What is a baby bank? How they work, who they help, and how to donate or get support

Having a baby is an exciting time, but the cost of essentials can quickly add up. From everyday necessities such as nappies and clothing to larger items like cots, pushchairs and feeding equipment, there’s a lot for new parents to buy. Yet many of these items are only needed for a relatively short period before children outgrow them, leaving parents with good-quality baby gear they no longer use.

At the same time, many families struggle to afford the basics their children need. Baby banks help to bridge that gap by redistributing essential items to families who need them, while helping preloved baby products stay in use for longer.

For many parents, baby banks are an invaluable local resource. To learn more about how baby banks operate, who they support and how families can access their services, we spoke to Emilie de Bruijn, Founder of Hartlepool Baby Bank and Senior Community Lead at the Baby Bank Alliance.

What is a baby bank?

A baby bank is a community-based service that collects and distributes essential baby and children's items to families who need them. 

De Bruijn explains: “Baby banks provide essential items for children whose parents are living in poverty - including nappies, wipes, clothing, bedding, Moses baskets, cots, blankets, toys and books. They also often signpost other relevant support services where needed.”

Families access baby banks for many different reasons. Some may be facing financial pressures, while others might need temporary support following a change in circumstances. The focus is on providing practical help without judgement.

“There are over 400 baby banks in the UK, and they come in all shapes and sizes,” says de Bruijn. Their aim is the same: helping babies and young children access the essentials they need to thrive.

How do baby banks work?

Baby banks are rooted in their local communities and can be found in community centres, church halls, warehouses, shops and even people’s living rooms. De Bruijn highlights that many are run by volunteers who give up their time to support local families. They rely on donations of quality preloved items, alongside new essentials such as nappies and hygiene products.

Although there’s some variation, most baby banks follow a similar process:

1. Donations are collected from local families, businesses and community groups.

2. Items are sorted and checked to make sure they're clean, safe and suitable for reuse.

3. A bundle is prepared based on the child's age and the family's needs.

4. Support is provided through collection or delivery, depending on how the baby bank operates.

It’s a straightforward model, powered by community generosity and thousands of volunteer hours each year.

Many baby banks are members of the Baby Bank Alliance, the national membership organisation supporting baby banks across the UK. 

Why are baby banks needed?

Bringing up children has always come with costs, but many families across the UK are now feeling the pinch more than ever as household budgets are stretched by the rising cost of living. Recent research from the Child Poverty Action Group estimates that raising a child to the age of 18 now costs around £250,000 for a couple and £290,000 for a lone parent.

At the same time, baby banks are seeing increasing demand for support. “There are currently around four million children in the UK living in poverty, with almost half of them being under the age of five,” says de Bruijn. “This means families across the country are struggling to afford clothes, nappies and other essentials - so baby banks are providing them for free.”

De Bruijn adds: “Each year, we speak to our members to understand the challenges families are facing and the level of support being provided. Since our launch in 2023, baby banks have reported a continued annual increase in the number of items distributed to children.”

Alongside providing essential items, baby banks also help reduce waste by keeping good-quality baby and children’s items in circulation for longer. Many families donate items back once they are no longer needed, helping others in the community benefit from them in the future.

This is reflected in how parents describe their experience. As one Mumsnet user, CuriousKangaroo, puts it: “I gave away almost all our baby and child stuff - equipment as well as clothes. There is a great charity near us which distributes the items directly to families who need it. [...]”

According to the Baby Bank Alliance, its members have supported more than 200,000 families in the past year, reflecting both the scale of need and the growing role baby banks play in communities across the UK.

What is the Baby Bank Alliance?

The Baby Bank Alliance is the national membership organisation for baby banks across the UK. Founded in 2023 by Save the Children UK, Little Village Baby Bank, Purposeful Ventures and Baby Bank Network Bristol, it was set up to strengthen the growing network of baby banks and the support they provide to families.

