The Duchess Of Cambridge visited a baby bank in Sheffield yesterday - Baby Basics UK - where she volunteered for the day, helping to unpack donations before talking to parents about how baby banks have provided them with invaluable support when they have needed it most. The Duchess has been working with retailers and brands to donate over 10,000 new items to baby banks across the UK following a private visit to Baby Basics, West Norfolk.
Baby banks have become increasingly important, especially right now with many families experiencing hardship from a lack of job security, leading to poverty. Data from the Food Foundation in May revealed that one in five families with children were unable to access food in the first five weeks of lockdown, and charities warning that millions more Britons risk being pushed into poverty by Christmas. The Duchess expressed how hearing about different family's stories has made her very upset during lockdown.
'It can get very emotional,' she said. 'I remember a couple of the families I met from King's, Lynn and I went home and literally burst into tears, their stories were so moving. The struggles they have gone through, the bravery they have shown ... in extraordinary circumstances. Helping their families through extraordinary times.'
But, what exactly is a baby bank? And, how can we get involved in this brilliant cause? Here's everything you need to know.
What is a baby bank?
According to the Salvation Army, a baby bank is 'a collection of good quality second hand baby clothes and equipment available free of charge to any parent to help with the costs of having a baby.' Similar to a charity shop, but the items are free to take, for families that are experiencing hardship.
Also, they're a great way to promote sustainable living by reducing the amount of items disposed of and upcycling goods that still have plenty of life left.
Are baby banks just for babies?
Absolutely not – they cover a wide range of ages, some even up to 16 years old. Every baby bank is different, so make sure to check before you go.
How can I find them?
There are over 100 baby banks across the UK. Use this link for a map of where they are located, or you can simply search via Google.
What should I donate?
The below list will give you some indication on what to donate at your local baby bank. But, always be sure to check the specific baby bank’s wishlist before donating.
Clothes
Moses baskets & cots
Baby baths
Prams & pushchairs
High chairs
Baby bouncers & toys
Baby blankets & bedding
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SHOP: What To Buy Mum's & Kid's Right Now
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Revive and Reset Edit from Aromatherapy Associates, £33
Sleepless nights make for very sleepy new parents but fear not, help is at hand. Infused with invigorating and naturally reviving essential oils, this set aims to awaken the mind and body first thing in the morning (just in time for that wake-up call) and give new parents that pick me up they seriously require.
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Customised Storm Cloud Banner from NoodledollNelly, £18
Bring the outdoors inside with this super cute nod to Bowie. And with 36 colours to choose from, you can coordinate this handmade cloud banner perfectly with the new arrival's nursery. What's not to like?!
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Toffolossus Biscuits, Pistachio and Clotted Cream Biscuits and Rose Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason, £17.50 and £12.95
I don't know about anyone else, but we cannot stop snacking in lock down - why not provide a friend with the most boujie snack of them all? From Fortnum and Mason no less
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Jessie The Jellyfish by Laurie Newman and Sophie Cregan, £6.99
Teach your little one about keeping our waters clean and plastic free, with this colourful and engaging children's book. This is the story of a lonely jellyfish. With no friends to be found on the reef, Jessie makes friends with a floating plastic bag. But can the sea be cleaned up in time so Jessie's friends can return to party and play?
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Personalised Baby Milestone Cards from Made By Ellis, £14.95
Milestone cards are a must for capturing all those first precious moments and this pack of 24 sweet pastel coloured illustrations is just the ticket. Additionally, this set is made that bit more special with a personalised case which new parents will love for years to come.
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ESSENTIAL Tots Organic Cotton Striped Socks Set from Tootsa, £14
We love anything with a face on it, so these 100% organic cotton socks tick all the boxes. Imagine all the photo ops they will create. And as an added bonus, they come with a mini cotton drawstring bag with… yep you've guessed it… a cute face on.
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Baby board book Selection from Little People BIG DREAMS, £5.99 each
This inspiring collection of board books is a must for little people. From Rosa Parks to Coco Chanel, this brilliant curated selection of role models is exactly what we should be teaching the new generation about - An important home-schooling lesson we think.
