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Free Baby Gear and Children’s Items for Single Mothers in Missouri

Free Baby Gear and Children’s Clothing Resources for Single Mothers in Missouri

Last updated: September 2025

Quick Help Box

Emergency Options First

  • Immediate safety for your child: Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides short‑term 24/7 emergency care for children from birth through age 12 at multiple locations. Call 314-768-3201 (City/North) or 636-947-0600 (St. Charles) or 636-887-3070 (Wentzville). They can also give take-home supplies such as diapers, formula, clothing, toys, and books after a stay, and connect you to ongoing support. Locations and helplines. (crisisnurserykids.org)
  • State hotlines you might need quickly: Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline 800-392-3738 (24/7); Adult Abuse & Neglect 800-392-0210; both listed on DSS Contact page. (dss.mo.gov)
  • Plan B if phone lines are busy: Use the 211 online directory any time of day to request a callback from local agencies. Example listing shows hours and no‑fee notes for Crisis Nursery and diaper distribution at libraries. (search.211helps.org)

What You’ll Find In This Guide

  • Action steps first for each program.
  • Exact dollar amounts, income limits, and phone numbers for Missouri programs when available.
  • Tables you can scan for diapers, clothing, car seats, WIC/SNAP/TA amounts, and regional contacts.
  • Reality checks on waitlists, monthly limits, and timelines, plus a Plan B at the end of each section.

Quick Reference Tables

Program Snapshot for Missouri Single Mothers

Program What you can get Who qualifies (high level) How much or how often
Diaper banks (St. Louis Area Diaper Bank) Monthly diaper packs via partner agencies Families working with partner agencies/home visitors in covered counties Typically 50 diapers/child/month; some sites distribute 25–50 diapers depending on age and supply. (stldiaperbank.org)
Diaper banks (HappyBottoms – KC metro) Monthly diapers or training pants via partner agencies Children under 4; minimal documentation 75 diapers (NB–6) or 50 training pants/child/month. (happybottoms.org)
Diaper Bank of the Ozarks (SW MO) Diapers via 100+ partner agencies; cloth kits Families served by partner agencies in the Ozarks Distribution varies by site; network sends out about 30,000 diapers/week regionally. Phone 417-862-3586. (ccozarks.org, ozarksfirst.com)
Nurses for Newborns (MO) Home visiting, diapers, formula, car seats, pack‑’n‑plays if needed Pregnant/postpartum families and infants up to age 2 in service counties Services free; FY24 outcomes included 200,000+ diapers and 288+ car seats distributed. Intake 314-544-3433 x315. (nursesfornewborns.org)
Assistance League (School clothing) New school clothing, shoes, hygiene kits Students identified by schools (St. Louis + KC regions) St. Louis set includes uniforms and shoes; KC provides full outfits and **Target vouchers of $150 for older students. (alstl.org, assistanceleague.org)

Missouri WIC Income Limits as of June 1, 2025

WIC uses 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Missouri DHSS publishes exact monthly limits. Below are selected household sizes. For the full table, use the link.


Household size Monthly gross income ceiling
1 $2,413
2 $3,261
3 $4,109
4 $4,957

Missouri WIC Income Guidelines (full chart and Spanish version). For help, call 800-392-8209 or 800-835-5465. (health.mo.gov)

SNAP Maximum Monthly Allotments and Income Limits (FY 2025, Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025)

Household size Max allotment (48 states + DC)
1 $292
2 $536
3 $768
4 $975
5 $1,158
6 $1,390
7 $1,536
8 $1,756
Each additional +$220

Key figures to qualify (most households): Gross monthly income at or below 130% FPL (e.g., 3-person household: 2,798∗∗),andnetincomeatorbelow∗∗1002,798**), and net income at or below **100% FPL** (3-person household: **2,152). See full income table in USDA memo. USDA FY 2025 SNAP COLA memo with tables. (fns.usda.gov)

Missouri Temporary Assistance (TA) Cash Benefit – Maximum Grant

Missouri sets TA maximums by applying 34.526% to the Standard of Need. The regulation table below shows the maximum monthly grant ceilings used for budgeting.

