Not that I'm planning to become a mother soon, but this thing surprised me when I found out that Finnish government supports maternity very much.
Every spring, the Social Insurance Institute of Finland (better known by the Finnish abbreviation Kela) presents its newest mother package, that is, a set for newborns.
People with great interest are waiting for announcements of new things, colors and patterns of fabric - after all, a set for newborns determines that tens of thousands of babies will be worn across the country.
A set for newborns is not only an attribute of fashion. Every woman in Finland who is about to become a mother has the right to receive this box of baby clothes, articles of care and accessories. It becomes a great start for each child, and helps parents to master a new role. This system appeared in 1938, when the government introduced a cash allowance for the birth of a child to help solve the problems of infant mortality and fertility decline.
To date, you can choose a set for a newborn or a cash allowance of 140 euros. Every year about 60 thousand families receive this set or money. Ninety-five percent of women giving birth for the first time choose a box for newborns; for subsequent children, almost a third of the matter prefer money instead of set.
The standard set is a winter suit, mittens, various hats and a blanket with a zipper, from which you can make a sleeping bag. The presence of winter clothing suggests that the Finns are accustomed to spending time in the fresh air from a very early age, despite the outdoor temperature.
The colors of the fabric, the patterns and even the patterns on the box change from year to year, but they are always suitable for a child of any gender. Each family receives the same set.
In other countries introducing newborn kits, the priorities are the same as in the Finnish program. The main thing is to give children the same start in life, so the kit is designed according to their needs.
Prospective parents receive material support, as well as necessary knowledge, starting early to communicate with health care workers when it comes time to learn something new. If you think about this ideological concept, you will understand that it is beneficial for the whole society.