Newborn Kits

The birth of a baby should be a happy experience. In some countries, however, it brings new worries and problems. What if the baby is ill? How do we keep the baby warm? How do we feed another mouth? When the newborn arrives it may be with the assistance of the local midwife - if there is one in the area, and if the family will accept her assistance.

The midwife has the training and knowledge to handle the delivery but often does not have the very basic equipment, such as a clean cloth for the mother to lie on, a suitable instrument to cut the umbilical cord, or a towel to dry and wrap the baby.

Now imagine a baby born at a hospital in your hometown. Then take a moment to imagine a baby born in Africa, India, Madagascar, or Papua New Guinea. That baby has the same need to arrive in a well-prepared environment - and the same need for a chance to survive as a baby born at a well-equipped suburban hospital in The United States.

How do we bridge the gap between abundance and northing?

As friends of Global Health Ministries we have the opportunity to serve in a very special way by providing much needed medical supplies and equipment to areas of the world where the people have very little. We have been challenged to provide "Newborn Kits" which GHM will send to the areas where they are needed so that the midwives and the new mothers may feel that they are not alone, that someone cares, and that they can welcome the babies into a safer world.

Our reward: Their profound appreciation and the joy of serving the Lord and making a difference. 

One Newborn Kit contains (click here to download brochure)

(Please use new or clean used items in excellent condition)

• 1 36" square muslin or sheeting - not necessary to hem
• 1 regular size bath towel (approx. 24" x 40")
• 1 wash cloth
• 1 bath size bar Ivory soap
• 1 newborn stocking cap (keep hand knit ones small, use baby yarn)
• 1 small cotton blend or flannel shirt (to waist only as babies do not wear diapers)
• 1 receiving blanket (approx. 30" x 30")

Assembly Instructions

1. Wrap all these items in the towel
2. Place the wrapped items in a large 2 gallon or larger "Ziploc" plastic bag
3. Include note: "Newborn Kit". The note should be visible through the bag. 
4. Squeeze the air out of the bag before sealing.
5. Completed kits (10 to 15 kits to a box) can be mailed or delivered to GHM, 7831 Hickory Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432.

Note: Please disregard the instructions involving the gloves, cord ties, and razor blades as these items are no longer included in the Newborn Kit.

Monetary Donations & Prayers are Appreciated

In addition to the kit, funds are needed to provide additional training for local midwives and hospital staff, along with shipping and distribution within country of destination. A suggested donation of $5.00 with each kit will be a big help. Please do not include the money with the kit, but mail separately to GHM and mark Newborn Kit.

As you pack the kits, pray for the mother and child, that they may know the love of Christ, and pray for the medical staff who provide spiritual and medical care during delivery.

Helpful Hints

• Muslin or sheeting: Used sheets in good condition can be cut to size (use remnants for bandages). Check with local hotels - they may have sheets they can't use. Or get them from family, friends, garage sales, second-hand stores, or put a note in your church bulletin.
• Bath towel: Check with local hotels about towels. They may have some that are not "up to standard". Or look for bargains in discount stores.
• Wash Cloths: Some stores have bundles of 12 or 18 for around $5.
• Stocking cap: Cut an 10" x 10" piece of stretchy knit fabric (T-shirt type), fold in half lengthwise and sew or serge edge. Gather the top and sew or tie. Fold the other end up. A newborn's head is about 14" circumference.
• Shirt: Sew from flannel. Or buy nice looking light terry or knit sleepers at garage sales or second-hand stores. They are often in good shape since the babies grow out of them so fast, but they must be cut just above the crotch and hemmed.
• Receiving blanket: The cheapest are probably the 5 or 6 pack available at some discount stores. But even better: You may find some almost new flannel sheets at the second-hand store, cut them to size and serge or finish with a close zip zag around the edge.

Remember: All used items must be in excellent condition, "gentle used", and not stained. Thank you!