Baby Box Scheme

[charlingx]

Hi, I have started a petition to try and get a scheme similar to the one in finland here in the UK. All expectant mothers in finland that go to a doctor/midwife appointment before the fourth month of pregnancy receive a box containing everything they will need for the first montb of the babys life including vests, sleep suits, sleeping bags etc. In addition to the items received in the box, the box itself caomes with a mattress and fitted sheet so that the box can be used as a bed/moses basket. The contents of the box changes to meet current needs of parents and children. The colours of the box and garments change slightly on a yearly basis but are always gender nuteral meaning that the clothes can be passed down between siblings. There is also an option in Finland to forgoe the box in exchange for cash although the amount of money is less than the value of the box. Since the box scheme started the infant mortality rate has dramaticly decreased.

In my opinion the box offers every baby the same start in life no matter what background they come from.

If you agree please sign: epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73965

[meditrina]

How much would this cost, and on the general assumption that there still isn't lots of spare money, what would you cut to pay for it?

(OK, I know those decisions would be made by the Dept, not the petitioners, but some illustrations of what could cover it might be helpful).

[Lorelei353]

I love the idea of these boxes and think it would be lovely but realistically I'd rather the money went into paying for more midwives to support women in hospital or some other way of supporting the maternity services in the NHS? I just don't know where funding for this is expected to come from and think that. Money could be better spent elsewhere. In a perfect world we'd have both but I'm afraid I can't support this petition.

[charlingx]

Meditrina, tough question :)

I think that in the long run, The box would save the NHS money in many ways. For example if the box were to contain vitamins for pregnant mum and baby, this could reduce medical intervention being needed later in life. Another idea is that if the box were to contain breast pumps and a breast feeding pillow this could increase the amount of mothers breastfeeding and also decrease medical intervention.

As for what could be cut in order to fund the box I cant really make a properly informed decision but maybe maternity exemption could give a bit? Maybe only have maternity exemption for people on low income or that need repeat perscriptions? Just a thought

[LittleBearPad]

I would rather money required for a scheme like this was given to women who need it. It's a lovely idea but I didn't need free clothes, breast pumps etc as I could afford to buy what I needed. I would rather the funds were targeted to those who need them.

[charlingx]

Littlebearpad that could be an option, the petition box is only 1000 letters long, I can only outline my proposal, if the petition were to be successful it would be put to the department of health to see how it would actually work in real life and if it would be better targeted at everyone or those on low income, etc.

In Finland they also have a cash option instead of the box, the cash is lower than the value of the box. Maybe having a box and other option is a good way to go.

[summerdreams]

Its a lovely idea but I dont think it'll work and agree that it will cost way to much theres so many things that the money would be better spent on. Sorry