Company Brings Safe 'Baby Box' To U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A new trend has some parenting experts saying that a specially designed cardboard box could be a far safer place for a baby to sleep than a fancy crib.
The simple cardboard box for babies to sleep in is being credited with dramatically lowering the infant mortality rate in Finland, the U.K. and Canada.
"It's a 76-year-old tradition that originated in Finland," explained Jennifer Clary of the Baby Box Co.
And now Clary is bringing that tradition here, distributing the "Baby Box" for the first time in the U.S.
She says the box promotes the safest way for an infant to sleep: on their back in their own sleep space without loose toys or blankets.
The Baby Box Co. emphasizes the importance of education and ongoing support for parents.
"The education is the key," said Clary. "It's 100 percent the key."
Otherwise, she says it's just as safe as any other baby bed when used properly.
"Baby Boxes are not better as a safe sleep space than any other compliant sleep space on the market," said Clary.
But they are cheaper, often free and stuffed with goodies to help new parents. They're also easy to transport and a much safer alternative to putting a baby in a parent's bed.
Those were lessons a group of expectant moms in San Francisco's Chinatown were learning Wednesday.
"A lot of it is having the knowledge of child development safety practices," explained Alison Suzuki of Wu Yee Children's Services.
But the Baby Box is not just about safety.
Clary is also trying to spread the word that parents don't have to shell out a small fortune on baby products.
"I don't think it's helpful to tell parents that they have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a sleep space that their child is going to outgrow in six months," said Clary. "They are an economic solution for safe sleep."
That's something that could help parents sleep better too.
Baby Boxes are only recommended for babies under six months. They should never be used to transport a baby or placed on an elevated surface.
Studies show sleeping in a parent's room reduces the risk of sudden infant death and that babies should sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress.
Interested parties can find out more about the Baby Box at www.babyboxuniversity.com.
