1️⃣ Make the Most of NHS and Government Support
Free Prescriptions and Dental Care
Pregnant women and new mums in England get free NHS prescriptions and dental treatment during pregnancy and for a full year after the baby is born.
➡️ Ask your midwife or GP for the Maternity Exemption Certificate (MATEX) to access these savings.
More info.
Healthy Start Vouchers
If you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for Healthy Start digital cards, worth at least £4.25 a week, to buy milk, fruit, vegetables, and vitamins.
Statutory Maternity & Paternity Pay
Employees who meet eligibility criteria can claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks, and partners can claim Statutory Paternity Pay.
Check the latest rates and eligibility on GOV.UK.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If it’s your first child and you receive qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to a one-off £500 payment to help with essential baby costs.
Apply here.
2️⃣ Get Smart with Baby Gear
Borrow or Buy Second-Hand
Babies grow fast and barely wear out many items. Look for nearly-new sales through:
- NCT Nearly New Sales (nationwide events)
- Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local charity shops
- Community swap groups or baby banks
Safety note: Always buy new mattresses and check the safety standards for car seats and cots.
Make a Registry of Essentials
Family and friends often want to help. Create a registry focused on needs, not novelties—nappies, baby wipes, sleepsuits, and feeding essentials.
Don’t Overbuy Newborn Sizes
Babies often outgrow the tiniest clothes within weeks. Stock up on 0–3 month sizes instead of lots of “newborn” items.
3️⃣ Cut Everyday Costs
Meal Plan and Batch Cook
Cook double portions before the birth and freeze meals. You’ll save on takeaway costs and reduce stress once baby arrives.
Use Cashback & Discount Apps
Apps such as TopCashback, Quidco, and supermarket loyalty schemes can shave pounds off essentials.
Breastfeeding Support
If you plan to breastfeed, the NHS provides free support and equipment guidance. If you use formula, shop supermarket own brands—they meet the same legal nutrition standards as pricier brands.
4️⃣ Plan Ahead for Childcare
Childcare is one of the biggest ongoing expenses.
- In England, some parents can access 15 to 30 hours of free childcare once their child turns three (and in some cases from age two).
- From April 2025, the government will phase in new free childcare entitlements for babies from nine months.
Keep an eye on GOV.UK for updates and register early with nurseries or childminders to secure a place.
5️⃣ Financial Check-Up Before Baby Arrives
- Create a baby budget to estimate one-off costs (pram, cot, car seat) and monthly expenses.
- Check your benefits using an online calculator such as Turn2us to see if you qualify for Universal Credit, Child Benefit, or other help.
- Start or boost an emergency fund to cover surprises.
Welcoming a baby is priceless—but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
By tapping into government schemes, borrowing wisely, and planning ahead, parents can reduce financial stress and focus on what really matters: enjoying those first precious months with your new arrival.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Guardian: “Pregnant or a new mum? How to cut costs when you’re expecting a baby” (Sept 2025)
- NHS – Healthcare costs and exemptions
- GOV.UK – Maternity and paternity pay and leave
- Healthy Start Scheme
- Sure Start Maternity Grant
All information we provide is for educational and awareness purposes only. Any concerns should be discussed with your GP, Midwife or Healthcare Professional.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
