the Finnish maternity package

In Finland, when you are expecting a baby, you can choose between a maternity package and a tax-free lump sum of 140 EUR as a maternity grant (for the year 2013). Those are available to expectant mothers and adoptive parents who live in Finland or are covered by the Finnish social security system. The maternity package contains children's clothes and other necessary items, such as bedding, cloth nappies, gauze towels and child-care products. The maternity package is not a commercial product and therefor it cannot be sold to interested parties. It is available solely as a benefit offered under the Finnish social security system.

The items it contains are sourced through a competitive bidding process complying with EU law, but have a distinct Finnish appeal and origin. After all, when 40k maternity packages are issued each year it a great boost to the relevant sector. For several years now, the fabrics included in the maternity package have been in neutral colours, making them suitable for both girls and boys and more easily matched with other colours. Before the mid-1970s, the principal colour was typically white. Bodysuits, coveralls and a sleeping bag that can also be used as a quilt have traditionally been among the most popular items included in the package.  The maternity package changes every year while staying true to its roots. Over the years, it has become increasingly environment friendly. As an example of this, reusable nappies have been included since 2000.

For 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life. With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby's first bed. Many children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the box's four cardboard walls. So the box provided mothers with what they needed to look after their baby, but it also helped steer pregnant women into the arms of the doctors and nurses of Finland's nascent welfare state. [1]

Other perks in the box include a rattle and a colorful, illustrated book - a boost of encouragement for parents to teach their children to read. [2] Check out the maternity package contents for year 2012-13 here. Read a historical account on the evoltion and forms of the Finnish maternity grants and package here.

[1] Ref. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415

[2] Ref. http://www.goodnet.org/articles/1116