Innovations in Health: Evaluating the social impact of Kokono baby crib among mothers and caregivers of infants in Kampala, Uganda

The study assessed the social impact of the Kokono baby crib—an affordable, locally manufactured, biodegradable crib designed to support Ugandan mothers, especially those in rural, peri‑urban, and informal employment contexts. Using a mixed‑methods approach with interviews from 20 randomly selected mothers, the research found that the crib significantly improved child health and maternal productivity. Notably, one‑third of mothers reported frequent malaria episodes in their children before using Kokono, but none reported malaria after its use, with added protection from houseflies, contaminated surfaces, and animal bites. Mothers also experienced reduced healthcare expenses, less need for domestic support, and improved ability to work with fewer distractions. Overall, the Kokono crib contributed to better infant health, reduced out‑of‑pocket spending, enhanced productivity, and broader economic empowerment, indicating strong potential for scale‑up in informal settlements and rural communities across Uganda.