Managing our Inventory: The Plan
The inventory used in creating our beautiful layettes is composed mainly of gently-used baby items that have been donated by individuals supportive of the work of Basically Babies. A limited number of items are also purchased when items are not donated in the quantity and configurations required. When inventory is received in the Basically Babies warehouse, a number of tasks and activities take place to ensure that the inventory items meet stringent quality guidelines and are usable within our layettes. Each item goes through a rigorous systems of checks to ensure that it meets the following guidelines. Each item must be:
- Scrupulously clean
- In excellent condition (not worn, torn, broken or frayed)
- Sized from 0-24 months
- Appropriate (no offensive or inappropriate slogans or wording)
- Safe for baby’s wear or use
Careful planning is done each year to estimate our total inventory needs for our layette production plans and then tasks and activities take place to ensure that sufficient quantities are collected to meet the Layette Program needs. These may include inventory donation drives, collection sites or media or social media call-outs for certain inventory items.
Certain key items that we are always in need of include:
- Baby Shoes (Sizes 0-6)
- Snowsuits (Sizes 0-24 months)
- Socks ( Sizes 0-24 months)
- Bibs
- Receiving Blankets
- Tights ( Sizes 0-24 months)
- Sleepers (0-24 months)