toronto Raptors playoff run.