Every baby born in Finland can receive a free box full of essentials โ clothes, bedding, and care items โ straight from Kela. Here's everything you need to know. You can also have cash instead of the physical box.
Every baby born in Finland can receive a free box full of essentials โ clothes, bedding, and care items โ straight from Kela. Here's everything you need to know.
A beloved tradition since 1938 โ given to every expecting family who applies in time.
If you are pregnant and living in Finland, one of the best surprises you will discover is the รคitiyspakkaus โ the maternity package. It is a cardboard box that Kela (Finland's Social Insurance Institution) sends to families before their baby arrives, packed with everything a newborn needs for the first months of life.
The box itself doubles as a safe sleeping space for your baby. It has been proven so effective that countries around the world have tried to copy the idea.
๐ก 2025 Update: If your estimated due date is on or after 1 April 2026, the maternity grant has been raised from โฌ170 to โฌ210. If you choose the package while the 2025 edition is in stock, you will also receive โฌ40 extra to cover the difference.
Anyone who is pregnant and has lived in Finland for at least 180 days before the due date is eligible โ including immigrants, international students, and newcomers.
The 2025 edition contains 38 products across clothing, bedding, care items, and hygiene supplies. Here's a summary of the key items:
Apply early! You must apply at least 2 months before your estimated due date. Many new parents miss this deadline. Set a reminder as soon as you register your pregnancy at the neuvola.
OmaKela is in multiple languages. You can apply online in Finnish, Swedish, and English at kela.fi. If you need help, Kela's phone service for families is available in English too.
Check your box when it arrives. Inspect all 38 items within 2 weeks. If anything is missing or defective, contact the distributor: Suomen Kirjastopalvelu Oy at asiakaspalvelu@kirjastopalvelu.fi or tel. 09 584 0440.
Apply online through OmaKela โ at least 2 months before your due date. Don't miss out!
Apply on Kela.fi โ More Finland Guides