Yukon supports new parents, promotes equity, with baby basket program
New and expectant parents in the Yukon will now receive a basket of goods—including 20 essential items and educational resources—that doubles as a safe place for babies to sleep through the territory’s Baby Basket Project.
The new program, developed in partnership with the Yukon Midwifery Program and Solstice Maternity, promotes healthy child development and is available to all residents, regardless of income.
Proponents say the program will help level the playing field for children during their first year of life by giving them a more equal start.
Baby baskets were pioneered in Finland in 1938 and are now used in over 60 countries worldwide. Health experts say the concept has consistently reduced infant mortality rates.
Thirty-eight countries, including Iceland, Belarus and Latvia, have lower infant and child death rates than Canada.
Nunavut has Canada’s highest infant mortality rate, followed by the Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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