Many families across the UK are struggling with the cost of essentials for babies and young children - from nappies and clothing to cots and bedding. That’s where baby banks step in, providing items free of charge to families who need them.
Over the next few weeks, we’re joined by Emilie de Bruijn from the Baby Bank Alliance, who’s here to answer your questions about how baby banks work, accessing support, volunteering, donations and more.
You might want to ask:
- Can anyone use a baby bank?
- Do you need a referral from a health visitor or other professional to receive support?
- What items are most useful to donate?
- What should you not donate?
- How can you find a baby bank near you?
- What happens to donated items?
- What's the best way to support my local baby bank?
About Emilie
Emilie de Bruijn is the Senior Community Lead at the Baby Bank Alliance, where she leads the team supporting the Baby Bank Alliance’s network of 250+ member baby banks. With eight years of experience as a founder and CEO of a baby bank, she brings deep, first-hand understanding of the sector and the challenges members face.
Emilie and her team provide training, guidance, and practical support, helping baby banks strengthen their services and impact. They also coordinate the fair distribution of Gifts in Kind and other donated resources across the network.
Post your questions below and Emilie will answer as many as she can over the next few weeks.