PARENTS are scraping poo from disposable nappies to reuse them as the cost of living crisis bites, a charity has claimed.
Mums and dads are increasingly struggling to buy essential toiletries for the baby as well as toddler beds and prams too, according to Gloucestershire Bundles.
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The charity which receives referrals from professionals when a family is in need, has seen a 30 per cent increase in the numbers sent to them compared to last year.
Founder Dawn Dolphin, of Tuffley, said: “People really struggle to buy essential hygiene products.
“I have heard from another Baby Bank how mums are scraping poo out of babies’ disposable nappies because they can not afford to buy more.
“We had one referral come in from a lady who was starting a new job and her benefits had stopped.
“She had budgeted until her first wage came through but her baby got poorly with a bad tummy and all the nappies were used up and she did not have the money to get more.
“People are really struggling. We are finding many are in need of cots and toddler beds and strollers at the moment.”
“Last year we made 903 referral bundles. These bundles in the past have been for up to seven children.
“Before all this, people would come and say they need clothes.
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“But now they need pretty much all we can offer so that will include clothes, toiletries and toys in most of the referrals.”
CUT PARENTING COSTS
There are plenty of freebies available if you know where to look including nappies and baby wipes, plus you may have rights to free childcare, prescriptions and Healthy Start vouchers.
You can also get free “Pull-Up” nappies from Huggies, free baby wipes from Pura, free Lego magazines, a free height chart from Bear Paws and free pyjama nappies from Dry Nites.
Other freebies include baby food from Ella’s Kitchen, toys from YoungPlanet and baby clubs from Asda, Boots and more.
Healthy Start vouchers can also offer free milk, infant formula, vitamins or fruit and veg.
And some parents may be entitled to a £500 Sure Start grant.
Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for up to 30 hours free childcare a week.
And you may also be eligible to get up to £500 every three months – or £2,000 a year – through the government tax-free childcare scheme.
See details on saving cash here.
