How to prepare for a baby if you’re on a low income

Having a baby is an exciting time, but it can also bring financial worries, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

The costs can quickly add up: nappies alone can cost around £40 a month, baby clothes might run to £200 in the first year, and essential equipment like a pram or cot can set you back hundreds of pounds.

When money is tight, it’s easy to feel like you’re struggling to keep up or not doing enough for your baby. The good news is you’re not alone.

There’s a range of grants, benefits, and free services available to support parents in your situation. With a little planning and some practical steps, you can prepare for your baby without falling into debt or adding unnecessary stress.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Find out what financial help you can get

If you’re on a low income, it’s important to check what support you’re entitled to. Several grants, benefits and schemes are designed to help with the cost of having a baby. And some of them don’t need to be paid back.

Maternity allowance is worth up to £187.18 a week for 39 weeks if you don’t qualify for statutory maternity pay. It’s available to people who are self-employed or haven’t worked long enough to get SMP. The amount you get is either 90% of your average weekly earnings or £187.18, whichever is lower.

The Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help with the costs of your first child. If you’re expecting twins or triplets, you may get £500 for each baby. To qualify, you must be claiming certain benefits like Universal Credit or Income Support. And you don’t need to pay the money back.

The Healthy Start scheme offers a pre-paid card to help buy fruit, vegetables, milk, and baby formula, plus free vitamins. You can get £4.25 per week during pregnancy (from the 10th week), £8.50 per week for babies up to one year old, and £4.25 per week for children aged 1 to 4, if you’re on a low income and claiming qualifying benefits.

You can also claim child benefit - currently £26.05 per week for your first or only child and £17.25 for each additional child. It’s important to apply after your child is born and registered. Be aware that there is a high-income child benefit charge if either parent earns over £60,000.

If you're working, there are two key childcare support schemes you could benefit from. The tax-free childcare scheme offers up to £2,000 per child per year - or £4,000 if your child is disabled – to help with childcare costs. For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2. You might also be able to get 30 hours of free childcare a week for children aged three to four (and for some two-year-olds) if you meet the income and working requirements. You can check your eligibility and apply for both schemes through the government’s website: Apply for free childcare if you're working.

2. Make a budget and spread the cost

You don’t need to buy everything all at once. Start with the essentials - what your baby will need in the first few weeks - and build from there. Having a simple budget can help you avoid panic buying or putting things on credit.

One useful trick is the envelope method. You set aside small amounts of money into different pots (you can do this in cash or using banking app features) for things like nappies, clothes, or a pram. Even if you can only put away a few pounds each week, it can help you feel more in control and less anxious as the due date gets closer.

MoneyHelper has a baby costs calculator to help you estimate expenses so you can be prepared.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for second-hand or free items

Babies grow quickly and they don’t stay in the same size for long. That means there’s loads of good-quality baby gear out there that’s barely been used. And you can often get it for free or at very low cost.

Ask friends, family, or other parents in your community if they’ve got anything they’re no longer using. Local Facebook groups, Freecycle, and community pages often have people giving away baby clothes, prams, cots, and toys.

Baby banks are another brilliant option. They can provide essential items like clothes, nappies, toiletries, and formula to families who need support. Most are run by charities, churches, or local organisations and they’ll do everything they can to help you get what you need.

4. Keep the cost of baby gear down

You don’t have to buy branded baby items to get good quality. Supermarket own-brand nappies, wipes, and toiletries are usually just as effective and a lot more affordable.

Reusable nappies are also worth thinking about. They cost more upfront, but over time they can save you hundreds of pounds. Some councils even offer free reusable nappy starter packs or vouchers. Find out what your council is offering here.

It’s also a good idea to sign up to baby clubs with shops like Boots, Tesco, and Emma’s Diary. They often send out free samples, money-off vouchers, and helpful guides. And if you can, wait for the big baby events at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda. They’re a great time to grab baby gear at reduced prices.

5. Check for local help in your area

As well as national support, lots of local councils and charities run their own schemes to help families with young children. These include:

• Local welfare support schemes that help with essential items like a cot or white goods. Speak to your local council to see how they can help
• Children’s centres or Family Hubs, which can offer advice, parenting classes, and free groups where you can meet other parents and access support.
• Local grants or crisis funds, especially if you're facing unexpected costs or moving into a new home to prepare for your baby.

What’s available depends on where you live, so check your local council’s website or ask your midwife or health visitor what support is in your area. Many professionals can make direct referrals to baby banks and hardship funds.

6. Reach out if you’re struggling

Pregnancy should be a happy time, but it can also bring a lot of stress, especially if you’re worried about money. If you’re falling behind on bills, struggling with debt, or just need help understanding your options, you don’t have to face it alone.

We can help you deal with debt, apply for benefits, and manage your budget. Whether you need help now or you’re planning ahead, we’re here to support you every step of the way.