Persons in TA assistance group Max grant (34.526% of need)
1 $136
2 $234
3 $292
4 $342
5 $388
6 $431
7 $474
8 $514

Reference: Missouri rule 13 CSR 40‑2.310 (Table shows standards through group sizes beyond 8). Eligibility rule and grant table. Also see DSS income limits page and DSS memo on TA diversion amounts. (casetext.com, mydss.mo.gov, dssmanuals.mo.gov)

Car Seats and Safe Sleep Resources

Resource What you can get How to access
Safe Kids Missouri coalitions Car seat checks; many sites distribute low‑cost or free seats to qualifying families See DHSS Safe Kids coalition list and contact map. 866-726-9926 (DHSS) for coalition info. Safe Kids Missouri page. (health.mo.gov)
Safe Cribs for Missouri Portable crib (Pack‑’n‑Play) + safe sleep education for low‑income families with no other resources Ask your local public health agency or WIC clinic to refer you. See DHSS SIDS resources page. DHSS SIDS resources with Safe Cribs note. (health.mo.gov)
Nurses for Newborns Car seats and safe sleep items when needed for enrolled families Intake 314-544-3433 x315. NFN Missouri program. (nursesfornewborns.org)

Step‑By‑Step: Getting Free Diapers, Baby Supplies, and Kids’ Clothes in Missouri

Diaper Banks and Baby Supply Programs

Start here: Pick the network that serves your region and contact a partner site for the next distribution.

  • St. Louis area
    The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank distributes through partner agencies and library partners across the city and surrounding counties. Families in partner case management or home visitation programs typically receive 50 diapers per child per month, and many public distributions provide 25–50 diapers depending on age and supply. Call partner agencies listed on their site or start at the main line 314-624-0888. Diaper Bank FAQs and programs. (stldiaperbank.org, search.211helps.org)
  • Kansas City metro
    HappyBottoms provides 75 diapers (NB–6) or 50 training pants per child per month for kids under age 4, distributed through 70+ agencies and several hospitals. Apply online; approval emails go out twice weekly. HappyBottoms family resources and FAQs. (happybottoms.org)
  • Southwest Missouri (Springfield and Ozarks region)
    Diaper Bank of the Ozarks distributes via 100+ partners and maintains cloth-diaper kits for qualifying families. Their network moves about 30,000 diapers/week. Call 417-862-3586 or use the “Find Diapers” link. Diaper Bank of the Ozarks at Crosslines. (ccozarks.org, ozarksfirst.com)
  • Mid‑Missouri counties served by First Chance for Children (Columbia and surrounding rural areas)
    The “Baby Bags” program offers a 25‑diaper pack per eligible child plus wipes and hygiene items (varies by county). Call 573-777-1815. Baby Bags program details. (firstchanceforchildren.org)
  • Statewide support via home visiting (Nurses for Newborns)
    Families enrolled can receive diapers, formula, clothing, and safety equipment as needed. Intake 314-544-3433 x315. NFN Missouri services. (nursesfornewborns.org)
  • Plan B if these routes are full: Check your county library listings on 211—many libraries host diaper pickups through St. Louis Area Diaper Bank—and ask your pediatric clinic or home‑visiting program for a direct referral. Example listing: St. Louis County Library Florissant Valley Branch diaper distribution. (search.211helps.org)

Reality check: Diaper banks set monthly caps so they can serve everyone. Expect pickup once per month per child and bring ID for the child (Medicaid card, shot record, or birth record) if requested (KC metro). (happybottoms.org)

Car Seats, Cribs, and Safe Sleep

Start here: Ask your WIC clinic, local health department, or a Safe Kids coalition for an appointment.

