Having a baby is expensive, but new parents in the UK have access to more free support than many realise. From government grants and childcare funding to retailer freebies and Amazon’s Baby Wishlist, here’s a full rundown of what’s currently available.
Government money you may be entitled to
If you or your partner receive a qualifying benefit and this is your first child, you can claim a Sure Start Maternity Grant of £500 towards the cost of a new baby. It’s tax-free, doesn’t need to be repaid, and won’t affect your other benefits. You can apply from 11 weeks before your due date up to six months after the birth using form SF100. Families in Scotland get the more generous Best Start Grant instead.
The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps pregnant women and low-income families buy food, milk and formula. Eligible families get a prepaid card topped up every four weeks: £4.65 a week during pregnancy and for children aged one to four, rising to £9.30 a week for babies under one. Pregnant women under 18 qualify automatically, regardless of benefits.
Working parents can also access 30 hours a week of funded childcare for children from nine months old, up from the previous 15 hours. This is worth an average of around £8,000 a year per child and runs for 38 weeks a year. Tax-Free Childcare can also save up to £2,000 a year per child, or £4,000 for a disabled child.
Free healthcare during pregnancy and beyond
Pregnant women and new mothers get free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental care for 12 months after the birth. Ask your midwife or GP for a maternity exemption certificate (form FW8) to claim both.
Freebies from parenting clubs and retailers
Several UK retailers run free parenting clubs worth joining before your baby arrives. Boots Parenting Club offers reward points on baby purchases plus free gifts such as Aveeno products. Emma’s Diary provides free product samples and a full pack of Pampers nappies. Pampers Club lets you earn points towards free nappies and wipes. Ella’s Kitchen also sends a free weaning pack, including a wall chart and vouchers, to parents of babies under 12 months.
Families in Scotland can also claim a Baby Box worth over £160, filled with essential items for a newborn.
Amazon’s Baby Wishlist
Amazon’s Baby Wishlist is one of the most useful free tools for new parents, letting you track everything you need for your baby in one place and share it with friends and family so gifts don’t get duplicated.
Once you create a Baby Wishlist and add qualifying baby items to your basket, you can claim a free welcome gift, with options including baby bottles, a nappy bin or bathtime samples. You’ll also unlock a 15% discount on eligible items in your wishlist, worth up to £300 in savings. The discount runs from 180 days before your due date until 90 days after, so it’s worth setting your wishlist up early and keeping it active for at least 14 days to qualify.
Making the most of it
None of these freebies will cover the full cost of a new baby, but claiming what you’re entitled to, from the Sure Start Maternity Grant to your Amazon Wishlist discount, can take a real bite out of those early expenses.
