Consumer writer Vicky Parry reveals the freebies, payments and perks that could save families hundreds, or even thousands of pounds
Let’s be honest: babies are magical, adorable… and astonishingly expensive.
Between nappies, formula, prams and the endless stream of “must-haves”, it can feel like your bank account is under siege from the moment you see that positive test.
But after speaking to new parents across the UK — and digging into what’s actually available — I’ve discovered something surprising.
There is a huge amount of financial help, free stuff and deals and ongoing support out there. The problem? Much of it is poorly advertised and seriously underclaimed.
If you’re expecting or have recently had a baby, here’s the childcare help you should know about — and claim.
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Start with the freebies you don’t have to qualify for
Before we even get into grants and benefits, there are plenty of things all new parents can get simply by signing up.
Registering with the big pregnancy and parenting clubs can land you a decent starter stash before baby even arrives.
Emma’s Diary packs , available across the UK, can be collected free from Boots or Argos if you sign up during pregnancy. These often include nappies, wipes, baby toiletries and a stack of money-off vouchers that are genuinely useful in those early months.
Boots Parenting Club is another must-join. You’ll get extra Advantage Card points, tailored coupons and occasional free gifts at key stages of pregnancy and baby’s first year.
Then there’s Pampers Club , which offers coupons, rewards and sometimes free nappies just for signing up and scanning purchases. It all adds up — especially when you’re going through several nappies a day.
Many parents tell me they managed to cover the first couple of weeks with samples alone.
£500 payment many parents don’t realise exists
One of the biggest pots of help available is the Sure Start Maternity Grant — a one-off £500 payment that doesn’t need to be repaid.
If you’re on Universal Credit or certain other benefits and having your first child (or multiple births), you could qualify. The money is designed to help with essentials like a cot, pram or washing machine.
What surprises me is how many eligible families simply don’t apply. Some assume they won’t qualify because they’re working, but if you receive certain benefits alongside work, you still might.
Timing matters. You can apply from 11 weeks before your due date up to three months after birth — and if you miss that window, you miss the payment.
Ongoing weekly cash many people skip
Nearly all parents are entitled to Child Benefit, currently worth more than £20 a week for your first child.
Even households where one parent earns over the repayment threshold should still consider claiming. Opting out completely can mean missing National Insurance credits that count towards your state pension — something that particularly affects parents who take time out of work to raise children.
It takes minutes to apply and can be backdated for three months, so it’s worth doing early.
Free food, formula and vitamins
If your household income is lower, the Healthy Start scheme is one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — supports available.
You’ll receive a prepaid card topped up every four weeks to spend on basics like:
- Milk
- Fruit and vegetables
- Infant formula
- Pulses
- Vitamins
For some families this adds up to hundreds of pounds a year. Yet thousands of eligible parents never apply, often assuming they won’t qualify if they’re working. In reality, many working households receiving Universal Credit can still claim.
A perk hidden inside the M&S app
Here’s one many new parents don’t know about.
Inside the M&S Sparks loyalty app is a free parenting club called Parent Hood , which runs from pregnancy until your child turns two.
Members can get:
- 10% off baby clothing
- Regular tailored Sparks offers
- Occasional café treats during parent-and-baby visits
- Extra discounts and surprise perks
If you already shop at M&S for food or clothing, it’s well worth activating.
Free prescriptions and dental care
This one is simple but valuable: while pregnant and for 12 months after giving birth, you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment .
Given the cost of dental work, especially after pregnancy, this can save a small fortune — but many parents forget to claim it.
The famous baby box — if you live in Scotland
Parents in Scotland benefit from one of the most generous schemes anywhere: the Scottish Baby Box .
Every newborn receives one, packed with clothing, books, bath items, a mattress and practical essentials. The box itself can be used as a safe sleep space in the early months and is worth hundreds of pounds.
While the rest of the UK doesn’t yet have an equivalent national scheme, there are still local alternatives worth exploring.
Don’t overlook local baby banks and family hubs
Across the UK, community support for new parents has expanded quietly in recent years.
Many areas now have baby banks , which provide free clothing, nappies, equipment and toys for families who need them. Access is usually via a midwife, health visitor or family hub and is confidential and judgement-free.
Family hubs and children’s centres can also offer:
- Free baby groups and feeding support
- Weighing clinics
- Nearly-new sales
- Parenting courses
- Sometimes free equipment
Your local council website will usually list what’s available.
Check for extra cost-of-living support
A drop in income during maternity or paternity leave can mean you newly qualify for help with household bills.
It’s worth checking eligibility for:
These aren’t baby-specific but can make a real difference during that first year.
The bottom line
As a consumer writer and a mum, I know how quickly the cost of a new baby mounts up. But I also know there’s far more help available than many families realise.
From free nappies and baby packs to £500 grants, food support and loyalty perks, taking an hour to sign up and apply for everything you can could save hundreds — if not thousands — in that first year.
So if you’re expecting or have just welcomed a new arrival, put the kettle on, grab your phone and start claiming.
Because when it comes to the cost of raising a baby, every little really does help.
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