  • Car seats
    Safe Kids Missouri coalitions host seat checks and many sites connect qualifying families to free or low‑cost seats. Contact your regional coalition via the DHSS page or call the DHSS Healthy Living line 866-726-9926 to be routed. Safe Kids Missouri. (health.mo.gov)
  • Cribs/Pack‑’n‑plays
    The Safe Cribs for Missouri program provides a portable crib plus education for low‑income families with no other way to obtain one. Ask your local public health agency, WIC clinic, or hospital social worker for a referral. DHSS SIDS resource page noting Safe Cribs for Missouri. (health.mo.gov)
  • Plan B if you’re between appointments: Call the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery helpline; families leaving care can receive diapers, wipes, infant supplies, clothing, toys, and books as needed. (crisisnurserykids.org)

Free and Low‑Cost Children’s Clothing

Start here: Use school‑based clothing programs and voucher programs that don’t require long forms.

  • Assistance League of St. Louis – Operation School Bell
    Provides new uniforms, shoes, socks, underwear, fleece jacket, belt, hat/gloves, hygiene items, and a new book to elementary students in St. Louis City/County schools; maintains “AL’s Closets” stocked year‑round in dozens of schools. School staff handle referrals; contact the League at 636-227-6200 for school participation questions. Program details. (alstl.org)
  • Assistance League of Kansas City – Operation School Bell
    Elementary students get full outfits including a warm top and shoes; middle/high school students receive **Target vouchers of $150 for clothing and essentials. Schools refer families; see program overview for counts and eligibility. KC program overview. (assistanceleague.org)
  • St. Vincent de Paul (St. Louis area)
    Parish conferences provide thrift store vouchers for clothing and household goods; use the Conference Finder to contact your local SVDP. Get help and voucher info • Assistance programs. (svdpstlouis.org)
  • Baby Grace church network (multiple rural and small‑city sites)
    Offers diapers, wipes, clothing, and gear depending on donations at dozens of Missouri locations (e.g., Buckner, Fulton, Wellington, Holden, Boonville). See site pages for open hours and phone contacts like 417-342-0724 (Buckner) or 573-642-5721 (Fulton). Find locations. (babygrace.org, babygrace.org)
  • Helping Hand‑Me‑Downs (St. Louis region)
    Provides clothing, coats, shoes, toys/books, and one larger baby gear item (as available) when referred by partner agencies or after a life‑coaching session. Appointment‑only at Ellisville site; general number 314-919-6999. HHMD services and FAQs. (helpinghandmedowns.com, helpinghandmedowns.org)
  • Plan B if referrals are required: Ask your child’s school social worker, WIC clinic, crisis nursery counselor, or 211 navigator to make the referral on your behalf to programs that require agency referrals (HHMD, some SVDP conferences). (search.211helps.org)

Government Benefits That Help You Afford Baby Gear And Clothing

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

Most important first: If you’re pregnant or have a child under 5, apply now. WIC can start benefits quickly after your appointment and can provide breast pumps in addition to food packages and breastfeeding support.

  • Eligibility highlights: Missouri WIC uses 185% FPL income limits (automatic if you get SNAP/TA eligible within their rules). See the full chart; for a family of 3 the monthly income ceiling is $4,109. MO WIC income guidelines. (health.mo.gov)
  • What you can get related to baby gear: WIC can provide different types of breast pumps at no charge based on a lactation assessment—manual, loaner hospital‑grade pumps, or personal double electric pumps for moms separated from infants for work/school. Breastfeeding FAQ: pumps policy. (health.mo.gov)
  • How to apply and set an appointment: Call 800-392-8209 (WIC support line) or 800-835-5465 (TEL‑LINK) to locate a clinic, or use the interactive map. How to apply for WIC. (health.mo.gov)
  • Timeline: Clinics usually schedule within 1–2 weeks; emergencies can be prioritized. If you’re waiting, ask about a same‑week cancellation slot.
  • Plan B if you’re not eligible or waiting: Ask your hospital lactation team or Nurses for Newborns about temporary pump loans or donated gear. (nursesfornewborns.org)

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Most important first: Apply online at myDSS.mo.gov and complete your interview at 855-823-4908. If you have very low income and little cash, ask about expedited service.

