boarder baby

noun

1. an infant or young child who is abandoned or orphaned and left in a hospital for lack of a foster home.

Word History and Origins

Origin of boarder baby¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In the 1980s and ‘90s, it led to a “boarder baby” crisis, with drug-addicted mothers and fathers turning their backs on babies after birth in a hospital or clinic.

From Washington Times

At the church, she also was director of the “boarder baby ministry,” donating clothes, toys and other goods to area hospitals.

From Washington Post

At the church, she also was director of the “boarder baby ministry,” donating clothes, toys and other goods to area hospitals.

From Washington Post

General Hospital was instrumental in opening the boarder baby nursery, where volunteers could come in to hold the infants.

From Washington Post