I love this story on the government of Finland’s maternity program “designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they’re from, an equal start in life.” For 75 years now, a maternity package has been provided to every newborn containing all the essentials, packed up into a cardboard box that can even be used as a crib. For real.

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. …

And many attribute this crucial early connection with neonatal care as a key reason for the nation’s dramatic drop in infant mortality, reports the BBC.

Each box contains everything in the photo above, in a different colour palette each year, which is a neat visual way to tell the story of that child to all those who might see it in public.

“It’s easy to know what year babies were born in, because the clothing in the box changes a little every year. It’s nice to compare and think, ‘Ah that kid was born in the same year as mine’,” says Titta Vayrynen, a 35-year-old mother with two young boys.

Inside each box:

•     Mattress, mattress cover, undersheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt
•     Box itself doubles as a crib
•     Snowsuit, hat, insulated mittens and booties
•     Light hooded suit and knitted overalls
•     Socks and mittens, knitted hat and balaclava
•     Bodysuits, romper suits and leggings in unisex colours and patterns
•     Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, bath thermometer, nappy cream, wash cloth
•     Cloth nappy set and muslin squares
•     Picture book and teething toy
•     Bra pads, condoms

Mothers have the option of either taking the box or receiving cash, but most opt for the box, as its value is much higher.

I’d love to see other governments take Finland’s lead. There’s such a beautifully gracious quality to the program - conjuring images of wise men receiving a blessed child, the village who will collectively raise that child and the many years of birthday gifts to follow.