  • Benefit amounts and limits: See the FY 2025 table above (family of 4 up to $975/month). USDA SNAP FY 2025 memo with tables. (fns.usda.gov)
  • Deadlines: State agencies must issue benefits within 30 days, or 7 days if you qualify for expedited service. If you don’t get benefits or a denial by day 30, call the FSD Info Line 855-373-4636 and reference the federal timeliness rules. USDA processing standards. (fns.usda.gov)
  • What about diapers: Federal law doesn’t allow SNAP to buy diapers, but it frees up cash for baby gear.
  • Plan B if you’re denied or delayed: Ask your caseworker to evaluate expedited eligibility, submit missing verification immediately, and, if needed, request supervisory review. USDA guidance confirms you must have benefits available to spend by day 30 (or by day 7 for expedited). (fns.usda.gov)

Temporary Assistance (TA) Cash

Most important first: If you’re the parent/guardian of a minor child and have very low income, TA can provide a small monthly cash benefit and connect you to employment services.

Summer EBT (SuN Bucks) for School‑Age Kids

Most important first: If your kids get free/reduced school meals or you receive SNAP/TA, you may be auto‑approved for Summer EBT in 2025.

  • Benefit level: The permanent federal Summer EBT benefit is $40/month per eligible child during summer (adjustments begin in 2025 per USDA). USDA Summer EBT benefit memo. (fns.usda.gov)
  • Missouri status: Missouri’s plan is approved for 2025; DSS and DESE are co‑administering. Families on SNAP/TA should be auto‑issued; others may need the state application. See DESE’s Missouri SuN Bucks page for the navigator and application links. DESE Missouri SuN Bucks. (dese.mo.gov)
  • Plan B: If your child attends a CEP school and you don’t get SNAP/TA, use the DESE Eligibility Navigator and complete the state application promptly before the posted deadline. (dese.mo.gov)

Regional Resource Guide

St. Louis City/County + St. Charles/Jefferson/Lincoln

  • Diapers: St. Louis Area Diaper Bank; library pickups at locations like Florissant Valley Branch. Main line 314-624-0888. (search.211helps.org)
  • Emergency childcare/supplies: Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Helpline 314-768-3201 (City/North), 636-947-0600 (St. Charles), 636-887-3070 (Wentzville). (crisisnurserykids.org)
  • Baby/children’s clothing and larger gear: Helping Hand‑Me‑Downs (by appointment; referrals or life‑coaching session). (helpinghandmedowns.com)
  • School clothing: Assistance League of St. Louis – Operation School Bell and AL’s Closets (through your child’s school). (alstl.org)

Kansas City Metro (Clay, Platte, Jackson, and surrounding)

  • Diapers: HappyBottoms; apply online; 75 diapers/mo or 50 training pants. Several Baby Grace sites in Northland and east‑Jackson County. (happybottoms.org, babygrace.org)
  • School clothing: Assistance League of Kansas City – Operation School Bell, including $150 Target vouchers for older students. (assistanceleague.org)

Springfield and Southwest Missouri

  • Diapers: Diaper Bank of the Ozarks via partners; cloth diaper kits available; phone 417-862-3586. (ccozarks.org)
  • Domestic violence shelter with family supports: Harmony House 417-837-7700 (for moms fleeing violence). (search.211helps.org)

Mid‑Missouri (Columbia/Jefferson City and rural counties)

  • Baby Bags: First Chance for Children serves 0–5 with diapers and supplies; call 573-777-1815. (firstchanceforchildren.org)
  • Clothing/diapers: Baby Grace locations in Boonville, Fulton, Sedalia, etc., with posted hours and phone contacts. (babygrace.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using multiple diaper agencies in the same month: Programs like HappyBottoms limit each child to one agency; duplication can get you removed from the list. (happybottoms.org)
  • Missing your SNAP interview: Your case will pend or be denied; call 855-823-4908 to reschedule immediately. (dss.mo.gov)
  • Not asking for expedited SNAP when you qualify: If your income/cash is near zero, ask the caseworker to check expedited criteria—benefits must be available within 7 days if you qualify. (fns.usda.gov)
  • Expecting WIC to hand out cash: WIC provides specific foods, breastfeeding supports, and pumps—not cash. For pump eligibility, request a lactation assessment at your clinic. (health.mo.gov)
  • Waiting for someone to call you about a crib: Ask explicitly for a Safe Cribs for Missouri referral through your WIC/public health nurse. (health.mo.gov)