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Buster Dog Toy from Meri Meri, £23
It's hard to believe that soft toys could get any cuter than Buster the long-legged dog. Crafted from knitted organic cotton, Buster will be a gift for life. If anyone can prize him out of our fingers, that is.
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Watercolour Muslin Gift Set from Nubie, £18.50
These 100% cotton muslin squares will be in constant use – from mopping up spills, to burping, to lining the changing mat… We guarantee they will be the hardest working gift she's given.
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Mint Name Knit Sign from Little Cloud, from £12.50
This super affordable handmade sign can be personalised with your favourite colour and the new arrival's name. It will brighten up the room no end.
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Pop Up Book Selection from Thames and Hudson, £8.95 each
Pop up books are excellent for keeping tiny fingers and minds busy. We recommend this brilliantly funny range for babies and toddlers. They are so cleverly crafted they will even keep grownups entertained.
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Liewood Wooden Bear Teether Rattle from Molly Meg, £16
For the chicer new parents in your life: this minimalist Danish teether is made from 100% sustainable beech wood and doubles as a gentle rattle. And it's super easily cleaned with a wipe from a damp cloth.
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Sleep and Stress Collection from This Works, from £15
We would have included the entire This Works inventory if we could have fitted it in one shot. From Power Nap pillow spray to aid a productive snooze, to Baby Sleep pillow spray to get some solid hours in, to Stress Check beauty essentials to nourish the tiredest skin, this collection is God-send at this time.
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A3 Confetti Alphabet Chart Children's Print from Wonder and Rah, £25
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All The Things I Wish For You from Papier, £18.99
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Baby and Kids range from Dr Barbara Sturm, from £30
If you know a small person who only deserves the very best then Dr Barbara Sturm's baby and kids range is for you. The formulations will soothe even the most sensitive of baby skins (we can attest to this) and provide a barrier against the elements, stopping the irritation happening before it starts.
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Woolen Grey Chunky Knitted Baby Hat from The Bonnie Mob, WAS £31.95, NOW £14
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Ro Scented Candle from Scandinavisk, £18
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Ferm LIVING Safari Lion Cushion from Cloudberry Living, £49
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Monkey Comforter from The White Company, £16
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Moulin Roty Light Grey Les Mustaches Fernand Slippers, £20
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Rainbow Wall Decoration from Bobby Rabbit, £18
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Bowie Bears Print from Eightbear, £18
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White Cloud and Star Little Lights, and Cloud Minis from A Lovely Little Company, £12.95 each and £3.95 per pack of 3
These softly glowing night-lights make the perfect gift. They are not only helpful for a baby getting used to sleeping on their own, but safe too as they use LED bulbs that won't ever get hot. And look at their little faces. We suggest accessorising with the mini clouds for maximum cuteness.
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Mother and Baby Organic Collection from Neals Yard Remedies, £45
Give mum and baby the perfect start with this organic collection which will help support them through the first few months. Gentle cleansers, balms and oils will leave the pair of them super soft and soothed.
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Tea & Tequila, DAISY SAMBA SKIRT, £100
There's nothing more welcoming to a new mother than comfortable clothing. Take this skirt for example, it's 100% cotton and is fitted with an elastic waist band – light and breathable for the summer. Plus, there's a matching dress available for when your little girl gets a bit older.
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Deeba London, MICAH EYE MASK, £35
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AURUM + GREY, CONNECT NAME NECKLACE, £160
Available in up to 10 letters, choose your newborns name, or simply their initials. And someday, they can wear it themselves.
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SnüzCloud Sleep Aid, John Lewis, £29.95
Treat the new mum in your life to this - the most useful gift ever. With two light options, and four sound options, this calming, super-soft cloud will help soothe their baby to sleep. And it really doesn't get better than that...
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Skip Hop Light Up Bath Toy, Jojo Maman Bebe, £8
This is the perfect distraction for a new baby (actually any baby or child) during bath time. Just pop this little guy in the bath and he will automatically light up with multiple colours-leaving Mum or Dad to wash that hair with a lot less fuss.