Wandsworth Council expands pioneering Baby Box scheme

Originally launched to support vulnerable young parents, including those under 21 and care-experienced mothers, the scheme is now being extended through the borough’s Access for All initiative to reach a wider group of families. This initiative is part of Wandsworth’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to vital early years support. 

Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children, expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion: “This expansion marks an important step in ensuring that every child in Wandsworth gets the best possible start in life. We know how vital early support is for new parents, and by making the Baby Box available to more families, we are removing barriers and giving every child the opportunity to thrive.” 

A key strength of the Wandsworth Baby Box scheme is its integration with the borough’s Family Hubs network. Here, Family Hub Connectors provide practical, tailored support to new and expectant parents, working alongside health professionals to ensure families are connected with the services they need from the earliest stages. 

Rosabel, a young mother who benefited from the initiative, shared: 
 “When I first found out I was pregnant, I didn’t know where to start or what I’d need. But through the Family Hub, I got help every step of the way. The Baby Box wasn’t just full of useful things, it showed me I wasn’t alone. It gave me confidence and made me feel like there were people looking out for me and my baby.” 

Each Baby Box includes a carefully selected package of essentials including clothes, blankets, books, and toys are included to support a baby’s early development and help parents build strong bonds through play, reading, singing, and everyday interaction. 

GPs, midwives, health visitors, registrars, and other professionals working with families can help signpost expectant parents to the Baby Box scheme. Wandsworth Council is also working with a wider network of health authorities to ensure that families giving birth outside the borough are not missed. Clear guidance and support will be available to professionals to help make the scheme as inclusive and accessible as possible. 

Councillor Sarah Davies, the Council’s Families Champion, said: 

“Talking with parents I know any extra pressures can be overwhelming in the first few months after a child arrives. The Baby Box scheme is a game changer; it lightens the financial burden, gives parents a key kit to help give their baby the very best start, and offers essential reassurance that they are supported and valued across Wandsworth.” 

This expansion of the Baby Box scheme highlights Wandsworth Council’s continued commitment to supporting families during the vital early stages of a child’s life – promoting health, wellbeing, and strong parent-child relationships borough wide. 

Eligibility includes: 

You may be eligible for a Baby Box if you are a first-time pregnant parent and in receipt of a qualifying benefit. This also includes couples where one parent already has children from a previous relationship, but it is their first child together, as long as one parent is receiving a qualifying benefit. 

Qualifying benefits include: 

• Universal Credit 
• Job Jobseeker’s Allowance 
• Housing Benefit 
• Council Tax Support 
• Disability Living Allowance 
• Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance 
• Carer’s Allowance 
• Child and Working Tax Credit 
• Income Support 

The Baby Box is also available to pregnant asylum seekers and refugees and looked-after children and care leavers. 

For more information, please contact babybox@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk