A Sheffield charity is working with the Mayor of South Yorkshire to ensure babies have safe places to sleep after hearing reports of infants sleeping in bouncy chairs and baths.
Sheffield Baby Basics, Glossop Road, have seen a surge in demand after hearing families can’t afford cribs and cots for their newborns.
As the cost of living crisis continues to rise, the charity aims to ensure that no baby or infant goes without a proper cot or crib.
Bethany Millward, 31, coordinator of Baby Basics Sheffield said: “Most of our cots and beds come in second hand donations, right now we are at the start of a project through the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard.”
Mr Coppard has launched a project called the safe place to sleep which is for the next four years, committing to finding every child under 5 in south Yorkshire with a safe space to sleep.
The volunteers at Baby Basics are contracted to deliver this project and are on a mission to ensure that every baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest.
With donations from the community, the project aims to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial burden after having a baby.
The centre provides important essentials including toiletries, baby shampoo and nappies for families who are not able to provide these necessities for themselves.
Ms Millward said: “We receive moses baskets, cots, and toddler beds from our warehouse that will be delivering them. So we won’t have to hold a waiting list for any of those items.
“A family in need will be guaranteed to receive one within a week of a professional referring them on their behalf which is really exciting news.”
Amidst the cost of living crisis, the demand for these basic necessities have increased and the number of donations have decreased, so volunteers are aiming to bridge the gap between the two.
The centre has been working alongside other charities, contacting businesses and asking for any form of donations to provide care packages of basic toiletries to families who need them.
Ms Millward said: “If you are a mum and you are struggling, then my advice is to get in touch with a health professional, so your health visitor or midwife.
“If you need specific items like a cot or a bed or a safe space for your child to sleep then do get in touch with one of those health professionals to make a referral to Baby Basics on your behalf.”
You can find more information on Baby Basics’ website here.