De Bruijn says: “Our mission is to support the UK's baby banks so that babies and children in the UK have what they need, not only to survive, but thrive. We offer support, training and funding for baby banks.”

Today the Baby Bank Alliance has more than 260 members and provides resources, networking opportunities and much-needed funding.

How can families access support from a baby bank?

Every baby bank has its own eligibility criteria and referral process, so support varies depending on where you live.

De Bruijn explains: “Anyone requiring support can ask a healthcare professional, such as a health visitor, to refer them to their local baby bank for essential items. Some baby banks also accept direct enquiries from the public without the need for a professional referral.”

Common referral partners include people many families may already be in touch with, such as:

• Midwives

• Health visitors

• Social workers

• Schools

• Family support workers

• Charities and community organisations.

If you’re looking for support, the process usually looks something like this:

1. Find your nearest baby bank

2. Check whether self-referrals are accepted

3. Speak to a relevant professional if needed

4. A referral is made outlining the items needed 

5. The baby bank reviews and prepares support where available

6. Items are collected or delivered locally.

How do I donate to a baby bank?

The donation process is usually straightforward, but what’s needed can vary depending on demand and storage space. Baby banks rely on donations from local communities and often share current needs on their websites or social media.

If you're thinking about donating:

• Find your nearest baby bank using the Baby Bank Alliance map

• Check what they currently need

• Make sure items are clean, complete and in good condition

• Follow local drop-off guidance.

Donations help families directly and ensure good-quality items are reused rather than wasted. As one Mumsnet user puts it: “[...] I donate to [a] baby bank. Feels nice to know my pram really helped someone.”

What items do baby banks accept?

Most baby banks will take:

• Baby and children's clothing

• New nappies, wipes and toiletries

• Blankets and bedding

• Toys and books

• Moses baskets and cots

• Pushchairs and buggies

• Baby carriers

• Bottles and feeding equipment

• Highchairs

• Toys and books

A quick note: Most baby banks won't accept car seats or used mattresses, as it's difficult to verify their safety history. Some may also have restrictions on other safety or hygiene-related items. The Bank Bank Alliance advises you to check that donation items are clean, un-damaged and compliant with your local baby bank’s safety standards before donating.

How do I know secondhand baby items are safe?

The Lullaby Trust notes that secondhand baby products can be a great way to save money and reduce waste, provided they’re safe and suitable for use.

To help families check whether an item is safe to reuse, The Lullaby Trust recommends:

• Keep instructions on hand: Download or locate the original manufacturer’s instructions if they’re missing.

• Confirm safety standards: Look for evidence that the item meets current British safety standards on the product, packaging or manufacturer’s website.

• Search for product recalls: Use GOV.UK to make sure the item hasn’t been recalled or flagged as unsafe.

• Ensure all parts are included: Double-check that everything is present and there are no broken or missing components.

• Consider storage and cleanliness: Where possible, prioritise items from a smoke-free and pet-free home.

Other ways to support your local baby bank

Donating items isn't the only way to get involved. "There are many ways you can support your local baby bank,” says de Bruijn. “You can donate high-quality items you no longer need, you can volunteer your time, or you can donate money to keep local services running.”

Many baby banks rely heavily on volunteers to sort donations, prepare bundles and support day-to-day operations. Financial donations can also help organisations purchase new essentials, such as nappies and toiletries, when stock is running low.

Find a baby bank near you

Ready to get involved? Visit the Baby Bank Alliance’s guide to discover ways you can support a baby bank in your area. 

Once you've decided how you'd like to help, you’ll find an interactive map of all UK baby banks on the Baby Bank Alliance website, which can point you towards local baby banks in your area. Find your local service and support in whatever way you can.

About the author

Tammy Jacks is a journalist and editor with more than 20 years' experience writing about parenting, childcare, children's health and development. She has held key roles including Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa, and Assistant Editor for Living and Loving. She specialises in evidence-based content that helps parents and carers navigate family life with confidence.