How To Donate Old Baby Items

Each household, including yours, has its own set of old or unused items. But one set of things some people often forget they have is their kids’ old baby items. Usually, after babies have outgrown their clothes and toys, most people keep them in the attic or basement, thinking they can reuse them if they ever welcome another baby in the family.  

But if you’re 100% sure that you and your family are done with having babies, it may be the best time to take out those old baby items and donate them for good. Not all families are privileged enough to provide enough clothes and toys for their babies. Some babies are also abandoned at a very young age and would thus need basic items such as clothes and blankets. 

While donating is a generous act, you must be aware of how to donate baby items properly. Remember, babies and infants are vulnerable to dirt bacteria, and old unused items might be full of them. Luckily, this article will serve as your quick guide on donating old baby items and ensuring your donations can impact other babies and families the most. 

1. Choose Your Charity  

Before anything else, it’s wise to determine which charity you plan to donate old baby items. Each charity has its own set of rules, policies, and requirements when donating baby stuff. You don’t want to be sorting and packing all your things only to learn that a certain charity doesn’t accept some of your items. So, go online, research, and learn more about the charities you want to donate to.   

Some charities can provide detailed information about the cause they support, their mission, the items they receive, the benefits, and their donation process. You can also read reviews about their pickup services, especially if you don’t have time to deliver your donations personally.  

For instance, suppose you wish to donate to Arc Foundation. This charity supports adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In that case, you can read a review of Arc Foundation pickup service to learn what type of baby items they receive and other donation policies they may have.  

If a charity doesn’t give you enough details about its donation process and policies, you might need to think twice about trusting them. An honest and legitimate charity will encourage your interest and actively respond to your concerns and questions.

2. Consider When To Donate 

It might be easy to pack every old baby item you see, especially if your goal is to declutter and eliminate the extra stuff you have at home. But for a more impactful and meaningful donation, it’s ideal to consider the season or time you’re donating.  

For example, if the winter or cold season is fast approaching, focus on donating your baby’s old winter coats, blankets, boots, mittens, and hats. These clothes can be beneficial for babies who have insufficient clothing for winter. Similarly, you can donate your baby’s old swim trunks, comfy shirts, and beach/summer toys when it’s spring or summer. 

3. Only Donate Well-Kept And Quality Clothes 

Although it’s tempting to throw away all those old baby clothes, you must ensure that every piece is of good quality and well-kept. This doesn’t necessarily mean you must only donate new clothes. But when you see noticeable tears, holes, or stains in the clothing, you may have to exclude them from your donation box. So, before putting all the items in the donation box, take your time to examine each piece and look out for discolouration, stains, tears, rips, and faded graphics. 

4. Clean And Wash The Items Before Donating 

Besides checking for defects and damages, it’s also recommended to clean and wash the baby items first before donating. This will reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria or viruses to the next user. Furthermore, if any baby or infant gets ill due to improper cleanliness of the donated clothing, the liability could fall into the donation centre or charity you’re supporting. You must also use baby-safe washing detergent when washing clothes to avoid triggering allergies that some babies might have.

5. Know Which Baby Items Are Donatable 

Each charity or organisation will have different specifications about which baby items they’ll accept. But the following are some common baby items that are never accepted as donations by most charity organisations: 

• Used or opened baby food  

As much as it’s a huge waste to toss away some of your baby’s leftover food, cereal, or formula, many organisations won’t accept them for safety reasons. However, you may donate them to people who you know personally and would appreciate the free items they can get. However, don’t forget to check the expiration dates before donating edible items.  

• Used pacifiers and baby bottles 

Most charity organisations don’t accept used pacifiers and bottles for hygiene reasons. Thus, you may have to properly dispose of your baby’s old pacifiers and baby bottles, especially if their nipples are already bitten and damaged by your child.  

• Used cribs and baby car seats 

Some organisational groups may not accept used cribs and car seats for safety reasons. These items could have loose or missing screws and other parts that could compromise the recipient’s safety. You may reach out to your chosen charity and inquire for more details about baby items they won’t accept for donation. 

Key Takeaway 

Donating your baby’s old items can be emotionally challenging, especially if you’re sentimental and wish to keep some mementoes of your child’s milestones. However, donating is a great way to put these items to better use rather than hoarding them in the attic. 

More importantly, donating will help families and children who need the items more. So, now that you know how to donate your baby’s old and used items, you can start searching for the charity organisation you wish to support, and don’t forget to check their donation guidelines and requirements.