Baby banks are charities managed by professional referrals from services such as midwives, health visitors and social workers. These charities help to ensure that every child has the essential items that they need to develop.

In 2018, Channel 4 Dispatches carried out a survey on baby banks in the UK, from the results an estimated 1 in 100 families, with children under 5, have visited a baby bank. While Little Village, a baby bank in the UK run by over 300 volunteers (most of them being parents to small children), have seen an increase in families using their services during the pandemic. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the charity has not been unable to accept second hand items. In a survey Little Village conducted, it discovered 77% of baby banks are in desperate need of baby essentials; and 9 in 10 baby banks have found it harder to support families due to the pandemic.

We’re pleased to have donated a number of baby essentials to baby banks, helping them to provide vulnerable families in the UK with the support they need. Items we have donated include nappies, baby wipes, cotton wool balls, maternity towels, baby soap and baby bottles.