Baby Basics National Development Corp. is the parent organization of the eleven existing Baby Basics sites nationwide.  All Baby Basics organizations strive to be programs that changes the lives of babies, one by one.

From the Executive Director

The concept of the program Baby Basics originated from an organization in southern New Jersey, which was providing support to low income and welfare families. In founding the first Baby Basics program in 1992, the determination was made to limit the scope of the program to only those who are working and not receiving welfare. Before I began Baby Basics, in depth research went into assessing community support for working poor families. My research found that no organization was providing a basic hygienic necessity, diapers, on a consistent basis. Baby Basics was founded to fill this unmet need.

However, Baby Basics is much more than just a diaper distribution program. It is our mission to provide a supportive atmosphere and community for these hard working families. We call this kindness. Research shows that one of the four major factors of child abuse is a sense of isolation. Baby Basics strives to provide a connection to a caring community with support, a listening ear and a safe place to share daily struggles and successes thus diluting the sense of isolation for these struggling families.

Our gifts of diapers and kindness would not be possible without financial support from individuals, foundations and organizations. We are grateful to each person who supports us as we do this important work.

Sincerely,

Jean Ann Lynch, Executive Director

Jean Ann Lynch is a consultant in the field of Volunteer Administration. Jean Ann founded Baby Basics in Ridgewood, New Jersey and Hyde Park and is beginning a program in Collier County, FL. The Ridgewood Baby Basics, now affiliated with the Children's Aid and Family Services, has 4 sites and assists over 100 babies while maintaining a large waiting list. "As a former teacher, I have always been interested in child development. All the recent studies indicate the importance of the first 18 months for brain development. I realized that the children in near poverty situations were the most at risk for failure to thrive. Baby Basics, Inc. was born to support these struggling families."