About our Baby Boxes
Our Baby Boxes are all about supporting babies in the North East to have the best start in life. The Box has a unique focus on baby development, parental wellbeing, bonding and attachment and is packed full of developmentally stimulating books and toys. It also includes essentials like a changing mat, bath towel, and first toothbrush to get families started with baby care.
Since launching in 2023, our Baby Box project has become a cornerstone of The Children's Foundation work supporting the first 1,001 Critical Days and addressing child poverty in the North East. The project runs across the region including Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Hartlepool.
Baby Box Achievements
In January 2026 we sent out the 3,000 Box across the North East. Baby Boxes have been embraced by all those involved from families, health professionals, community partners, local authorities.
In 2024, the North East Child Poverty Commission cited the project as a key recommendation for regional roll out in its 'No Time To Wait' blueprint for tackling child poverty.
The North East Combined Authority named our Baby Boxes as a central element of their Child Poverty Action Plan - 'supporting families here and now'.
Funding for this project comes via Local Authorities and the North East Combined Authority.
Recognition has come not only from the families we support, but also from national and regional platforms. Our Baby Boxes have been featured on BBC Breakfast, referenced in the North East Child Poverty Summit Action Plan, and included in roundtable discussions helping to shape NECA’s Child Poverty Strategy.
If you’d like to explore this coverage, you can read more using the links below.
Alongside the delivery of our Baby Boxes, we have worked hard to build meaningful connections with the families we support. This has included taking part in Baby Week celebrations across the region, attending oral health pop-up events, and hosting Baby Box events where families can meet our team and connect with one another.
Below are a few photos from some of our Baby Box events.
If you would like any further information please get in touch:
Email: nuth.tcfbabybox@nhs.net Phone: 0191 282 0000