WITH the continued rise in every day costs, we’re all looking to save money wherever we can.
Having a little one can see your spending increase a lot when you factor in essentials like nappies.
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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: “I’m definitely late to the party with this one so imagine it’s old news – if you download the Pampers app and scan the code inside each packet (really long starts with two letters) you get money off coupons.
“Apparently they’ve been doing this for years but I’ve only just found about it, could have saved a fortune over the years!!”
She definitely was not alone.
The post has over 100 comments from equally as surprised parents who were keen to share in the bargain.
One woman tagged her friend and said: “Did you know this???”
Another wrote: “Thanks babe, I deffo didn’t know about this.”
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A mum also said: “I didn’t know this! Thank you for sharing!!”
Another said: “Omg yess!! How annoying I could’ve saved loads.”
While one was equally as irritated that she could have saved her money.
She commented: “I only recently found this out and my eldest is five in January and youngest was two in September.
“I dread to think how many free packs I’ve missed out on, but on it now at least.”
Another agreed: “I have three in nappies so could save me a fortune lol.”
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.
For every five stamps you collect you get a £2 off voucher to spend on a Pamper Jumbo+ Pack at Tesco, Asda, Boots, Morrisons or Sainsbury’s.
Once you’ve redeemed the coupon on the app it will be sent to you within three weeks.
Also, if you collect 10 stamps you can get a free pack of nappies to your door.
And as an added bonus, when you first download the app you get a free £1 coupon too.
To help you save money, we’ve rounded up the best deals for parents and how you can access them.
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.
Free baby food from Ella’s Kitchen
Sign up to Ella’s Kitchen through its “become a Friend” loyalty scheme and you’ll be sent a free weaning pack with vouchers and other goodies.
The vouchers can be redeemed for free pouches of Ella’s Kitchen food, and you’ll also be given a weaning chart so you can track the progress of your baby’s development.
A single pouch from Ella’s Kitchen typically costs £1.20 from Tesco.
To sign up, you’ll need to provide your name, address and details about your little one.
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.
The best thing to do is get in touch with your nearest centre to find out what their policy is.
Free milk, infant formula, vitamins or fruit and veg
Look out for Healthy Start vouchers, which allow you to claim free fruit, vegetables and milk.
They can also be spent on vitamins for mums-to-be or babies.
They’re currently available to mums who are at least 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under four, and get income support or other benefits.
You also qualify if you are under 18 and pregnant, even if you don’t get any benefits.
Most eligible parents get one voucher per week, except those with children under one who get two vouchers per week.
Free prescriptions and dental care
You can get both prescriptions and NHS dental care for free while you’re pregnant, as well as for 12 months after your baby is born.
Prescriptions in England currently cost £9.35, while NHS dental costs vary by location.
To claim the free care, ask your doctor or midwife for a maternity exemption certificate (MATEX).
Free baby clubs from Asda, Boots and more
Parents can join free baby clubs for discounts and offers that are tailored to parents.
With the Asda baby club, you can enter competitions to win free products as well as exclusive offers for parents.
Shoppers will also be notified first for when a baby sale is due to hit stores.
Boots’ baby club lets you earn eight points for every £1 spent on baby products, plus it offers free gifts at key stages of your baby’s development.
You’ll also get parenting offers via the Boots app.
Other baby clubs to sign up for include SMA, Piccolo and Aptamil.
Tesco used to have a stand-alone baby club but it’s now part of its Clubcard scheme.
If Clubcard holders make a lot of baby-related purchases, they’ll be offered specific parenting vouchers depending on what they usually buy.
