baby boxes online

A simple cardboard box can make a world of difference to a newborn baby.

In Finland Baby Boxes have been handed out to new parents for 75 years.

It consists of a cardboard box, lined with a sleeping pad and a bag of items like onesies and diapers.

And now the boxes can be picked up at the Salvation Army Family Services Centre in High River.

LT. Kelly Fifield says they are excited to be offering the service, but so far they have only handed out one box.

"We just want to get the word out," said Fifield. " We have heard that people have gone into Calgary to get them, and they don't have to do that they can just come here."

She added it is a good fit for the family services centre.

"We already service so many people that come in and need that extra bit of help."

And they can make sure young families are aware of the services that are available for them in High River like play groups.

Once registered there are other courses parents can take.

"We want to make sure they are connected. The whole point of the baby box is to educate people about infant safety."

In order to get a baby box, new parents need to go online to Baby Box University. They have to do a 10 minute course, then they get a number that they bring in to the office in High River and get the box.