We’ve seen a growing need for baby items, even just the very basics. This spawned the idea of creating Baby Boxes, or a baby shower in a box for mothers below the poverty line. Mothers are giving up their babies at a higher rate than ever, due to not being able to provide for their new infants. We want to help them keep their babies and provide for them.
During this time of COVID-19, pregnant women are not supposed to leave their homes. They can’t purchase clothing or blankets, or have a baby shower.
If a mother didn’t have money before, she really has nothing at this point. It’s not unusual for babies to come into the world with nothing but a blanket to wrap them in, even in regular times. So now it’s even more difficult.
A secondary part of this is providing bottles and formula if the mother cannot breastfeed. While we encourage breastfeeding as much as possible, there are times when it simply isn’t an option.
However, formula will break the bank for a poor family and so they feed the baby things like oatmeal water or cornstarch cooked in water. The end result is severe malnutrition and even death. We want to prevent that from happening and ensure that mothers have the ability to raise their children to be healthy and strong.
Baby boxes include:
- Newborn diapers
- A thick baby blanket
- A receiving blanket
- 3 baby hats
- 1 pair baby booties or socks
- 1 baby jacket (usually handmade by our volunteers)
- 3-5 onesies
- 2-3 sleepers
- 1-2 pants
- 1-2 baby shirts
- 2 washcloths
- Baby shampoo
- Baby soap
- Wet wipes
- Soft toy
- Incaparina (nutritional drink) for Mom
- Vitamins for Mom
We rely heavily on local baby clothing donations to provide the clothing for these Baby Boxes, but we provide the jackets and diapers, etc.
With a Baby Box, a new mom-to-be can relax, knowing she has the basics for her little one and won’t be bringing baby home naked! It’s a big help these days and we are constantly receiving recommendations for women who are in need.
Want to contribute to our baby boxes? We welcome the help!