Application Checklist

  • Photo ID and proof of Missouri residency for you.
  • Proof of household income (pay stubs, benefit letters) for the last 30 days for SNAP/WIC; bring what you have and ask what else is needed.
  • Child’s ID when required for diaper programs (Medicaid card, birth record, or shot record).
  • Pregnancy documentation (for WIC and some charities), if available.
  • Your EBT card number or case number if you already receive benefits.
  • A safe contact phone and voicemail so agencies can reach you quickly with pickup times.

Diverse Communities

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for an LGBTQ+‑affirming provider when you call 2-1-1 or enroll with Nurses for Newborns; they offer confidential, no‑cost home visiting and can help with referrals and baby items without judgment. (nursesfornewborns.org)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: SNAP rules and many diaper programs waive certain requirements or allow additional supports; 211 navigators can flag accessibility and delivery options in referrals. Example program pages note language access and home‑based support. (search.211helps.org)
  • Veteran single mothers: When using SVDP or Assistance League referrals through schools, identify as a veteran; schools and nonprofits often prioritize veteran families for vouchers or drives. SVDP’s voucher program is managed locally through parish conferences. (svdpstlouis.org)
  • Immigrant and refugee single moms: WIC eligibility is based on Missouri residency and income; immigration status is not asked for the child. If you are not WIC‑eligible, ask a clinic or NFN for material support referrals. WIC contact lines: 800-392-8209 / 800-835-5465. (health.mo.gov)
  • Tribal citizens: Check both county public health/WIC and tribal health programs if you live near tribal service areas; Safe Kids coalitions cover statewide and can route you to the nearest seat check. (health.mo.gov)
  • Rural single moms with limited access: Many Baby Grace sites operate in small towns with set monthly hours and minimal paperwork (e.g., Buckner, Wellington, Holden). Call the location contact listed on each page. (babygrace.org, babygrace.org)
  • Single fathers raising children: Most programs serve all caregivers—WIC allows dads, grandparents, and guardians to apply for children under 5; diaper banks serve the child regardless of caregiver. (health.mo.gov)
  • Language access: DSS can provide a translator when you call 855-373-4636; many agencies list Spanish and other languages (e.g., Crisis Nursery, NFN). (mydss.mo.gov, search.211helps.org, nursesfornewborns.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Real‑World Examples

  • KC mom of a 2‑year‑old: Enrolled with a HappyBottoms partner, she gets 75 diapers each month. Her WIC clinic issued a personal double electric pump when she returned to work 32+ hours/week postpartum. (happybottoms.org, health.mo.gov)
  • St. Louis parent after a crisis: Used the Crisis Nursery for a 2‑day respite; left with diapers, wipes, and a children’s book, plus a same‑week referral to a diaper partner and an Assistance League school closet. (crisisnurserykids.org, alstl.org)
  • Springfield family: Partner agency linked them to Diaper Bank of the Ozarks after a job loss; within 48 hours they picked up a month’s supply and signed up for cloth‑kit education to stretch their budget. (ccozarks.org)

Frequently Asked Questions (Missouri‑Specific)

