Baby box program in Philadelphia encourages safe sleeping

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Doctors and nurses hope to lower the city's high infant mortality rate by distributing baby boxes that encourage safe sleeping habits for newborns and their caregivers.

Philadelphia, which has one of the nation's highest poverty rates, has an infant mortality rate nearly double the U.S. average — 11.2 deaths per 1,000 births compared with six per 1,000 nationwide, according to the city Health Department.

Temple's box initiative aims to reduce risky behavior associated with infant deaths, such as sharing beds or using unsafe bedding.

The boxes, which include clothing, diapers and educational materials, are worth $80 to $100 and were partly paid for with grants and crowdfunding, officials said.