This browser does not support the Video element.
Milwaukee area teen fights infant mortality by supplying “baby boxes”
Milwaukee area teen fights infant mortality by supplying "baby boxes"
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee area teen is fighting the high infant mortality rate in Milwaukee with a new tool. It's called a baby box, and new moms are using them.
A six-month-old child is safer sleeping in a cardboard baby box than co-sleeping with his mom. A baby box is made by the Baby Box Co. and it is new to Milwaukee.
"The infant mortality rate in Milwaukee is unacceptable," said Meena Nutbeam, who started the effort to distribute baby boxes in Milwaukee.
Numbers released this week show overall infant mortality in Milwaukee dropped from 10.2 to 9.9 per 1,000 live births for 2012 to 2014. But that is still high compared to other cities.
Hoping to help, Meena Nutbeam, a senior in high school, saw an article mentioning baby boxes as a solution.
"So I just sort of put two and two together, and thought this would be a really good idea," said Nutbeam.
Nutbeam created a non-profit called Stork and Company and partnered with Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers to provide new moms with baby boxes, as a way to reduce unsafe sleep situations.
"I went to a home and the baby, the newborn was sleeping on the couch and the safety of that...there were pillows and blankets around him," said Laura Vargas, head of the Parenting Resource Center for Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.
Baby Box
Quantities of the baby boxes are still very limited, and the health center is trying to develop a criteria on how to distribute them. For now they are going to the neediest families. Health experts say baby boxes are more convenient than a Pack 'n Play.
"This is so portable. You can move this right next to the bed," said Nutbeam.
Experts also say these baby boxes are better for a child's development than a car seat. They come with a fitted mattress, other baby items and a healthcare kit.
As new moms start using them, Nutbeam sees she is making a difference.
"I'm just happy we can help with this problem and help people," she said.
The baby boxes are worth between $50-$100. They are paid for entirely through donations or fundraising.
To learn more about The Baby Box Co. click here: http://thebabyboxco.com/