Struggling with baby costs? Freebies and discounts every parent should know about

Having a baby is expensive, and for many families the financial pressure starts almost immediately.

Research from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) found that nearly half of parents (48%) said they were struggling more financially after having a baby. 

The pressure can be particularly worrying when it comes to essentials such as nappies and formula milk.

Baby banks have reported parents resorting to unsafe ways of making formula last longer, including using less powder than instructed. Formula should always be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you are struggling to afford essentials, there is help available, and it’s worth checking every source of support you may be able to get. 

Here are some of the freebies, discounts, rewards and schemes currently available.

Free cake at Morrisons

There’s a particularly good deal at Morrisons this week.

From 7 to 13 September, members of the Baby & Toddlers Club can claim a free slice of cake when they buy a hot drink at participating Morrisons cafés.

There are also baby and toddler bargains running as part of the event, including a 44-pack of Pampers nappies reduced from £11 to £3, alongside offers on wipes, snacks and baby food. 

If you haven't joined the Baby & Toddlers Club yet, membership is available through the Morrisons More app or website.

Free baby food at Asda cafés

A trip to the supermarket café could save you a little money too.

Asda is currently offering a free Ella's baby food pouch for children under 18 months when you make any purchase at its cafés. 

Many ASDA cafés also offer a £1 children's meal, although availability and exact terms can vary by café.

So if you’re meeting another parent for a coffee, check your local Asda café before you go.

Asda Baby & Toddler Club

In fact, if you shop at Asda, make sure you’re signed up to the Baby & Toddler Club through ASDA Rewards.

Members can receive exclusive promotions, missions and coupons on baby and toddler products. 

Amazon Baby Wishlist

Amazon Baby Wishlist can be useful if friends and family are buying things for your new arrival.

As well as allowing you to create and share a list, the current scheme offers a free welcome gift when you create a Baby Wishlist and spend at least £20 on eligible baby products.

You can also get up to 15% off eligible products on your wishlist, with potential savings of up to £300. 

The exact welcome gift and eligible products can change, so check the terms when you create your list.

Save money with Pampers Club

If you regularly buy Pampers nappies or wipes, the free Pampers Club app could help reduce the cost.

You can scan the QR code inside eligible packs to collect Pampers Points, then exchange them for discounts on Pampers products.

The app also offers member-only promotions, personalised tips and additional rewards. 

The more packs you buy, the more points you can build up, so remember to scan every eligible pack.

Free weaning guide and vouchers from Ella's Kitchen

Join the Ella's Kitchen Tastebuddies Club and you can get:

• a free digital weaning guide
• a free weaning chart
• money-off Ella's Kitchen vouchers sent in the post
• a toddler feeding guide when your child reaches 12 months
• feeding tips, recipes and special offers. 

The weaning pack is aimed at children who are under 12 months old when you join.

Free samples and offers from Bounty

Bounty offers free registration and a pregnancy and baby app packed with parenting information. Members receive exclusive freebies and discounts on baby and maternity products.

Boots Parenting Club

If you have a Boots Advantage Card and are pregnant or have a child under five, joining the free Boots Parenting Club can be worthwhile.

Members can get:

• 8 Advantage Card points for every £1 spent on eligible baby products
• free gifts at key stages of your baby's development
• personalised offers
• parenting advice and support

The free gifts are subject to availability and may need to be activated through the Boots app.

Free DryNites sample

If you have an older child who is experiencing bedwetting, Huggies DryNites currently offers a free sample to try.

DryNites are designed for children from around age three upwards, with different sizes available for older children. 

M&S Parent Hood: 10% off baby grows and a free treat

The M&S Parent Hood is free to Sparks members who are expecting a baby or have a child aged two or under.

Members can currently get:

• 10% off M&S babygrows until their child turns two
• monthly rewards and offers
• a free slice of cake, pastry or fruit pot when buying a hot drink at participating parent-and-baby café mornings
• access to weekly parent-and-baby mornings. 

The parent-and-baby mornings run at participating cafés, although you’re best checking your local store before travelling.

Free books through Bookstart

One of the best freebies for new parents costs absolutely nothing and you don’t need to buy anything first.

Every child aged 0 to 12 months in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is eligible for a free Bookstart Baby pack from BookTrust.

The pack contains books and resources designed to encourage parents to read and share stories with their baby.

Packs are normally provided through health visitors, registrars, libraries and other early-years services. A bilingual version is also available in Wales. 

Healthy Start: help with food, milk and formula

If you're on a qualifying benefit and pregnant or have a child under four, check whether you qualify for the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

The payments increased in April 2026 and are now:

• £4.65 a week from the 10th week of pregnancy
• £9.30 a week for children from birth to their first birthday
• £4.65 a week for children aged one to four

The money is loaded onto a Healthy Start card and can be used towards eligible milk, infant formula, fruit, vegetables and pulses.

You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins. 

If you're struggling financially, this is one of the first schemes worth having a look at.

Check your local council for reusable nappy help

Some councils offer support for parents who want to use reusable nappies.

Schemes vary considerably, but can include free starter kits, trial packs, vouchers, discounts or cashback.

There isn't one nationwide offer, so search your local council's website for ‘reusable nappy scheme’ or contact the council directly to find out what is available in your area.

Don't forget the help you're already entitled to

The schemes above are useful for cutting the cost of shopping, but they are only part of the picture.

If money’s tight, it's also worth checking whether you qualify for government support such as child benefit, universal credit, Healthy Start or other local assistance. Use our benefits calculator to check. 

Your local council may also have other cost-of-living support available, depending on where you live.

A few minutes of checking could save you hundreds

Having a baby can put enormous pressure on a household budget, but you don't necessarily have to pay full price for everything.

Sign up to the baby clubs you are eligible for, check supermarket apps before shopping, scan your rewards points and make sure you're claiming any government support you qualify for.

Some offers are only worth a few pounds, but they soon add up, and when you're buying nappies, wipes, clothes and baby food week after week, every saving counts.

Offers and schemes can change, so always check the latest terms before travelling or making a purchase.