7 in 10 families do not have safe space for their babies and children to sleep

Nearly seven in ten families turning to Little Village’s baby banks do not have a safe or adequate place for their children to sleep, prompting an urgent London-wide appeal for essential sleep items.

Today, Little Village baby bank launches its Sleep Tight appeal after new data revealed that 69% of families seeking support lack a safe place for their baby or child to sleep.

The campaign comes as child poverty in London continues to affect hundreds of thousands of families. According to the latest figures, 38% of children in the capital, around 700,000 children, are living below the poverty line, placing increasing pressure on frontline charities supporting families with babies and young children.

Through the Sleep Tight appeal, Little Village is calling on Londoners to donate high-quality baby sleep essentials, including Moses baskets, cot and cot bed sheets, baby sleeping bags, sleepsuits, pyjamas, blankets, comforters and baby books. Donations can be dropped off at Little Village’s baby banks in Camden, Brent and Tooting and its warehouse in Wandsworth.

Growing demand for safe sleep spaces

The appeal highlights a worsening picture for families experiencing poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity.

Nationally, Barnardo’s estimates that 894,000 children have slept on sofas, floors or in shared beds, while more than 170,000 children are living in temporary accommodation in England. These figures reflect the challenges facing many of the families accessing support through Little Village’s network of baby banks.

In 2025 alone, Little Village provided 1,659 cots, cot beds and Moses baskets to families in need across London. Despite these efforts, demand continued to exceed supply, meaning 6% of families were still unable to access a safe sleep space when they needed one.

The impact goes far beyond bedtime

Sophie Livingstone MBE, Chief Executive of Little Village, said: “The first five years of a child’s life lay the foundations for everything that follows. A safe place to sleep is not just somewhere to spend the night, it’s where babies grow, develop and recover, and where children build the foundations for healthy lives.

“When a family doesn’t have a cot, a Moses basket or even suitable bedding, the impact goes far beyond bedtime. Parents are doing everything they can in incredibly difficult circumstances, but the cost of living crisis and housing insecurity are pushing many beyond breaking point.”

“Through our Sleep Tight appeal, we’re asking Londoners to help us ensure that every child has the safe, warm and secure sleep environment they need to thrive.”

Supporting families facing crisis

Little Village supports families experiencing poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, temporary accommodation and other forms of hardship. More than a third of families accessing the charity’s services are facing severe housing insecurity or crisis situations.

One parent supported by Little Village, described the difference access to essential baby equipment made for her family: “My baby came seven weeks early and I was trying to get my head around everything. Little Village totally lifted my spirits and I received an incredible package with lots of premature baby clothes, a pram, steriliser kit, bedding, a Moses basket and a couple of sleeping bags.”

How to support the Sleep Tight appeal

Running throughout September and October, donations are being accepted at Little Village baby banks and donation points across London. Anyone wishing to donate baby sleep essentials or support the appeal can find out more at littlevillagehq.org/sleep-tight.