** WE DO NOT DISTRIBUTE BABY BOXES - THIS POST WAS FOR INFORMATION ONLY**

There has been lots of talk/publicity in recent years about the long standing Finnish baby tradition of babies sleeping in cardboard boxes given to all families. The Baby Box Co. is a company headquartered in Los Angeles and has expanded into a global initiative with an office in Canada. 

On Sunday October 30th, the Baby Box will be launched for the first time in Alberta. Any Alberta resident who is expecting a baby between October 1, 2016 - October 1, 2017 is eligible for a free box to be picked up at a distribution location in or near your city/town.

The primary purpose of the program is to provide a safe sleep space for all infants. In Finland, the Baby Box program has helped the country achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. According to the Alberta launch event, the Baby Box will include: The box, mattress, waterproof cover, cotton fitted sheet, diapers, wipes, breast pads, onesie, teether, diaper tote bag. 

 There are three easy steps to follow to get the free box:

Step 1 - Register on Baby Box University

Signing up on the website is easy. You create an account, and pick your syllabus as Alberta (must use your Alberta postal code).

Step 2 - Get your Completion Certificate

You will  have to watch a series of 8 short educational videos (10-12min total) in order to get your completion certificate. (Safe sleep, postpartum recovery, perinatal mood disorders). Once finished, you will receive a completion certificate via email. 

Step 3 - Pick up your Baby Box at local Distribution Centre

After October 30th, call your distribution centre, bring your completion certificate, and go in to pick up your box. The Edmonton distribution centre is the Jasper Place Child and Family Resource Centre/West Edmonton Parent Link.

More information on how to get a free baby box in Alberta can be found here: https://www.babyboxco.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-an-alberta-baby-box-in-3-steps

Authored by April Fermaniuk, Owner Edmonton Area Family Doulas (ProDoula Pre-CD Labour Doula & ProDoula Pre-CD Postpartum Doula)

This is not a sponsored post. 

Note - This post was modified on Nov 1st, 2016 to remove one incorrect link that was listed at the bottom of the blog.