Yes, we couldn’t believe it here at Bensons HQ either. But it’s true. For 75 years, Finland’s expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. Inside is a baby starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys. But more interestingly, there is also a mattress that fits the box perfectly and transforms it into a bed!

This fascinating scheme began back in the 1930s to ensure all children in Finland, regardless of background, had an equal start in life. Finland was a poor country in those times and infant mortality rate was high. But the figures improved over the decades and the box scheme is claimed to have contributed to that.

To get the box, all mums-to-be had to visit a doctor or municipal pre-natal clinic before their fourth month of pregnancy. To this day the maternity package is still provided by the state to all expectant mothers.

What’s inside the baby box?
Parents can choose either the box or a cash grant that currently stands at 140 euros. However, 95% of them opt for the box as it’s worth much more. Some of the things included in the box are:

Did you know that babies from Finland sleep in cardboard boxes?

• Mattress, mattress cover, undersheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt
• Snowsuit, hat, insulated mittens and booties
• Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, bath thermometer, nappy cream, wash cloth
• Cloth nappy set and muslin squares

The unique maternity package provides all the essentials an expectant mother needs and much more, saving them preparation time.

The boxes have become something of a symbol of pride for the Finnish people, as once used they tend to be preserved as keepsakes.

The BBC interviewed Mark Bosworth, a parent who lives in Helsinki, Finland.

“We now live in Helsinki and have just had our second child, Annika. She did get a free box from the Finnish state”, he said. “This felt to me like evidence that someone cared, someone wanted our baby to have a good start in life. And now when I visit friends with young children it’s nice to see we share some common things. It strengthens that feeling that we are all in this together.”

With the baby scheme proving so successful in Finland, there are those that believe it would be a great idea to adopt this scheme in Britain. Would British mums benefit as well from the scheme? Tell us your thoughts.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This famous German fairytale was written by Brothers Grimm in 1812 and titled Schneewittchen. The most famous part of the story is arguably when the evil Queen tricks princess Snow White into eating a poisoned apple. As a result, Snow White is in an eternal state of sleep. Well, until some handsome prince comes along and saves her, just like they do in all the best fairytales.

Insomnia

As if the idea of never being able to get a minute of sleep isn’t scary enough. Imagine getting hallucinations of little white beings visiting your neighbours and friends and killing them too. That’s what begins to happen to loveable Ralph Roberts, age 70, when his wife passes away. Soon he begins to understand what these hallucinations and creatures are, and realises that he is entangled in cosmic events that could soon lead to death and disaster for the people in his town. This is a great story that will keep you up all night.

The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep is the first of Raymond Chandler’s hardboiled crime novels featuring detective Philip Marlowe. The acclaimed story is highly regarded for its complexity and rich array of double-crossing characters. Its narrative doesn’t use sleep as a plot device, but it does use it in the novel’s title as a euphemism for death, a thought that comes towards the end of the story about ”sleeping the big sleep”. It’s a classic novel that makes for some fantastic bedtime reading.

Sleeping Beauty

First published as Histoires ou contes de tempes passé, Sleeping Beauty was first published by Charles Perrault in 1697. In the original tale a wicked fairy curses a princess, making it so that one day she will be pricked by a spindle and fall into a 100-year sleep. Inevitably, that soon happens and her father has her carried to the finest room in his palace to rest. Fast-forward a century later and (surprise, surprise) a prince discovers the castle while on a hunting trip. When the prince learns that the princess is inside he sets out to rescue her. He climbs tall trees and brambles until he finally gets to her room where he lifts the curse with a kiss. This ancient tale has stood the test of time and is a firm favourite with little girls before they get some shuteye.

The Twilight Saga

The Twilight series are fantasy novels about the love one girl shares with a vampire. The first book in the series went to number one in the New York Times Best Seller list and was published in 26 countries. But where did the success start? In the author’s dreams. Stephanie Meyer dreamed about a human girl and a vampire who was in love with her but thirsted for her blood. When Meyer awoke from her dream she was inspired to write everything that happened down and that eventually became the thirteenth chapter in the book!

What’s your favourite book about sleep? Let us know in the comments below!

Get set for Mad Men!

Featuring a typewriter that wouldn’t be out of place in Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (minus the Pryce and with what’s set to be the addition of Holloway and Campbell this season…), it’s the perfect bedroom essential for Mad Men fans to add to their retro bedroom.

Get yours here: http://bit.ly/12Kf1WQ

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If after 40 nights you’re still not happy with your new bed, we’ll exchange it.**

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Are you kept awake at night by your partner snoring, or noisy neighbours? Have you ever considered that it could actually be down to where you live that’s having an impact on the quality of your slumber?

To celebrate National Bed Month, Multiple Bed Retailer of the Year, Bensons for Beds, has looked closely at each region in the UK to discover where you’re likely to get the most shuteye. The poll investigates the top factors that may prevent people from sleeping well in each area, including weather conditions and uncomfortable beds.

While the bright lights and fast-paced lifestyle of living in the capital certainly has its appeal, the survey found that Londoners are the most likely to have their sleep disrupted. One of the main factors keeping them awake is money worries – perhaps unsurprisingly since average rent rates are 50% higher than the rest of the country.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The bed retailer also discovered that the South East is the ideal place to get the UK’s best night’s rest. Local residents wisely limit their coffee intake and are the least likely to be kept awake by noisy pets; maybe all that sea air really does tire you out!

Not forgetting the rest of the country, Bensons for Beds also found that the Scots are the nation’s worst snorers, whereas families in Yorkshire and the Humber have the best behaved children at bedtime. Those residing in the North West are a brave bunch, as they’re the least scared of the dark, and if you’re looking for peace and tranquility, then move to the East Midlands – you’ll find the quietest neighbours there!

Carine Jessamine, marketing director at Bensons for Beds, said: “Since we’re currently celebrating National Bed Month 2013, we’re keen to highlight the fact that sleeping is one of the most important activities we undertake.

“While there’s nothing we can do about noisy neighbours or work worries – unfortunately, we don’t have a magic wand! – we can ensure that everyone finds their ideal mattress through our tried and tested in-store experience, the Comfort Station. We would also encourage everyone to change their mattress every seven years so that they get as much quality sleep as possible.”

Ends.

www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk

Issued on behalf of Bensons for Beds by Public.

Press enquiries: Katie Phipps or Natalie Johnson, Tel: 01302 730303 or email: katie.phipps@openatpublic.com or natalie.johnson@openatpublic.com