We accept a large variety of baby/toddler items for children ages 0-4 years and for pregnant/postpartum mothers. We have compiled a thorough guide that specifies which items may and may not be accepted as donations.
High-priority items
Urgent Essentials
Donated baby Items our Sharing Center needs most due to high-demand:
- Diapers size 7, newborn, 1 – 3
- Pull-ups (all sizes)
- Baby Wipes
- Formula (All brands and kinds)
- Toddler clothing sizes 2T-5T (new or gently used)
- Baby Wash, Lotion, and Diaper Rash Cream
- Pacifiers
- New Sleepers and Pants size 3M, 6M
- Gently used Baby Equipment
- Shop Amazon Wishlist
Desirable Supplies
Items on our wish list include:
- Target and Wal-Mart gift cards (used for Safe Sleep Program and diapers)
- Post-it Notes
- Clorox Wipes
- Rubber Bands
- U.S. Postage Stamps
- Color Printer Paper
- Paper Grocery Bags
- Individually wrapped snacks for volunteers
- Bottled water for volunteers
- Shop Amazon Wishlist for Supplies
View our contact page for mailing information.
Material Donation Guide
Baby Items Accepted for Donation
Baby Clothes & Accessories
- Clothes (new and used, preemie to size 5T)
- Shoes or boots
- Coats
- Hats and mittens
- Swimwear
Bedtime & Nursery
- Crib mattresses
- Bassinets
- Pack ‘n Plays (new for Safe Sleep Program or used for the Sharing Center)
- Sheets (crib, bassinet, Pack ‘n Play, or changing table)
- Blankets
- Baby books
Diapering
Diapers
- Diapers* (preemie to size 7)
- Pull-ups*
- Cloth Diapers (No stains, elastic and buttons in working condition)
*Most needed sizes: 4-6 size diapers and 4T-5T size pull-ups
Open packages of diapers and pull-ups are welcome!
Diaper Accessories
- Wet Bags
- Diaper Pails
- Diaper Genie
- Wipes
- Changing table
- Changing table mattresses
Gear & Equipment
- Strollers (any kind: umbrella, standard, jogging, double, triple)
- Baby-wearing carriers
- Car seat covers
- Potty chairs and potty seats
- Baby gates
- Baby-proofing items
- Other baby safety items
Feeding
Food
- Formula (all brands; not expired and not opened)
- Baby food (all brands and types; not expired and not opened)
- Pedialyte
- Pediasure
Feeding Equipment
- Bottles
- Milk storage bags
- Drying racks
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Pacifiers and pacifier clips
- Teething toys
- Sippy cups
- Kid plates
- Kid silverware
- High-chairs (must have straps)
- Booster feeding seats
Maternity & Nursing Items
- Maternity and nursing clothes of all sizes (e.g. pants, shirts, bras, belts, compression socks, etc.)
- Nursing accessories:
- Nursing pads
- Nursing pillows
- Nursing covers
- Breast pumps (closed systems and pump parts)
- Milk storage bags
- Pregnancy pillows
- Menstrual care products
Toys & Activities
- Swings
- Bouncy seats (e.g. Exersaucers, Jumperoo)
- Baby books
- Baby toys
- Bath toys
Supplies for Babies & Beyond
- Stamps for postage
- Paper grocery bags
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Soap
- Industrial food seal-wrap (for bundling diapers)
- Individually wrapped snacks for volunteers
- Bottled water
- Rubber bands
- Safety pins
- Colored paper
- Kitchen garbage bags
- Paper Towels
Textile Recycling
We are now recycling textiles that can no longer be used. Clothing of any size or blankets that are ripped, stained, or old, old shoes (paired and tied together) can be dropped off for recycling. Place them in a garbage bag and label “Textile Recycling.”
This green fundraiser is a great way to recycle used clothing, keeping it out of the landfill while easily raising money for our organization.
Recycling Benefits
Recycling vs. manufacturing has many “green” benefits, including:
- Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Clean Air Preservation
- Reduced Energy Consumption
- Water Conservation
- Woodland Conservation
Recycling textiles protects the environment from exposure to tons of harsh chemicals, waste products and waste water used in the manufacturing vs. recycling process of clothing.
Of the donated items that we cannot use at the center:
- 45% are worn as second hand clothing
- 30% are recycled into wiping cloths
- 15% are reprocessed into fibers
- 5% are unusable
Items We Cannot Accept
Items with Safety Concerns
We aim to provide clients with items that will help keep them and their children safe. For this reason, we cannot accept:
- Car seats and car seat bases
- Booster seats
- Cribs and crib bumpers
- Rock ‘n Plays
- Expired or open formula
- Expired or open baby food
Items with Quality Concerns
We aim to provide clients with items in good condition. For this reason, we cannot accept items that are:
- Excessively old or worn*
- Ripped, stained, damaged, or broken*
- Incomplete (missing pieces)
*New! We are now recycling textiles that can no longer be used. Clothing or blankets that are ripped, stained, or old can be dropped off for recycling. Place them in a garbage bag and label “Textile Recycling.”
Items Outside the Scope of Our Services
Our target clientele are families with children that are 0 to 4 years old. For this reason, we do not accept:
- Children clothes of size 6 or above
- Non-maternity adult clothing
Questions
These lists are not comprehensive. If you have any questions about whether we would accept a particular item, please email volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org.
Donation Drop-Off
Drop-Off Locations
Donation Center
The Donation Center is located at the back of the Sharing Center building. To check when we’re accepting donations, view our Sharing Center’s open hours.
To access the Donation Center, drive to the back of the building by the Advanced Auto Parts. VOLUNTEER & Donation Center ENTRANCE is labeled with our Babies & Beyond logo. Ring the door, enter and a volunteer will assist you. Tax receipts are available upon request.
Please do not leave items by the door during off-hours or throw in the dumpsters. Leaving items out in the elements may ruin them.
Partner Drop-Off Locations
We have several partner locations where you can drop-off items. Though please note that large items and large amounts of donations should be brought directly to our Donation Center.
| Location | Address | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church | 5313 Flad Ave, Madison | Donation Pack ‘n Play located in the narthex |
| Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church | 2116 Hollister Ave, Madison | Donation basket located at the top of the step in church narthex |
| Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church | 5101 Schofield Street, Monona | Donation bin located in Usher’s room in church narthex |
| St. Bernard Catholic Church | 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton | Donation Pack ‘n Play located outside the Mother’s Room in the narthex of the church |
| Once Upon a Child – Madison East | 1615 Thierer Road, Madison | Donations of Diapers, Baby Wipes and Formula only |
Preparing Items for Drop-Off
To enhance the efficiency of our intake procedure, we kindly request your assistance in preparing your items prior to drop-off. This may include:
- Wiping down/cleaning items
- Washing clothing
- Putting items in bags, boxes, or bins (non-returnable) with labels
- Separating and labeling by size and gender (if possible)
- Containing smaller, loose items (e.g. game pieces, toys, socks, etc.) in Ziploc bags, labeled and taped shut
- Textiles for recycling: clothing or blankets that are ripped, stained, or old can be dropped off for recycling. Place them in a garbage bag and label “Textile Recycling.”
Open Hours
Regular open hours for the Babies & Beyond Sharing Center and Donation Center.
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm |
