With the cost of living only rising and the strain on families never like before, it is worthwhile considering how can you save money and benefit from any freebies available whilst you are pregnant. Here is a useful list to consider...
Tip #1 - Free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment
Free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment is available for those who are pregnant and for 12 months after the baby is born. Children also have free prescriptions until the age of 16. You need to ask your doctor or midwife for the FORM FW8 which you need to fill in and send to your local health authority.
Tip #2 - Claim maternity pay on time, or you can lose out.
You will need to give your employer your MATB1 certificate (midwife usually gives this around 20 weeks) as proof you are pregnant to claim statutory maternity pay. If you are not eligible for statutory maternity pay, you may be eligible to apply for Maternity Allowance. Also, check if your company contract includes increased maternity pay in the terms and conditions. Don't leave claiming your maternity pay late as it can only be backdated for three months from when your baby is due. You can claim maternity allowance once you have reached 26 weeks of being pregnant. You can also take paid time off work for antenatal appointments with your doctor or midwife whilst pregnant-you don't need to use your annual leave for this.
Tip #3 - Claim free goody bags and gifts
By downloading the apps of Bounty and Emma's Diary, you can benefit in getting packs which contain various samples, vouchers and discounts:
Bounty pack- Mum to be pack and Newborn pack
Emma's diary pack- Mum to be pack, Bump to Baby pack, New Family pack
Boots parenting club-if you already have a boots advantage card you can join the parenting club to earn extra advantage points, free gifts and special offers
Cow and Gate baby club- pregnancy advice, baby freebie, a free pregnancy diary and discounts
Pampers club app- For every 10 packs of pampers nappies you buy; you can get a free pack of nappies by downloading the app.
Ella's kitchen- Free weaning pack, discounts and weaning advice
SMA Baby club- 1000-day milestones calendar, offers and regular emails
Baby on Board badge- TfL supplies free of charge one Baby on board badge per person, if you live in the Transport for London areas.
Tip #4 - Depending on which benefits you are on you can claim Healthy start vouchers
If you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you could get help to buy milk, infant formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables. This is dependent on which benefits you are currently claiming such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit etc.
Tip #5 - Sure Start maternity grant (£500)
Depending on which benefits you get you can claim a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. This is known as the Sure start Maternity Grant.
Tip #6 - Create an Amazon Baby Wishlist-free gift
If you create a Baby Wishlist and spend at least £20 in baby products, you'll receive a free welcome gift. You can also save up to 15% on certain products such as nappies and wipes when you sign up to Amazon's Subscribe and Save service on certain products.
If there are any other freebies, you have come across that you would recommend drop us a message to let us know.
For more detailed information on what freebies are available check out-