Baby banks in London have run out of nappies

Right now, at Little Village baby banks across London, the shelves where newborn nappies should be, are bare. We have run out – completely – and that simple, stark fact carries consequences most people never have to contemplate. 

Imagine welcoming a baby into the world with no nappies, no wipes, and no way of knowing where the next pack is coming from. Or imagine having to choose between paying the gas bill or keeping your newborn clean and dry.

At Little Village, the wave of demand is constant, with parents forced to make impossible decisions – simply to keep their babies safe. One in three children in London are currently living in poverty and that number isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

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More than a quarter of the thousands of families we’ve supported are rationing nappies. Just stop and think. Behind every statistic is a family who needs our support. They are parents stretching a pack that should last two or three days over a week or more.

The price of everything – rent, food and bills – keeps climbing, and essential items like nappies are slipping out of reach. And let’s be clear: nappies are essential. Not a treat. Not a bonus. They are a basic requirement for a baby to live with dignity, health, and comfort. Yet for many families, they are becoming unaffordable. 

One mum told us: “We manage just about but it’s really difficult. We shop at the cheapest shop we can and use food banks where we can. Things like nappies are expensive so I’ll try and stretch them out to 10 nappies every three days which is hard with a young baby.” 

It costs between £30 to £48 per month to keep a baby in clean nappies and wipes. For families living in poverty, that amount can be the difference between heating the home or braving the winter months without warmth. For some, it’s the difference between eating dinner (and lunch) or not.

At Little Village, we supported over 7,300 babies and young children last year. With more than 4,500 packs of nappies distributed since the start of this year — a 64% increase compared to this time last year. This surge in need should alarm every single one of us. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big-picture statistics or headlines about economic pressures. But zoom in, and this is what it looks like: a mum trying to reuse a nappy. A dad skipping meals so he can afford a pack of wipes. No child should start life without the basics. 

That’s why we’re stepping up. But we can’t meet this need alone. Our shelves are empty, and we urgently need help to restock them. 

So, what can you do? You can give online – just £10 provides nappies for one baby for a week. Or, when you shop, buy an extra pack of nappies or wipes and drop them at one of our hubs in Camden, Brent, Wandsworth, or Tooting. It’s quick and simple and you can make a real, immediate difference.

Together, we can change this story and ensure that no baby in London goes without the nappies they need. 

Donate at littlevillage.enthuse.com/nappyappeal or find your nearest donation point at www.littlevillagehq.org. Emily Compston is director of operations at Little Village.

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