New Jersey is the first state in the country to offer "baby boxes" to new parents.

The "baby box" has been a trend in Finland for nearly 80 years, but has yet to become popular in the US. The Finnish infant death rate is the lowest in the world, with just 1.3 deaths per 1,000 births. Conversely, the US infant mortality rate is 6.1 deaths per 1,000 births, according to the CDC.

The boxes are made of non-toxic, sustainable cardboard. They include a firm mattress and fitted sheet, and are a guaranteed safe sleep environment for babies. The boxes will also contain safe sleep educational materials for parents, as well as diapers, a onesie, baby wipes, breast pads, and nipple cream.

The program was made possible with a grant from the CDC and makes New Jersey the first state to universally offer baby boxes to parents.

New parents can get more info and sign up here.

baby varacchi
(c) Varacchi
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