The Finnish Social Security institution (Kela) revealed on Friday 24 April the content and the characteristics of the 2020 maternity package, or 'baby box', as it is known. This is a social benefit given to around 40,000 mothers in Finland. This year it contains 56 useful products for families with babies.
According to Kela, this year the items are packed "in a beautiful box designed by Ilona Partanen," named Blueberries and Milk. And for the first time, the pattern for one of its most popular items (the snowsuit) was chosen by public vote. The winning pattern, which features animals and nature against a dark background, received 68% of the votes.
Functional classics and something new
The 2020 edition of the maternity package contains a total of 56 useful products for families with babies. The selection of products has, in keeping with the users’ wishes, stayed largely the same. A new product in this year’s edition is a bodysuit with extender. The removable extender can help extend the useful life also of other bodysuits.
The clothes chosen for the new maternity package feature neutral colours that can be mixed and matched. Also included are colourful clothes and vivid patterns with themes inspired by nature.
“The maternity package is still very popular. Of all the maternity grants, 70% are still maternity packages”, says Johanna Aholainen, benefits manager at Kela.
Quality and responsibility
The maternity package has 83 years of history, and this year special emphasis has been placed on the quality of the products. Kela says that "Similar to last year, quality and price were weighted respectively at 70% and 30% during the procurement of the products, rather than the equal weighting they were given in previous years."
Each product must meet safety requirements imposed by Finnish and EU law.
“Emphasis has also been placed on the responsible sourcing of the products for the maternity package already when requesting tenders”, says Johanna Aholainen.
The exact date of the changeover to a new edition varies slightly from year to year, because any stocks remaining of the previous edition must be distributed first. Distribution of this year’s edition will begin at the earliest in May-June.
A sign of Finland's identity since 1937
The Act of Parliament establishing the maternity grant was passed in 1937, and the first maternity packages were distributed 83 years ago.
If you want to learn more about the Maternity Package 2020, you can find all the information HERE
