Baby banks

This information is all about baby banks, which exist to help families with items for their babies and children.

A young baby is resting against the shoulder of their father, who is pressing his head into the baby's and patting their back.

On this page

About baby banks

Baby banks are community-based organisations that provide essential items for babies and children free of charge. Across the UK, there are around 400+ baby banks working to ensure every child has access to the basics, from nappies to clothing. They do this by supporting families facing financial pressure, difficult circumstances, or simply in need of a helping hand.

Some baby banks also offer welcome spaces where parents and carers can find connection, advice and non-judgemental support.

The Lullaby Trust developed this webpage alongside the Baby Bank Alliance, to raise awareness of the crucial role of baby banks in ensuring that no child goes without, and supporting safer sleep.

A baby sleeping safely on their back in an empty cot. They have one arm by their head, and another on their stomach. They are wearing a blue, polka-dot baby-grow.

What do baby banks do?

Baby banks collect and distribute pre-loved baby and children essentials to local families in need, across the UK.

Items distributed can include:

Baby and children’s clothing
Nappies, wipes and toiletries
Bedding, blankets and infant sleeping bags
Moses baskets, cots and travel cots
Prams, buggies, baby carriers
Bottles, sterilisers, feeding equipment and highchairs
Toys, books and seasonal items like sunscreen.

Close up of a Young mother using a phone whilst breastfeeding her young baby son

I need support from a baby bank

If you’re finding it tough right now or need a bit of extra support for your baby or children, baby banks are there to help and without judgement.

Each baby bank works slightly differently and so it is always best to check directly with your nearest baby bank to see what support they can offer. You can search for your nearest baby bank using the Baby Bank Alliance map.

You may be able to access baby bank support in one of the following ways:

A referral from a care professional, like a midwife, health visitor, social or support worker
By self-referral, where you contact your nearest baby bank directly

Safer sleep and second-hand baby items

When accepting or using second-hand baby items, it’s important to be aware of baby safety guidance. There are some items that baby banks won’t accept as donations or distribute, due to safety concerns, such as second-hand car seats and used mattresses.

Foteliki samochodowe: At The Lullaby Trust, we don’t recommend using second-hand car seats, even if you know their full history or can be sure they haven’t been involved in an accident. Wear and tear over time can affect the safety of a car seat, so it’s still best to buy new.
Mattresses: We advise using a new mattress for each baby, as research suggests using a second-hand mattress from outside the family home increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Baby banks may be able to provide a new cot or Moses basket mattress that is firm, flat and waterproof, depending on stock and donation levels.

Używane produkty dla niemowląt

How do I donate to a baby bank?

Baby banks rely on generous donations from their communities. If you’d like to donate:

Use the Baby Bank Alliance’s map below to find your nearest baby bank.
Check your local baby bank’s website, social media or contact them to see what items they currently need.
If your donations are pre-loved, make sure they are clean, complete and in a good quality, safe condition e.g. no rips, tear, broken or missing parts.
Drop off the items at the right time - many baby banks have specific donation days and drop off points so check before you deliver.

Find a baby bank near you

Whether you’re looking for support or want to donate, use the below Baby Bank Alliance map to find a baby bank near you. Learn more on the Baby Bank Alliance website about the vital work baby banks across the UK are doing to provide the essentials babies and children need to thrive.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the products I have are safer sleep products?

With so many baby sleeping products on the market it can be hard to know what to choose.

Learn all about safer sleep when it comes to finding or purchasing baby sleeping products on our webpage.

Produkty do spania dla niemowląt

A baby is being put down to sleep in a cot. They are looking up at their parent.

What is the Baby Bank Alliance?

The Baby Bank Alliance supports and advocates for baby banks across the UK. They support baby banks by offering funding, goods, networks and resources. They also raise awareness of baby banks, championing the power of pre-loved goods, and campaign for change, so no child goes without.

Which British Safety Standards should I look out for?

We strongly recommend that any second-hand product you choose meets the relevant British Standards, especially if you are buying an item online. A British Standard tells us that the product has passed certain safety tests, such as making sure it will not fall apart or easily catch fire

Safety standards for baby sleep products:

Cots and travel cots: BS EN 716-1:2017
Moses baskets and carry cots: BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023
Bedside cribs: Since 2020, all bedside cribs should meet the new crib safety standard BS EN 1130:2019. Meaning cots should no longer have a side that fully drops down.
Mattresses: BS 7177:2008+A1:2011
Mattresses for cots, travel cots and cribs: BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021
Car seat: ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat.
Sleepbags: BS EN 16781:2018.

Note there is no safety standard related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This means that even if a product meets the relevant British Standards, it won’t necessarily be safe when it comes to reducing the risk of SIDS.

I am looking at second-hand products for my baby, how do I know they are suitable for my baby?

Using second-hand baby products is a great way to save money. It’s better for the environment too. Lots of families kindly pass on items to friends and family once their baby has outgrown them, which can be a huge help! However, there are a few things to be aware of before you use something pre-owned to make sure they’re suitable for your baby.

Second-hand products and safer sleep

I had to leave my home in an emergency, how do I sleep my baby safely?

Fleeing from conflict or crisis means that sleeping conditions will be unpredictable. While it might not be possible to follow all the safer sleep guidelines, this advice will help you adapt your routine and use what’s available to create a safer space for your baby to sleep. If you find yourself away from home unexpectedly in an emergency or crisis, this advice will help you create a safer sleep environment for your baby.

Safer sleep in emergency situations

Remember

Baby banks are there to support you. Some baby banks also offer welcome spaces where parents and carers can find connection, advice and non-judgemental support. If you no longer need your baby products, a baby bank near you may accept your donation and will hugely appreciate your support. When using second-hand products, be aware of our advice and top tips.

Używane produkty dla niemowląt