What Is A Baby Bank And How Do You Donate To One?

The Duchess of Cambridge has been helping out at one, and with families around the country facing poverty, they need your help more than ever

Kate Middleton Baby Bank

by Lillian Sesiguzel |
Updated on

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

READ MORE: 30 Unique Gift Ideas For New Mums - Starting From £5.99

Gallery

SHOP: What To Buy Mum's & Kid's Right Now

Revive and Reset Edit from Aromatherapy Associates, £331 of 30

Revive and Reset Edit from Aromatherapy Associates, £33

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Customised Storm Cloud Banner from NoodledollNelly, £182 of 30

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?!

Toffolossus Biscuits, Pistachio and Clotted Cream Biscuits and Rose Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason, £17.50 and £12.953 of 30

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

Jessie The Jellyfish by Laurie Newman and Sophie Cregan, £6.994 of 30

Jessie The Jellyfish by Laurie Newman and Sophie Cregan, £6.99

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Personalised Baby Milestone Cards from Made By Ellis, £14.955 of 30

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.

ESSENTIAL Tots Organic Cotton Striped Socks Set from Tootsa, £146 of 30

ESSENTIAL Tots Organic Cotton Striped Socks Set from Tootsa, £14

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Baby board book Selection from Little People BIG DREAMS, £5.99 each7 of 30

Baby board book Selection from Little People BIG DREAMS, £5.99 each

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Buster Dog Toy from Meri Meri, £238 of 30

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.

Watercolour Muslin Gift Set from Nubie, £18.509 of 30

Watercolour Muslin Gift Set from Nubie, £18.50

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Mint Name Knit Sign from Little Cloud, from £12.5010 of 30

Mint Name Knit Sign from Little Cloud, from £12.50

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Pop Up Book Selection from Thames and Hudson, £8.95 each11 of 30

Pop Up Book Selection from Thames and Hudson, £8.95 each

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Liewood Wooden Bear Teether Rattle from Molly Meg, £1612 of 30

Liewood Wooden Bear Teether Rattle from Molly Meg, £16

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Sleep and Stress Collection from This Works, from £1513 of 30

Sleep and Stress Collection from This Works, from £15

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A3 Confetti Alphabet Chart Children's Print from Wonder and Rah, £2514 of 30

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, £18.9915 of 30

All The Things I Wish For You from Papier, £18.99

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Baby and Kids range from Dr Barbara Sturm, from £3016 of 30

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.

Woolen Grey Chunky Knitted Baby Hat from The Bonnie Mob, WAS £31.95, NOW £1417 of 30

Woolen Grey Chunky Knitted Baby Hat from The Bonnie Mob, WAS £31.95, NOW £14

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Ro Scented Candle from Scandinavisk, £1818 of 30

Ro Scented Candle from Scandinavisk, £18

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Ferm LIVING Safari Lion Cushion from Cloudberry Living, £4919 of 30

Ferm LIVING Safari Lion Cushion from Cloudberry Living, £49

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Monkey Comforter from The White Company, £1620 of 30

Monkey Comforter from The White Company, £16

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Moulin Roty Light Grey Les Mustaches Fernand Slippers, £2021 of 30

Moulin Roty Light Grey Les Mustaches Fernand Slippers, £20

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Rainbow Wall Decoration from Bobby Rabbit, £1822 of 30

Rainbow Wall Decoration from Bobby Rabbit, £18

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Bowie Bears Print from Eightbear, £1823 of 30

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 324 of 30

White Cloud and Star Little Lights, and Cloud Minis from A Lovely Little Company, £12.95 each and £3.95 per pack of 3

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Mother and Baby Organic Collection from Neals Yard Remedies, £4525 of 30

Mother and Baby Organic Collection from Neals Yard Remedies, £45

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Tea & Tequila, DAISY SAMBA SKIRT, £10026 of 30

Tea & Tequila, DAISY SAMBA SKIRT, £100

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Deeba London, MICAH EYE MASK, £3527 of 30

Deeba London, MICAH EYE MASK, £35

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AURUM + GREY, CONNECT NAME NECKLACE, £160

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Snu00fczCloud Sleep Aid, John Lewis, £29.9529 of 30

SnüzCloud Sleep Aid, John Lewis, £29.95

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Skip Hop Light Up Bath Toy, Jojo Maman Bebe,  £830 of 30

Skip Hop Light Up Bath Toy, Jojo Maman Bebe, £8

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