Northamptonshire charity sees demand rise for newborn baby supplies

Items given to families by Baby Basics range from mattresses to toys and toothbrushes

A charity that supports families of newborn babies said demand had risen sharply while donations had fallen.

Baby Basics, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire supplies starter packs of bed linen, toiletries and clothes.

The charity said the number of families needing its help had increased by 34% in the past year and appealed for more people to donate items.

It also warned health visitors had reported many of the babies they visit were being born in cold houses.

Sabrina Oakey from Baby Basics Northampton says the cost of living has had a huge impact on the service it provides

The charity was set up by a group of mothers who realised some parents did not have enough money to make sure newborn babies were safe and warm.

Sabrina Oakey, the coordinator of Baby Basics Northampton, said: "This last year, the cost of living's had a huge impact on us as a charity.

"We have seen a 34% increase in our referrals and a decrease in our donations. We are really struggling to find that balance at the moment.

"Even our financial donations have dropped. People are having to work harder and put their money where it's needed."

The cost of a Baby Basics pack, if everything had to be purchased, would be around £400

The charity does not have direct contact with families, so health visitors and other professionals pass the packs on.

Ms Oakey said: "We have health professionals coming through to pick up packs and commenting on how cold families' houses are - new babies are being born into cold houses."

Volunteers are now putting together an average of 12 starter packs each week, which Ms Oakey said was a "huge increase".

The charity's finances are strained even further by the need for emergency starter packs, which often have to be purchased brand new.

It has appealed for financial donations to help it meet the demand.