The Government of Yukon is launching the Yukon Baby Basket Project. This is an initiative designed to support new parents and improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals, babies and families.
Developed in partnership with the Yukon Midwifery Program and Solstice Maternity, this project provides new parents with free baby supplies to welcome their child’s arrival and help support families through the early days of parenthood.
The basket serves as a safe place for babies to sleep and includes approximately 20 essential items for newborns and parents, along with educational resources to support new parents.
A free baby basket is available to Yukoners who are at least 28 weeks pregnant or to those with a new baby up to two months old. Eligible Yukoners can request a referral from their maternity care provider or any health and social service provider. The form is available on yukon.ca/baby-basket-project.
Baby baskets were first pioneered in Finland and are now used in over 60 countries around the world. The Government of Yukon is excited that these widely used baby baskets will now be available to Yukon parents.
With many baby baskets ready for distribution across the territory, this project is another step by the Government of Yukon to invest in the early learning, development and wellbeing of the youngest Yukoners and their families.
The Yukon Baby Basket Project is a unique resource for families throughout the Yukon. This creative initiative celebrates new babies joining Yukon families and supports parents through education and engagement. The arrival of a new baby is both an exciting and demanding time, and we want Yukon families to know they are supported in providing their child with the very best start in life. Offering these free, beautifully designed baby baskets is an important, new effort to enhance support for Yukoners through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Solstice Maternity Clinic is delighted to collaborate on this project, which will bring beautiful, thoughtfully curated, high-quality baby items and resources to new Yukon families. We are thrilled to support and celebrate the joy of new beginnings within our community.
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Baby baskets are available at no cost to eligible new and expectant parents in the Yukon starting September 13, 2024.
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A referral form is available on yukon.ca/baby-basket-project. Referred recipients must sign a release waiver prior to receiving a basket.
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The beds can be safely used until babies are four or five months old, or until they begin to roll over.
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The Yukon baby basket meets Health Canada safety standards, regulations and guidelines for cribs, cradles and bassinets.
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This project supports other programs and initiatives such as the Yukon Midwifery Program and the Yukon’s Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Mairi Macrae
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-9198
mairi.macrae@yukon.ca