bethrnich's Profile

Hmm, I understand welfare programs are necessary sometimes. I think a government program that assisted low income families expecting a baby would be a good idea. But I do not agree with sending everybody a box. As some of the other (dissenting) commenters have pointed out, this boxes must be paid for through tax dollars. So everybody who pays taxes is forced to help buy baby items (as taxes are not optional). In most cases, parents can provide the necessities for their babies themselves... and I think they should. Those who need or want to economize can buy used items (except for the car seat and crib), look for sales, buy in multi- packs/ sets, choose less expensive brands, shop at discount stores, etc.

I'm not crazy about some of the items in the box, either. First of all, the bath thermometer and baby towel and washcloth are not necessary. You can check the water temp with your wrist or elbow. Regular towels and washcloths-- which the parents probably already have-- are fine for a baby. The condoms, cloth diapers and breast pads may or may not be used, depending on the family's preferences and/or situation. Also, it could be seen as the government taking a stance on these issues-- decisions that should be left up to the parents, in my opinion. Perhaps there could be options for diaper type and feeding method and condoms or not. Or these items could be requested separately. I'm torn about the idea of a standard box. On one hand, the government could get great prices buying in such large quantities. But a families vary so much it would be hard to design a box that would work for everyone.

I'm also concerned about the impact of this program on the baby products industry. Whichever company wins the contract for the year sells enough items for everybody who has a baby and opts for the box (instead of the stipend, which is well below the retail value for the boxes' contents.) It's not hard to see how their competitors could suffer. If the same company won the contract for several years in a row, it could drive everyone else out of business, creating a monopoly. (People would then have a limited selection of baby products, and the surviving company would not longer have to be cost-competitive.)

In closing, I don't particularly like the Finnish baby box. Perhaps poor pregnant women could receive a stipend based on a sliding scale (the lower the income, the larger the check.) to offset the cost of baby items instead.