Photography: Ema Peter
Charities across Australia are pulling together, accepting donations of used baby items and distributing them to families who truly need them. If you’re on a decluttering spree, and are wondering ‘where can I donate baby clothing, accessories, prams and linen?’ look no further than this list of ‘sister charities’ across Australia.
This network of volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisations have collectively distributed millions of dollars’ worth of essential nursery equipment and children’s clothing to families in crisis.
Operating in fifteen cities, in all 6 states and the ACT, the organisations share the belief that by reusing and recycling valuable baby equipment like prams, cots and car seats, they give the community a way of sharing the joy of parenthood while making a major contribution to reducing landfill.
These organisations provide a valuable service to their local communities by distributing donations that include everything from triple prams to essentials like nappies, wipes and formula, clothing, kids’ bedding, books and toys.
Nationwide
The Nappy Collective
The Nappy Collective was founded in 2013 by a group of mums who were wondering what to do with all of the nappies that no longer fit their children. They formed a non-profit, and have (as of 2020) distributed over 1 million nappies nationwide.
For more information on where and how to donate, visit The Nappy Collective.
Sydney, NSW
Dandelion Support Network Inc.
Baby car seats are an expensive, yet essential item for many first time parents. If you have a car seat manufactured after 2013 that is a) in good condition and b) never been in an accident, you can donate it to the Dandelion Support Network. The Sydney-based charity is also currently seeking donations of batteries for childrens’ toys, cot sheets and mattress protectors, kids’ undies, baby bath wash and newborn baby clothing. For more information on what to donate and where to drop off items, visit Dandelion Support Network Inc.
Note: Bookings for drop offs are essential.
Cuddle Bundles
Cuddle Bundles is a Sydney-based charity organisation that accepts pre-loved baby goods and clothing and distributes them to those who need them. Baby clothing from size 0-24 months, along with blankets, wraps, books, toys, feeding equipment and more is accepted by the organisation. They have drop off points in Double Bay, Rose Bay, Chifley and North Sydney. Visit the Cuddle Bundles website for more details.
Other NSW-based charities to consider
Melbourne, VIC
St Kilda Mums
“Our vision is a future where we waste less, share more and care for every baby and child. 96% of everything we gave away last year was used, but excellent quality, and thoroughly cleaned and safety checked,” says CEO of Melbourne-based charity St Kilda Mums Jessica Macpherson OAM.
St Kilda Mums are currently seeking donations of: baby safety gates (without screws), high chairs, reversible newborn car seats, adult and baby toiletries, baby baths, single bed and cot blankets. Donations accepted via drop off, courier and online shopping orders. For more information, visit St Kilda Mums.
Note: Bookings for drop offs are essential.
Other VIC-based charities to consider
Canberra, ACT
Roundabout Canberra
After seeing the success of St Kilda Mums in Melbourne and the Dandelion Support Network in Sydney, Canberran Hannah Andrevski knew she had to create a similar service in her own city.
The result is Roundabout Canberra, which accepts everything from baby car seats, play mats, clothing, bathing accessories, bottles, baby food, prams and other equipment. For more information and instructions on how to donate, visit Roundabout Canberra.
Brisbane, QLD
Baby Give Back
Baby Give Back is a Queensland-based charity that aims to help vulnerable babies, children and families by distributing used baby items that are still in good condition to those in need. The charity accepts bassinets, baths, bottles and feeding items, change mats, cots, clothing, toys and more.
If you live on the Gold Coast, you can also donate to Baby Give Back’s Gold Coast Warehouse. For location information and opening hours, visit Baby Give Back.
Adelaide, SA
Treasure boxes
Not-for-profit organisation Treasure Boxes aims to provide South Australian families with essentials for their kids, including bedding, clothes, toys and meals. Items accepted by the organisation include cots, clothing, nappies, high chairs, change tables, toiletries, toys and more.
For donation guidelines and drop off points, visit Treasure Boxes.
Hobart, TAS
Tassie Mums
The dedicated volunteers at Tassie Mums donate everyday essential items to babies and children in need. They accept: clothing, meal accessories, disposable nappies, baby and kids’ bed linen, toiletries, shoes and toys. They are currently urgently seeking girls’ and boys’ clothing in sizes 3-14.
For instructions on how to donate and drop-off locations, visit Tassie Mums.
Perth, WA
Little Things for Tiny Tots
Little Things for Tiny Tots partner with a long list of WA charities, and specialise in distributing used and new baby items to families in need. They currently accept newborn clothing (up to size 000) ], disposable newborn nappies, bath and body products, bibs and burp cloths, small toys (without batteries) and more. For a full list of what you can and can’t donate as well as drop-off points, visit Little Things for Tiny Tots.
Note: Little Things for Tiny Tots do not accept large donations including prams, cots or car seats.
hese non-profits are united by their belief that every baby and child has the right to equipment and clothing that will keep them safe and comfortable, each organisation is run by locals for locals.
St Kilda Mums’ Jessica Macpherson said “We believe that it is up to us to make the world a kinder place. In a world where what we buy becomes ever-disposable, we hope we can help families to think carefully about what they buy for their children and encourage them to share pre-loved items with their networks and charities like ours.”
Do I need to wash items before I donate them?
Yes please! Check out St Kilda Mums blog post on why freshly laundered clothing matters.
What items don’t you accept?
Each organisation has its own manifesto, so be sure to check out the organisation’s website before donating items.
Cheat sheet for donating baby goods
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