Distribution of new maternity package begins

The first maternity packages of the 2024 edition have been sent to customers this week. The date of the switchover to the new edition varies slightly from year to year, as it depends on the number of applications for maternity grant that come in. Recipients of the maternity grant can choose between a maternity package and a tax-free cash benefit of EUR 170. Approximately two-thirds choose the maternity package.  

A focus on quality

This year, the maternity package contains 39 products. While the range of items remains largely the same from year to year, the colours of the textiles and the number of products vary.

Quality has once again been the most important criterion for the products this year. The products must be safe and durable. For example, zippers must not scratch the baby, and there must be no long pieces of loose threads, since they can get wrapped around the baby’s toes or fingers. Seams and snap buttons must be durable. Kela tests the products to ensure their quality and safety.
  
The products in the maternity package are also meant to inspire shared moments. The package contains a so-called baby's first book, which is a children's book intended to strengthen the interaction between the child and the parent. The ball famously mentioned in the most recent Government programme has not been included in the 2024 edition, but the goal is to include it in the 2026 edition at the earliest.