A small act of kindness at an overwhelming time
Imagine welcoming your baby into the world without a little stack of sleepsuits waiting for them. A pack of nappies ready for their first change. Or any of the basics you need in those first couple of days – simply to take your baby safely home from hospital.
This is the reality for some families in Bristol.
Sometimes they’re fleeing domestic abuse and have nothing. Or they’re young parents without family support. Some are facing homelessness, asylum claims, mental health challenges or any number of crises – while also preparing to care for a newborn.
Often we hear that a crisis has hit at the worst possible moment, leaving them without the essentials when their baby arrives.
Whatever the circumstances, we want to ensure that no parent meets their baby for the first time while worrying about how to keep them warm, clean and safe.
So we’re really pleased to be able to offer emergency newborn bundles at Southmead Hospital’s maternity unit, in partnership with North Bristol Trust Maternity Services.
Emergency support when it matters most
Healthcare professionals at Southmead are now able to provide newborn ‘grab bags’ to families who could benefit – ensuring every baby can be safely discharged with the essentials for their first days.
This is the first initiative of its kind from Baby Bank Network, and has been developed thanks to conversations with NBT maternity colleagues that revealed how many families passing through the unit are struggling for newborn essentials.
Each bundle contains sleepsuits in tiny baby and newborn sizes, nappies, muslins, a soft blanket. There are also essential toiletries and a few treats for mum – who, along with everything else, is likely running on no sleep while dealing with post-natal hormones.
The bags are given discreetly as a gift – simply one family supporting another at a particularly momentous time.
CEO and Co-founder of Baby Bank Network Bristol, Becky Gilbert, said: “Last year we helped around 1,370 Bristol families who are facing poverty or crisis. This often means providing a pre-loved cot so a baby has a safe place to sleep, or passing on a pushchair so a young family can get out and about.
“Through our close partnership with the NBT, we also know that some families need even more immediate support, so they can be safely discharged after birth.
“We’re really pleased to be able to provide these emergency newborn bundles, which will make it easier for midwives and healthcare staff to provide vital support to families in the moment they need it most. We like to think it’s a small act of kindness at what can be a really overwhelming time. And once they’re back home, families can be referred back to Baby Bank through their health visitor or children's centre for further support and other essential items.”
Building on existing support
North Bristol Trust is already one of our valued referral partners, part of a network that helps us support between 30 and 40 families every week across Bristol. This new programme strengthens that relationship, making it easier for healthcare staff to provide immediate help to families in crisis.
And it doesn't stop when families leave hospital. Each grab bag includes a card explaining how to access further support, and how to be referred to Baby Bank for other essential items – a cot, pushchair, clothes and toys.
NBT Complex Care Midwife Sharon Cohen said: “Our community teams support women and families throughout their pregnancy, and are often able to identify and support those in need before their baby is born. Sometimes however, we welcome women into the hospital for their baby's birth and realise that in fact this is a family who really need urgent support. It is fantastic to be able to offer immediate relief for families, building trust and hope at a time when they need it most.”
NBT Director of Midwifery and Nursing for the Women and Children’s Division, Julie Northrop added: “Our partnership with Baby Bank Network Bristol is a powerful example of how health services and community organisations can work together to reduce inequalities from the very start of a child’s life.
“This initiative allows our midwives to respond immediately and compassionately when we identify families facing hardship, ensuring every newborn has a safe and supported start in life. It reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and personalised care at one of the most important moments for families.”
Why this matters now
In just over ten years, we’ve supported almost 12,500 families across Bristol. Demand for baby bank support is increasing across the UK and with 4.5 million children living in poverty, more families are struggling to afford the basics. These emergency newborn bundles mean midwives and healthcare staff can provide vital support even more quickly.
How you can help
Just like the rest of our service, this initiative is only possible because of donations from our community. If you'd like to support us, we’d particularly love donations of:
- Nappies (newborn and size 1)
- New toiletries for mums (maternity pads, breast pads, shower gel)
- Cotton wool and muslins
- New baby clothes in tiny baby and newborn sizes (unisex colours)
- Soft baby blankets
- Small teddies or comforters
You can view our current wish list here: https://www.babybanknetwork.com/donate-items/