Richie launches baby gift registry

Nicole Richie has launched an online baby gift registry to help struggling families.

The charitable service is organised by the socialite's Richie-Madden Children's Foundation, which she founded last Christmas.

It will initially operate in Los Angeles and New York before possibly expanding across the US and globally.

Families can sign up for the service through social services agencies and list baby products that they require, which will then be listed on the site. Donors can look at the lists and choose what to contribute.

Richie told People: "We take for granted the basic necessities. For some families, it's a serious struggle.

"This is one way to ease the financial burden, and help new babies have a good start in life. We are only working with companies and products that Joel and I would use. We're checking every product out for safety - and all products are BPA-free."