Baby banks are having to be banked on far too much

Across the UK, more and more families are facing the unimaginable choice between heating their homes, watering down formula or rationing nappies for their babies. I see and hear every day the vital, life-changing work being done by over 400 baby banks across the UK — and the heartbreaking reality that demand is far outstripping supply. 

This week, as a founding partner of the Baby Bank Alliance, we’re proud that mum, author and podcast host, Giovanna Fletcher, is shining a spotlight on the essential role baby banks play in helping thousands more children have the things they need to thrive. 

A warning sign 

New data from the Baby Bank Alliance shows that last year, over 3.5 million essential items — including clothes, nappies, prams and cots — were given to families by baby banks. Big figures like this are nothing to celebrate but instead are a shocking warning sign of a growing, not shrinking crisis.  

That’s reflected in the UK child poverty figures, which have GONE UP in the last year, from 4.3 to 4.5 million children — nearly half of them under the age of four. The scale of need is staggering. Just let that sink in for a minute. 4.5 million children.  

Baby banks are stepping in where systems fail, but we shouldn’t have to be. 

So, Giovanna’s support comes at a crucial time. Little Village’s Impact Report data from 2024 paints a stark picture with nearly half of parents (45%) saying they’re skipping meals so their children can eat and 1 in 3 (34%) are keeping the heating off to save on expensive energy bills.  

Two-child limit must go 

The cost-of-living crisis, high rents, and expensive food and utility bills are compounding pressures on families. And let’s not forget the two-child limit which keeps pushing thousands deeper into poverty. 

We’ve heard talk in the last week of tackling child poverty being a ‘moral mission’ of this government. It’s time for action – it’s clear what needs to be done, and it needs to happen now. We need a government response that matches the scale of the crisis. A strong, fully funded child poverty strategy is an urgent priority. 

How can you help? 

Children and families can’t wait for the government to take action. They need your support right now.  

The growth of baby banks isn’t a feel-good story — it tells us that our safety net is full of gaping holes. But baby banks, powered by incredible volunteers, can bring hope in our communities and ensure that babies and children have the essentials they need. You can show solidarity with families by helping your local baby bank – through donations, volunteering, donating money for new items like nappies or raising awareness of the child poverty crisis.  

This week Little Village is launching a newborn appeal, Great Big Baby Shower, which is asking everyone to give parents and their newborns some extra support. 

To echo Giovanna’s words: “It’s heartbreaking to think how many families would be lost without their [baby banks] support.” 

Baby banks will continue to stand alongside families. We hope you can stand alongside all of us and make sure no child goes without the essentials they need. 

Sophie Livingstone MBE
CEO, Little Village
Chair, Baby Bank Alliance