LIFE

Baby bank charity reveals parents are ‘reusing filthy nappies’ as they struggle with cost of living crisis

Last modified on Monday 17 October 2022

As bills continue to skyrocket, a survey of UK baby banks has uncovered some truly shocking news ...

Baby banks across the UK have revealed some parents have resorted to ‘reusing filthy nappies’ as they struggle with cost of living crisis.

The bleak findings were revealed in a survey of baby banks conducted across the UK by the charity Little Village, which operates baby banks across London, with the research being shared with ITV News .

The survey also found one baby had ended up with pressure sores due to their parents rationing nappies, and a child had been sleeping in a drawer as their parents couldn't afford a bed. (Here's everything you need to know about baby banks, including how to access them .)

The busiest year yet for baby banks ...

Over 90% of the 55 baby banks that responded to the survey reported that 2022 was their busiest year so far.

Other findings from the survey included one Somerset family using sanitary towels in place of nappies, a Derbyshire mum unable to heat her home staying warm in a baby bank for a few hours, and some Oxfordshire families unable to afford to turn their ovens on to give their children a hot meal.

Families in the north-east of England are suffering the highest child poverty rates in the UK, where nearly 40% of children live below the poverty line.

Speaking to ITV News, mum of four Leanne Carten explains why she's visited the Hartlepool baby bank:

'At the moment with gas and electric going up so high, we can't afford to put the gas on, so we need warm pyjamas, they've just given us some onesies for the children and blankets, because we just can't afford to put the gas on,' she said.

'It feels like we're going back in time when people did struggle and were on rations, it shouldn't be like that now. We shouldn't be having to struggle as much as we are.

'I've suffered, sometimes I just sit there and cry because I think I'm not doing the best for them, I should be able to do more and it's heartbreaking.'

(Read the story of a Netmums mum: 'Using a baby bank gave me the confidence to be a mum.' )

Why babies are being left in filthy nappies

Sophie Livingstone MBE, CEO of Little Village, commented: 'Our survey paints an extremely bleak picture of families living in extreme poverty in this country.

'Babies left in filthy nappies because their parents can't afford to replace them; young children in pain because their families can't afford to buy Calpol; others living in cold, dark, unsafe homes.

'It doesn't have to be this way and I would urge the government to take immediate action to address this hidden crisis of extreme child poverty. Bankers' pockets are getting fatter, whilst babies are going cold and hungry.'

What the government are doing to help

A spokesperson for the government said: 'We recognise that people are struggling with rising prices which is why we are protecting millions of the most vulnerable families with at least £1,200 of direct payments and saving the average household around £1,000 a year through our new Energy Price Guarantee.

'Vulnerable families in England are also being supported by the government’s Household Support Fund – which was boosted by £500million - to help pay for essentials and latest figures show that there were 200,000 fewer children in absolute poverty after housing costs compared to 2019/20.'

How you can get help

If you need to find a baby bank, here's where you can get help finding one near you. On top of finding the essentials that you're looking for, you will also be met with kindness and non-judgmental volunteer workers who understand the challenges of parent-life, no matter what your personal circumstances are.

If you're able to, you can make a donation to Little Village here.

After splitting with her partner when her daughter was two months old, mum Vicky managed to find support, baby supplies and a job at Little Village – read her story here.

If you're struggling with your finances right now, our Cost of Living page is here to help wherever we can.

Struggling to save money in the supermarket? Here's how to do your weekly food shop for under £20. Or, if you're finding it hard to cope with cost of living anxiety, we've got some advice that may help here ...

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