Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention: Baby Boxes Given To New Parents , Reduction on Infant Mortality Rate Achieved

Hundreds of baby boxes are being given out in a London hospital to new parents in a trial to reduce baby death in cribs. The idea of the baby boxes come from Finland, where they are said to be a factor in the decline of infant mortality rates in that country.

The baby boxes, which are fitted with a foam mattress, reportedly prevents babies from rolling onto their stomach, which increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to The Telegraph. In Britain, around 300 babies are said to die yearly because of SIDS.

Baby Box More Than Just A Mattress

Daily Mail reported that Imperial College Healthcare Trust, which Charlotte's and Chelsea hospital began distributing the baby boxes to the first 800 women who gave birth in the hospital by the end of June. The box is said to contain baby wash and wipes, diapers, hat and booties, teething ring, thermometer, wash cloth and a membership to the Baby Box University.

"The box is a lovely safe sleeping area, but in addition we will give all women membership to Baby Box University, which is a huge platform for educational resources," said Dr. Karen Joash, as per ITV. Joash is the consultant obstetrician at Imperial College Healthcare Trust.

Babies Who Use Baby Boxes To Be Monitored

The trial does not end with giving away the baby boxes to the parents of the newborn babies. The Imperial College Healthcare Trust will reportedly be monitoring the babies until they are eight months old. Parents of the babies will also be answering a questionnaire about the baby box.

The Baby Box Co is reportedly supplying the baby boxes for free to the Imperial College Healthcare Trust. "We are delighted to provide the baby boxes to the Trust for UK parents and look forward to the results of the trial," said The Baby Box Co CEO Jennifer Clary.

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