Baby Boxes scooped up within minutes of free program's first day in Nova Scotia

Everybody's thinking inside the box.

A newborn baby starter kitwith roots in Finland has been spreading across Canada in recent monthsand it proved hugely popular on its first day in Nova Scotia.

The Baby Box a free box of baby supplies that doubles as a Health Canada-approved bassinet was launched Mondayat ChiroCare in Bedford.

Dr. Sara O'Flaherty, who works at ChiroCare, said the 60 boxes they had were mostly gone within the first 15 minutes of the launch. The kit includes diapers, wipes, aonesie, a sleeper and other freebies.

Another 60will arrive tomorrowand the program will run indefinitely through hospitals, health centres andcommunity centres throughout the province.

Freewith registration

The idea began in Finland about 75 years ago.O'Flaherty said handing out similar boxes has been shown to decrease infant mortality rates.

"When we heard about the Baby Box program I wished we had it when I had a baby five months ago and so I was excited to jump on board.... We're excited to meet some local moms and get to know them and give them a box and a great start for baby's sleep and safety."

Boxes are free, but you must register on the Baby Box Co. website andcomplete a short online course (about 10 minutes).

The program has already launched in Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The L.A.-headquarteredcompany partners with hospitals, government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide the products in the box, and also sells them online.