William, Kate receive unique baby box as gift from Finland

Prince William and his pregnant wife Kate Middleton have received a baby box as a gift from the Finland Government for their royal baby expected to be born this month.
The 75-year-old tradition of the baby box introduced by the Finland Government crossed borders last week when it was received by the royal couple, who are expecting their first baby.
Finlad's social security service, Kela has presented the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a cardboard baby box which comes with a fitted mattress and sleeping bag and other essential baby items that a new parent could possibly need.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said, "We were delighted to receive the very kind gift of a maternity package from the Finnish Government. It was a very thoughtful gesture. I'm sure the Duke and Duchess will be very interested to see the contents."

The baby box tradition in Finland dates back to 1938 when the government there initiated a scheme to make the box available to low income families, free of cost and later, in 1949, to all mothers-to-be under the Finnish social security system.
Last month, the BBC wrote about the role played by the scheme in helping the country achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates.

Kela's spokeswoman Heidi Liesivesi said, "Kela wanted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The maternity package gained such a positive response from all around the world. The timing was perfect that the royal couple are having a baby."

The brightly coloured box, which also doubles as a cot, contains numerous mother and baby items including a sleeping bag, daipers, sheets, jump suits, socks, pants, a knitted hat, and a toy.
Prince William and his wife Kate are the second royal couple to receive the baby box as a gift from Finland. In February last year, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden were given one to celebrate the birth of Princess Estelle.