The donations we can (and can’t) accept at Baby Bank
We’re so grateful for every offer of donations from our incredible supporters, and want to be transparent about what we can and can’t accept, and why.
Some questions come up quite frequently, for example:
- Why can’t you take formula?
- Do you take car seats as part of a travel system?
- Can we knit you some blankets?
And many more!
We have a long wish list of essentials for children up to age 5 (plus their mums!) and we’re really thankful for all your donations from this list. There are also some things we can’t accept.
This post shares the main reasoning behind our guidelines.
Health and safety regulations
Formula
We support mums however they choose to feed their baby. The simple reason we don’t accept or provide formula is that we’d need to register as a food business. This would mean complying with food storage and handling requirements, and passing an environmental health inspection from Bristol City Council. At the moment, this just isn’t feasible but it’s something we review regularly and may be able to introduce in the future.
We are however grateful for accessories that support either formula-feeding or expressing / giving breast milk. We accept and pass on sterilisers and bottles, and we buy new teats in bulk to accompany them. For efficiency, we only take MAM, Tommee Tippee and Avent bottles.
If families are struggling to afford enough formula to safely feed their babies, Bristol has launched a new Emergency Provision of Infant Formula Pathway, which we can direct families to. The pathway is run by health visitors, and families can access immediate advice and vouchers, and also be supported over the long term. Read more about feeding support available in Bristol.
Car seats and travel systems
Our insurers do not allow us to accept second-hand car seats, even if they haven’t been in an accident, because we can’t verify their full safety history. If a travel system is otherwise complete though, with a chassis and bassinet or pushchair seat, we gratefully accept them to enable new mums to take their babies out and about.
Safe sleep items
Based on guidance from The Lullaby Trust, we can’t accept second-hand mattresses, pillows, duvets or cushions. We provide new mattresses for all cots and Moses baskets, which is why your financial donations are so important. We want to make sure that any item we pass on complies with the latest British Safety Standards, so also don’t accept dropside cots or SnuzPods.
You can read more about recommended products and practices for safer sleep in our recent blog from safer sleep expert, Dr Anna Pease.
Handmade or home-knitted items
While we truly appreciate the kindness behind handmade items, we can only pass on clothing, blankets and toys that carry the relevant British Standard and fire safety labels, so we can be confident they meet safety requirements.
The reason many charity shops do sell these items is that families can see and touch them in person before choosing to buy. At Baby Bank, we make that decision on a family’s behalf, so like to be extra cautious. If you enjoy knitting and are looking for a new project, the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity is always looking for donations.
Space limitations
In the family home
Many families we support have very limited space. Some are homeless, in temporary accommodation or simply living in small flats. This means large items like ride-on toys, baby walkers, or massive teddies may not be suitable. Small items, the size that would fit in a shoebox, are perfect.
In our warehouse
We also have to consider capacity in our warehouse. If we had unlimited space (and unlimited volunteers!) we could look at taking school uniform, maternity clothes, parenting books – items we know families could find useful and our supporters kindly offer. But for the moment, we need to be realistic as to how many donations we can handle at once. This is why we run a wish list which is continually updated to reflect the items we’re looking for. View our current wish list.
Sensitivity to family circumstances
We don’t accept personalised clothing or items with slogans mentioning mummy, daddy, brother or sister, as these could cause upset in their new home. We’re also mindful of other slogans and designs, in case they have particular meaning or relevance with a different owner.
Condition of items
Finally, we ask that everything you donate is clean and in good, safe condition.
If you’d be proud to pass it on to a family member for their baby, we would love to accept it. If it’s something that would otherwise be destined for the tip – it’s probably not suitable. That would include things like cots with peeling paint and clothing with stains, or books containing scribbles and puzzles with missing pieces.
It’s not always easy for families to ask for help, and they are often in a vulnerable situation when they receive support from Baby Bank. We want to treat them with dignity and respect, and pass on pre-loved items that have been carefully chosen just for them – from one family to another. By donating thoughtfully, you help ensure that every family receives items that are safe, appropriate and reassuring, at a time when it matters most.
If you’re ever unsure whether something is suitable, please get in touch – we’re always happy to help.