BUYING nappies and other baby items can be an expensive task, but parents are just realising there’s a trick that could save them cash.
If you’ve got a newborn or multiple little ones to look after, you can really see your outgoings go up.
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One money saving mum was shocked to discover that she could have been saving money on nappies for years.
She posted her find on Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK.
The mum wrote: “If you haven’t already and you have little ones still in nappies, then get the “Pampers Club App” downloaded.
“You can earn discount coupons and remember to use the code to redeem a £6 off coupon straight away.”
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She wasn’t alone in discovering the deal, as the post racked up more than 30 comments from equally as surprised parents who were keen to share in the bargain.
One social media user wrote: “Wish I’d known about this when my boy was born.”
Another tagged their friend and said: “Have you looked into this?!”
A third added: “Ohhh yes gonna give it a go!”
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While a fourth simply described the deal as “unreal”.
A grateful shopper added: “I never noticed this before.”
Shopping discounts – How to make savings and find the best bargains
We had a look at the Pampers offer and it could definitely come in handy for parents looking to save some money.
Essentially, each pack of Pampers nappies you buy has a code on the inside of the box, if you scan that code on the Pampers Club app you get a stamp.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play store on Android.
You get one point per nappy in a pack so the larger the packs, the more points you’ll receive.
For example, if you scan a code inside a pack of 86 nappies, you’ll receive 86 points.
You can then redeem your points for coupons to redeem at retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Boots, Morrisons or Sainsbury’s.
Plus, Pampers is currently offering £6 off Pampers nappies in Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Coop, or Boots.
To get the money off first download the Pampers Club app and use code DOWNLOAD6OFF on signing up to get a coupon for £6 off Pampers Premium Protection.
It can used for New Baby nappies until Sunday, June 30.
It’s valid for new sign-ups, and anyone who’s signed up within the last 30 days.
To help you save money, we’ve rounded up the best deals for parents and how you can access them.
How to claim Child Benefit
Child benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for your first or only child. And up to £881 a year for additional children.
This works out as £102.40 every four weeks or £25.60 a week for your first child and £67.80 every 4 weeks or £16.95 a week for their siblings.
There is no limit the amount of children that can be claimed for.
Applying is straightforward and can be done in minutes at gov.uk or through the HMRC app.
Parents with a newborn baby should make a claim online as soon as possible and could then receive their first payment in as little as three days.
You can also backdate claims for up to three months.
Parents can make a claim and then choose to opt-out of receiving Child Benefit payments can still receive National Insurance credits if one parent is not working.
National Insurance credits build up your entitlement to the state pension.
Free nappies and wipes
Pampers isn’t the only brand that is offering freebies.
For older tots, you can also get a free DryNites pyjama pants from Huggies.
The tester could be a good way to try out the pants before buying a whole pack.
You’ll need to fill out a form on the DryNites website to register for your freebie.
When you’re filling in your details, you’ll be able to choose from 3-5 years, 4-7 years or 8-15 years.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, Pura is giving away a free 24-pack of its 100% biodegradable baby wipes.
To get the freebie, sign up to the Pura website – this is free to do – and simply add it to your basket.
You will, however, still pay 99p for delivery.
Baby banks and food banks
Families who are struggling to pay for meals are often referred to food bank run by the Trussell Trust or another community organisation.
The Trussell Trust runs a nationwide network of around 1,200 food banks across the UK.
You need to be referred to by organisations such as GPs, schools, or help organisations such as Citizens Advice to gain access.
However, specialist “baby banks” run by local organisations and charities cater specifically for parents who need to get essentials for their children.
Baby banks typically hand out free toiletries and essentials purchased from donations, as well as distributing second hand clothes, toys, and other items such as prams.
There isn’t an up-to-date tool listing every baby bank in the UK, so your best bet is to google what’s available in your local area or ask charities such as Citizens Advice and Trussell Trust for information.
Children’s charity Little Village has an interactive baby bank tool of more than 200 baby banks UK-wide.
How to access a baby bank’s service depends on the centre itself.
Some may allow struggling families to contact them directly, while others require referrals from officials.
Sure Start Grant – £500
New parents on Universal Credit can get a £500 grant to help with childcare costs through the Sure Start grant.
The one-off payment doesn’t need to be paid back and it won’t reduce your monthly Universal Credit payment or tax credits.
The cash can be used to pay for anything that will ease the immediate financial strain on families when caring for a new baby.
New parents must have claimed the grant within 11 weeks in advance of their baby’s due date or within six months after their child is born.
You’ll need to print out and fill in a claim form, providing personal details such as your name, address and partner’s details if applicable.
You will also need to let them know what benefits you’re claiming and when you are expecting your baby.
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A midwife or doctor will need to sign it too to confirm that you are expecting.
Only parents who are expecting their first child are eligible for the grant, so if you’re about to have your second or third infant then you won’t be able to claim the payout.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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