The efficacy and materiality of Baby Boxes

The efficacy and materiality of Baby Boxes | School of Education  

Finland’s maternity packages and their successful links to improved maternal and infant wellbeing, inspired a major project in Zambia focused on sustainable, cost-effective approaches to maternal and child well-being, led by Dr Jim Reid from the University of Huddersfield 

The Project

This collaboration, initiated with Tampere University and Dr Jim Reid of the University of Huddersfield’s Centre for Research in Education and Society, began by exploring Finland’s Baby Box as part of the Finnish maternity package. Dr Reid also advised a Kone Foundation-funded study examining the Baby Box as an emotional object. Although this initial partnership has concluded, it laid the foundation for a significant project in Zambia, focusing on sustainable, cost-effective approaches to maternal and child wellbeing. 

A critique of Baby Box schemes in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, developed with colleagues from the Universities of Bristol and Durham, led to media attention and consultations with the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Collaborations with the Lullaby Project at Carnegie Hall, St John Zambia and Sheffield Hallam University resulted in Arts and Humanities Research Council funding for the Life-Saving Lullabies (LSL) project to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Zambia. 

Partner Institutions

• Dr Tanja Vahtikari, University of Tampere, Finland 

   

• Professor Debbie Watson, University of Bristol 

International Partnerships

The Life-Saving Lullabies (LSL) project has achieved significant impact, with the Department of Health in Zambia approving its approach for maternal and child health clinics nationwide. Led by NGO partner St John Zambia, the project expanded from two initial sites to six clinical settings across Zambia, demonstrating increased clinic attendance by parents, enhanced monitoring for pregnant women and improved neonatal care. Evidence from St John Zambia confirms that LSL saves lives, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 5 (gender equality).

The project has received global recognition, highlighted in a Van Leer Foundation report as an exemplar of song for neonatal health and featured in international events such as seminars for Grandes Oyentes (Spain) and COP26’s Resilience Hub in Glasgow. Dr Reid’s involvement with Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project, along with awards like Best in Class – ‘Social Impact’ at the 2020 Good Design Australia Awards, reflect its growing influence.

About the Researchers

Jim Reid is a Reader in Education at the University of Huddersfield, focusing on marginalised communities, participation and empowerment. He co-developed the award-winning Life-Saving Lullabies project in Zambia and researches Family Capabilities in South Africa. He also collaborates with UNICEF and The Lullaby Project and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Find out more about Dr Jim Reid.