Struggling with baby costs? Here are the freebies and discounts you can claim

If you’re a new parent struggling to afford the essentials for your newborn, you’re not alone. Research shows four in 10 UK parents find it difficult to buy the items they need.

A survey of 2,000 parents with children under five by the charity Barnardo’s found:

• 54% wished they could have provided more essential items for their newborn
• 49% felt their child was missing out on opportunities to play or learn due to costs
• 44% said financial pressures had affected their child’s development, including speech, socialising and physical play

The charity is calling for a nationwide rollout of a scheme similar to Scotland’s baby box, which provides essentials like clothing, books and a changing mat to all new parents.

Meanwhile, 2024/25 data suggests around 4 million children (27%) in the UK live in poverty, defined as households earning less than 60% of the national median income after housing costs.

Although recent changes to the two-child benefit policy may increase support for some families, Barnardo’s says more needs to be done to tackle poverty in early childhood.

While a UK-wide baby box scheme isn’t yet in place, there are still plenty of freebies and discounts available, if you know where to look.

Free nappies and rewards with Pampers

Download the Pampers Club Rewards app to earn points every time you buy nappies or wipes.

• scan the QR code on packs to collect points
• convert points into money-off vouchers for supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Tesco
• larger sizes earn more points as your baby grows
• collect 10 stamps to receive a free pack of nappies delivered to your home

Free weaning guide and vouchers from Ella’s Kitchen

Join Ella’s Friends at Ella’s Kitchen to receive:

• a free digital weaning guide
• vouchers and coupons tailored to your baby’s stage
• age-appropriate support from first tastes to toddler meals

Free samples and offers from Emma’s Diary

Sign up to the Parenting Club at Emma’s Diary and get:

• free product samples
• exclusive discounts and offers
• e pregnancy and baby app
• weekly milestone emails

You may also receive extras such as:

• a free professional photography session
• access to free online pregnancy classes

Free gifts with Boots Parenting Club

If you have a Boots Advantage Card, join the Boots Parenting Club for:

• free gifts at key baby stages
• parenting advice and support
• 8 points per £1 on baby products

Free DryNites sample from Huggies

Try before you buy with Huggies:

• request a free DryNites Pyjama Pants sample pack
• receive a voucher for a full-size pack
• limited to one sample per household

Discounts, treats and events with M&S Parent Hood

If you’re a Sparks member at Marks & Spencer, you can join the Parent Hood scheme:

• attend weekly parent-and-baby café mornings, includes a free treat with a hot drink
• get 10% off baby grows for a year
• receive monthly perks worth up to £250 in total savings

Vouchers and support from Bounty

Join Bounty for:

• tailored pregnancy and parenting support
• a £20 Mamas & Papas voucher
• discounts on baby essentials
• free samples

Free books with Bookstart

Families with babies up to 12 months can receive a free pack from BookTrust through the Bookstart scheme.

• includes books and resources to support early development
• available via health visitors, libraries and registrars
• bilingual packs available in Wales

Amazon Baby Wishlist perks

Create a baby wishlist on Amazon to access:

• a free welcome gift when you spend £10 on eligible baby items
• up to 15% discount on selected products
• potential savings of up to £300

Healthy Start support

If you’re on a qualifying benefit and are pregnant or have a child under four, you may be eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

Weekly payments:

• £4.65 during pregnancy (from week 10)
• £9.30 for children aged 0 - 1
• £4.65 for children aged 1 - 4

Payments stop after your child’s fourth birthday or if your circumstances change.

You’ll also receive free Healthy Start vitamins.

While these offers won’t remove all financial pressure, combining several of them can make a meaningful difference, especially in your baby’s first year.