1.2m babies are born every year in South Africa – 60% of which are born into multi-dimensional poverty. Of these 1.2m babies, over 150 000 babies are born to child and teenage mothers. More tragic is that over 10000 babies are being abandoned a year and if not abandoned are victims of famicide together with their mothers. We are facing a pandemic in South Africa that needs action now.
Future4Baby is a non-profit organisation with an ecosystem that supports young, vulnerable impoverished mothers and their babies, whilst helping address social inequality, sustainability, education and unemployment.
Our Story
When Ingrid Louw found herself with a car-full of baby items meant for a precious granddaughter that never made it into the world, she had no idea what to do. Everyone she called already had full cupboards with no space for more and found themselves also needing to declutter. She realised that there was no clear and accessible way for all these mothers to get these lovingly purchased clothes, bottles, dummies and toys, amongst other essentials to young, impoverished mothers who really needed them. So, she made a way, and Future4Baby was born.
Future4Baby is the essential pathway for all the pre-loved/new items that mothers and/or caregivers no longer need. Donating pre-loved baby clothes and items helps extend the lifespan of goods, reduces waste, and supports families in need, while also promoting sustainability and a circular economy. We re-home these precious items with families in need thereby helping to ensure that mothers and babies have access to basic necessities and contributing towards early childhood development. #Future4Baby
Layla, Our Heroine
Layla is a little firefly, also known as a lightening bug. She glows with childlike innocence and neverending hope for the babies we serve. She is magical and fascinating representing wonder, possibilities and the beauty of nature. Learning with Layla – she teaches joy and inspires a love for learning, she stimulates growth and teaches children about conservation and environmental issues. Fireflies inspirer inspire everyone to find the light in their lives and the courage to share it with the world! And for the brightest future ahead, we know it takes the collective effort of remarkable individuals to influence and support society.
About Us
Future4Baby is a registered Non-Profit organisation dedicated to supporting young, vulnerable and impoverished mothers and babies, including child and teenage pregnant mothers. The organisation has a dual commitment to people and planet. Our work is embedded in our country’s core universal national priorities of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and socio-economic development.
The Vision
A country where every young mother and baby, regardless of their circumstances, has access to safety, resources, and opportunities.
The Mission
to empower young and vulnerable mothers by providing direct, essential support and care to their babies and assist them with the critical information and resources to create an enabling home-based learning environment.
Our Reality*
1.2m
Babies are born every year
6/10
Babies born into multi-dimensional poverty
+-150 000
Teenage or child pregnancies
10 000
Babies are abandoned every year
$626m
Baby care products market
$230.9m
Baby textile market
87%
Textiles end-up in landfills
R2000 - R5000
Average spend on baby items every month
*According to reports from Statistics South Africa, DoH and Babysavers
President Cyril Ramaphosa in his Opening of Parliament address reaffirmed government’s commitment to end poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The President outlined the following government key focus areas, to give effect to the strategic priorities of the GNU:
Support for Black South Africans, Women, and the Youth, as well as those relegated to the fringes of the economy. An effective, integrated, and comprehensive poverty alleviation strategy to provide protection and support to the most vulnerable in society.
Removal of the social, economic, cultural, and other barriers to the full participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
An effective, integrated, and comprehensive poverty alleviation strategy to provide protection and support to the most vulnerable in society; and
A well-functioning and quality education system to reduce poverty with access to Early Childhood Development (ECD), as a prerequisite for improved learning in later years.
What We Do
We collect donated and pre-loved baby clothes and essential baby items destined for waste and landfills
We empower vulnerable unemployed youth including those with disabilities through upskilling with the local F4B production of the portable Lala Baby Pod™ as well as the preparation/production of the contents for the babies and mothers to be placed into the Pods
We promote and create awareness of Early Childhood Development with a focus on the First 1000 Days to our beneficiary mothers/caregivers, communities and public at large
Future4Baby is a first-of-its-kind, pioneering project that reimagines what is one family’s ‘waste’ as a critical resource for poor, disadvantaged families, mothers and babies who are helpless and underserved in our communities. Our innovative initiative known as the Lala Baby Pod™ is a resource package designed to provide immediate relief in a tangible and direct manner. The Lala Baby Pod™ is a locally produced, low cost-effective solution to purchasing a traditional cot/crib and contains the following:
Alignment with the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan
The overarching goal is to provide care and security to two generations - this act of kindness will be our ‘greatest love story ever told’!
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing textile waste and promoting responsible consumption, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
Direct Support for Vulnerable Mothers
Providing essential resources to young, disadvantaged mothers (including teen pregnant mothers), reducing the risk of infant abandonment and familicide.
Investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Enhancing informal learning at home and supporting parental involvement in education.
Poverty Alleviation
Offering tangible, direct contributions and essential services to underserved communities.
Job Creation
Generating employment opportunities, particularly for black women, youth and people with disabilities.
Community Upliftment
Creating and enabling micro-entrepreneurs for an inclusive local economy and sustainable communities.
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Join our pay – it-forward movement – “Ripples of Kindness” – whether you wish to donate goods, your time or other support, please submit your details here