  • How many diapers per month can I get in St. Louis through the Diaper Bank?
    50 diapers/child/month through partner case‑management or home‑visiting programs; some public distributions provide 25–50. (stldiaperbank.org)
  • In Kansas City, how many diapers per month does HappyBottoms provide?
    75 diapers (NB–6) or 50 training pants/month per child under age 4. (happybottoms.org)
  • Can diaper programs help me the same day?
    Some can—Crisis Nursery can provide emergency supplies after a brief intake; libraries host same‑day pickups on set schedules. Call before heading out. (crisisnurserykids.org, search.211helps.org)
  • Does WIC really give free breast pumps?
    Yes—type depends on a lactation assessment (manual, loaner hospital‑grade, or personal double electric when criteria are met). No charge. (health.mo.gov)
  • How fast can SNAP be approved?
    Within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service; otherwise within 30 days. You must have benefits available to spend by those deadlines. (fns.usda.gov)
  • What’s the TA cash amount for a family of four?
    The maximum monthly grant is $342 under the state’s standard. (casetext.com)
  • Are car seats or cribs free anywhere?
    Yes—ask Safe Kids Missouri sites and your local health department. The Safe Cribs for Missouri program provides portable cribs with education for eligible families. (health.mo.gov)
  • Do school clothing programs use income forms?
    Most rely on school social workers/counselors to identify students in need; you won’t usually complete separate income documents. Assistance League programs serve referred students. (alstl.org, assistanceleague.org)
  • Will Summer EBT run in Missouri in 2025?
    Yes—Missouri is approved. Benefits are $40/child/month during summer; some families are auto‑issued, others must apply. (dese.mo.gov, fns.usda.gov)
  • Where do I get office help in person?
    Use the DSS office map to find your local Resource Center; hours vary and you can chat to schedule. Info line 855-373-4636. (dss.mo.gov)

What To Do If This Doesn’t Work

  • No pickup slots or long lines: Ask if there’s a partner agency with a shorter list or a library site that can serve you this week. 211 can reroute you.
  • You’re over income for WIC/TA but still can’t afford supplies: Ask a social worker or pediatrician to refer you to HHMD (St. Louis), Nurses for Newborns, or SVDP for voucher assistance. (helpinghandmedowns.com, nursesfornewborns.org, svdpstlouis.org)
  • Your SNAP application stalled: Call 855-373-4636 and cite the 7/30‑day federal standards; request supervisory review and check if verification is pending. (fns.usda.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: Dedicated benefits researchers specializing in government assistance programs.

Methodology: We rely on primary sources: Missouri DHSS, Missouri DSS, USDA FNS, and established nonprofits’ official websites. All links were tested at publication. See citations throughout and in the tables.

Editorial Standards: This guide follows our Editorial Policy emphasizing accuracy, inclusivity, clear application steps, and fast corrections.

Last verified: September 2025, next review April 2026.

Corrections or updates: Email info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48–72 hours.

Disclaimer

Important: Program rules, amounts, pickup schedules, and eligibility can change with little notice. Always verify details with the relevant agency or nonprofit before traveling or submitting documents. We are researchers, not government employees, and cannot guarantee outcomes. To keep our site secure and your data safe, avoid sending sensitive personal information by email—apply through official portals linked above.

Sources

  • Missouri WIC income limits and application: Missouri DHSS WIC income chart and application info, updated June 2025; WIC breastfeeding pump policy. (health.mo.gov)
  • SNAP FY 2025 amounts and deadlines: USDA FNS FY 2025 COLA memo (maximum allotments/income tables); USDA timeliness standards (7/30‑day rules) and “opportunity to participate” guidance. (fns.usda.gov)
  • Missouri TA grant standards: 13 CSR 40‑2.310 table; DSS income limits summary and Diversion memo. (casetext.com, mydss.mo.gov, dssmanuals.mo.gov)
  • Diaper banks: St. Louis Area Diaper Bank FAQs/programs; HappyBottoms family resources/FAQs; Diaper Bank of the Ozarks info via Crosslines; First Chance for Children Baby Bags. (stldiaperbank.org, happybottoms.org, ccozarks.org, firstchanceforchildren.org)
  • Crisis Nursery: Locations, helplines, and program descriptions (take‑home supplies). (crisisnurserykids.org)
  • Assistance League clothing programs: St. Louis and Kansas City program pages. (alstl.org, assistanceleague.org)
  • Safe Kids and Safe Cribs: DHSS Safe Kids Missouri page; DHSS SIDS resources noting Safe Cribs for Missouri. (health.mo.gov)
  • SVDP assistance: Get Help and Assistance Programs (vouchers). (svdpstlouis.org)
  • DSS contact and office map: Phone numbers and resource center map. (dss.mo.gov)

What we guarantee: Links to official sources or established nonprofits; accurate phone numbers at publication; prompt corrections when verified. If you find an error or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org and we will update within 48 hours.

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