China has 800,000 to 1.2 million babies born with congenital defects every year. Most abandoned infants have congenital problems.

"Hefty medical costs mean a family can fall into poverty," said Han Jinhong, head of the Shijiazhuang Welfare House.

She said there were many opinions when the organization set up China's first safety booth in June 2011.

Han said babies are usually abandoned at night. Without shelter, even a healthy baby would either die in the cold or get bitten by insects or wild animals.

She said the booth has become a sanctuary. It takes two-thirds of the number of abandoned children found in the city.

"The local civil affairs department has found fewer abandoned infants in front of hospitals and railway stations. Most of the babies, although having congenital diseases, did not sustain injuries, fever or contract pneumonia, thanks to the shelter's protection," said Han.

She does not want to get involved in discussions about similar booths in other cities, as there is still opposition in the country.