It's easy to get carried away when buying baby clothes – they're adorable for a start, and then there's the fact that babies grow out of their clothes way too fast. Let's not even get into all the gifts you've been given from well-meaning friends and family, you probably have enough to start your own shop! If your used baby clothes are still in good condition, there's no need to throw them out. Instead, you may want to find out where to donate baby clothes so that families in need can enjoy affordable or free quality items for thier little ones too.
Why donate used baby clothes?
We're living in hard times, and many families struggle to make ends meet, especially new parents facing the high costs associated with having a new baby. Baby equipment from nursery furniture to prams and bottle sterlisers are expensive, and with babies growing out of clothes really fast, it can be hard for some families to keep up. Not everyone has hand-me-downs from older siblings, friends or family though, so places like charity shops and baby banks are essential to help stretch low incomes.
There are over 150 baby banks in the UK. If you've never heard of them and are wondering – what is a baby bank? – They are organisations, often run by volunteers, that help to support families in need by providing useful baby items for free. The organisations collect items, from baby clothes to baby equipment, toys and other baby and parent essentials for new mums. So, if you’ve got boxes of baby goods lying around at home, and you’re keen to give them a loving new home, keep reading as we round up a list of where to donate baby clothes to.
Donating baby clothes and items that you don't need anymore is also a great way of supporting our planet. You can declutter and free up space in your home while giving used goods a new lease of life, reducing waste and helping families in need at the same time.
Where can I donate baby clothes near me?
There are hundreds of baby banks in the UK where you can donate your unwanted baby clothes to. Find a baby bank near you or browse the list below...
• Little Village - London locations
Basically like a food bank but for baby clothes, toys and equipment. Little Village has four baby bank locations in Camden, Southwark, Wandsworth and Brent. They accept items in excellent and pre-loved conditions. You can donate money or buy essentials for the charity like toiletries or moses baskets that can't be donated as used goods but which families are still in need off, as well as donate your own used baby stuff like clothes, toys and more.
• Lloyd Park Children’s Charity - North-East London
Located in Waltham Forest, this baby bank accepts new and pre-loved items for newborns to 5 year olds. Their drop off point is open every Tuesday from 10AM to 1PM, but it’s advised to get in touch with them first to check what items the charity is mostly after.
• Best Start Baby Bank - Eastbourne
Aswell as being a food bank, Best Start accepts baby clothing, equipment and items for new mums. Their ‘Best start baby baskets’ are filled with clothes, changing essentials and toys.
• Ten Little Toes- West Sussex
This baby bank accepts baby clothes and supplies in good conditions for babies all the way up to five years. Ten Little Toes also have an Amazon Wishlist of items they’re currently keen to get donated, so make sure you check that out too!
• Stripey Stork - Surrey
Stripey Stork only accepts baby clothing and equipment that are in excellent condition so their next owners feel like they are a gift and not a hand out. They also do a Santa Stalk for Christmas, where you can donate new gifts that they will then pass on to children in need.
• Baby Bank Network - Bristol
Established in 2015, Baby Bank Network has helped over 5000 families in Bristol and its surrounding areas. As well as Stripey Stork's wishlist, Baby Bank Network also has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase goods they need and they’ll be sent directly to them. They have 8 different drop off points around the city, just make sure to check that your items meet their safety guidelines first.
• Baby Godiva - Coventry
Baby Godiva was only set up in 2019 and has already helped over 850 families. They accept preloved and new baby items, primarily for newborns to 12 months, and have a useful list of all the things they do and don't accept.
FAQ: Where to donate baby clothes
Do charity shops accept baby clothes?
If your baby clothes have been gently used or are in good condition, then yes,k charity shops are most likely to accept them. Keep in mind that some charity shop may have their own rules – for example, Red Cross will only accept baby items with hoods if the drawstring has been removed, for safety reasons. We suggest you call and check with the charity shop before taking baby items to donate, as there might be more appropriate alternative options.
How do you get rid of baby clothes?
We will always suggest donating or recycling old baby clothes to reduce waste. If you don't want to resell them online, you could take your preloved baby clothes to your local thrift store. Or you might want to donate baby clothes to a women's shelter or a baby bank where families in need can benefit the most from free donations.
Do charity shops take children's clothes?
Yes, most charity shops will take children's clothes. However, like with baby items, charity shops may have their own rules. For example, Red Cross only accept unworn second-hand children’s shoes due to the fact that wear can affect the fit of the shoe. It's a good idea to call and check first to save a wasted trip.
Is it OK to give away baby clothes?
As long as your baby clothes are in good condition and are safe to use, it's fine to give them away to friends or family, or donate them to charities that help support families in need. You may not make any money this way, as you're not reselling them, but it's still a great way to declutter and reduce waste.
What to do with too many baby clothes?
Having too many baby clothes is a common problem as babies grow out of them so quickly. There are a number of options here - from packing them away into storage for the future if you're planning on having more babies in the future or think there may be opportunities to pass them onto friends and family members who want to have children, to reselling online (eBay, Vinted...) or donating to thrift stores or other charities that support families in need with free donations.
Where can I donate premature baby clothes?
Hospital NICU can be your first port of call when donating premature baby clothes. Alternatively, there are specific charities that specialise in premature items, like Little Mouse and Lily's Hope Foundation.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.