Serving low-income families in Bergen County Baby Basics provides nutritional and hygienic essentials for babies, along with parent education and a safety net system of emotional support and referrals for low-income families living or working in Bergen County. Often, the physical and emotional needs of these families are neglected. The Baby Basics program ensures success and helps build stronger, healthier families.

Baby Basics Organizing a drive Can YOU help by donating supplies and/or by organizing a Baby Basics drive? The following items are needed NOW: DIAPERS All Sizes/Brands FORMULA Similac Enfamil Carnation Good Start BABY WIPES OTHER INFANT ESSENTIALS Baby Shampoo/Wash Bibs and Bottles 4-passenger stroller

Background

Each year, an increasing number of families in our area have to make tough decisions about how to spend their earnings. Each month is a balancing act for them, choosing whether to pay rent, medical bills, or buy food. These families reside not only in poor urban areas, but in communities throughout Bergen County.

Baby Basics (PDF file, 445 kb) A presentation on Baby Basics for Community Groups

Among this population are babies who are at risk of going without proper hygiene and nutritional care. Many come from low-income, hardworking families. The parents work hard to provide for their children, but the high cost of formula and diapers presents an overwhelming challenge.

These facts prompted a group of volunteers at West Side Presbyterian Church, in Ridgewood, NJ, to create the Baby Basics program in 1994. In July 2005, the program was adopted by Children’s Aid and Family Services. Baby Basics is run primarily by volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and commitment to the program. It is supported by local churches, synagogues, schools and corporate and private donors that contribute funding.

Baby Basics provides free nutritional formula for one year and diapers to babies of low-income working families from birth through 2 years. Other infant essentials such as baby wipes, are also offered. Additionally, counseling, parent education, and other safety-net services are made available to all clients.

Did you know that? A one week supply of diapers can cost more than $26 A one week supply of formula can cost more than $45

The Purpose

Baby Basics was founded to provide free nutritional formula and diapers to babies of low-income working families from birth through two years. Shortly, we will also be offering baby wipes, and seeking to provide a number of other much-needed infant supplies.

The program also supports nursing mothers who need supplemental formula. These families are provided a system of support and referrals, as well as onsite parent education.

Baby Basics supplies are distributed from locations in Englewood and Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Eligibility

1. Parent of a child newborn to 2 years old.
2. One or both parents must live or work in Bergen County.
3. Acceptance is based on need (income-verified).
4. Qualified families are eligible regardless of race, creed or religion.
5. Infants are referred to Baby Basics through area hospitals, social service organizations and self-referrals.

• Donate formula, diapers, and/or baby wipes.
• Make a financial contribution.
• Commit to support a baby for a week, month, or other length of time.
• Organize a collection drive.
• Volunteer your time.
• Serve as a liason with your house of worship, school or employer to provide support for Baby Basics.

The mission of Children’s Aid and Family Services is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Since 1899, the agency has helped thousands of individuals—of all ages and from all walks of life—to thrive in their communities. Whether we’re working with a child seeking an adoptive family, providing a low-income family with affordable child care, helping a teenager resist the pressure to take drugs, providing a mentor for a vulnerable child, or offering support to those caring for elderly loved ones, we’re helping to build futures for children, families, and communities throughout New Jersey. For more details about the agency’s services, please visit www.cafsnj.org or call (201) 261-2800.