Feeling alone….
Show your support
Hey Paige ! Will you be entitled to maternity pay? X
Happy to chat to you, my boy is 5 months old and we are going from pay check to check also :)
First thing... will you be eligible for maternity pay and does your company offer enhanced mat pay? How long do you plan to be off for/can you afford to be off for? Is there anything you and your partner can save in the mean time? Check what you'll be entitled to benefits wise https://www.entitledto.co.uk/ Once baby is registered claim child benefit (just over £100 a month) https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit Download pampers app and start claiming the paper vouchers.(often freebies if you use vouchers when packs on offer) Codes here. https://starfreebies.co.uk/free-pampers-vouchers-6-off-5-off-2-2/ Get friends/family to do the same for you. Look online for when shops have their baby events so you can get things cheaper and stock up. Don't be afraid to buy second hand stuff... like highchairs, jumperoos, rockers etc as they grow so quickly most peoples are in good condition. Also heard good things about Little pickles markets (Llanishen leisure centre) like a bootsale for good quality baby stuff
Join boots parenting club for discounts and occasional freebies. Emma's diary do freebie packs sometimes with samples. Everyone loves to gift a blanket or outfit... which honestly you rarely get around to putting on lo. So I'd start hinting at what you really want/need if any one asks.
Can you sell anything/declutter/ make anything to raise some funds? Review all your outgoings... has your mobile contract increased/broadband gone up? Car insurance due for renewal? Haggle away and try and get everything down as much as possible. Asda rewards app also have a baby club membership you can join... for offers and rewards.
Remember... you don't have to have an "I candy" pram, mamas and papas matching nursery furniture, or john lewis zipper onesies. There are loads of cheaper and just as great alternatives. Come off social media... influencers will only make you feel crap and push stuff that's "handy" but totally unnecessary.
https://www.netmums.com/baby/try-aldi-mamia-newborn-nappies-for-free https://skintdad.co.uk/free-baby-stuff/
https://www.ellaskitchen.co.uk/join-ellas-friends?utm_source=Meta&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=EKB_BAF_Digital_23Q4&utm_content=Static&utm_term=BAF_weaningguide&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABHSXAMqRmKtTDD8Bbg5nNbasnabmf0oA5gYYrUN0xmPibLjFDsnZvArdyfA_aem__uiPJCOYSjj7mhqIxJXQDA&utm_id=120205328254940082
Be sure to check if youre eligible for UC whilst on maternity pay - that can bump it up and i didnt realise until a few months after my first, register for child benefit as soon as baby is registered (you can receive upto 3 months back pay) Also if its your first baby you can claim the sure start maternity grant which is £500 you dont have to pay back x
If you have a spare room in your home, you can always get a lodger and have that extra financial cushion.