The Finnish welfare and benefits agency that pioneered the use of baby boxes has challenged claims in Scotland that the temporary cribs can reduce infant mortality.
The agency, Kela, supported warnings by a leading expert on infant health, Dr Peter Blair, that it was wrong to say that Finland’s scheme had been proven to prevent or reduce infant mortality.
Blair said baby boxes should only be used for sleeping babies in an emergency or when no cot was available.
His warnings, first reported by the Guardian, prompted a furious outburst by Nicola Sturgeon’s official spokesman. He denounced reports of the criticism as “absolutely ludicrous” and “nonsense”.
Sturgeon unveiled the baby box scheme two years ago saying they would cut infant mortality – a claim that has been repeated by other Scottish National party (SNP) leaders.
The first minister, speaking at the height of the 2016 Scottish parliament elections, told her party’s conference in March that year: “This simple but powerful idea originated in Finland. It provides practical help for parents and has reduced infant mortality and improved child health.”
