Finland’s Baby Box

In Finland, homes expecting a baby receive Kela's baby box, officially the maternity package, or äitiyspakkaus. Parents can choose the box instead of a cash benefit, and inside are baby clothes, bedding, and basic items for bathing and hygiene.

The scheme began in 1938, first as support for low-income families, and was extended to all expectant mothers in 1949. Even today, about 87% of first-time expectant mothers choose the package over the cash benefit. In Kela's 2025 edition, the box and mattress are part of the set, so the box can also be used as the baby's first bed.