Are you a new parent who’s looking for free activities to enjoy with your baby? Or maybe you’d like to know where to look to make some savings on baby equipment like nappies and prams? Read on for our guide to ten perks and activities you can enjoy now you’re a parent.
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What Free Things Do You Get In The UK When You Have A Baby?
As a new parent there are a plethora of free things you can access and do from days out, baby boxes in Scotland, free prescription costs and not to mention a free baby class or two!
1. Free Entrance For Little Ones To Days Out And Attractions
The majority of UK attractions charge for adults only, so you can take your little one along with you at no extra charge to you. Think days out to the zoo (under 3s go free), wandering with the buggy or carrier at National Trust properties (free for under fives) and admiring the exhibits at the local art gallery or museum. See our top 16 days out with a newborn for more ideas.
2. Baby Class Free Trials – New Parent Perks And Activities
Want to try before you buy? Some class providers will offer at least one trial class so you know what to expect before you go along for a block of regular classes. Whether it’s baby massage, baby sensory or baby signing, we’re sure there’s something you’ll enjoy. Learn all about the brilliant benefits of baby classes for both you and your baby and search for a class to suit you here.
3. Baby Rhyme Time At The Local Library
Libraries are free for everyone, so why not pop along to your local rhyme time session? Rhyme time sessions are not only fun for you and baby, but also give you the opportunity to meet other parents in a relaxed setting. Plus all those rhymes and repetition will really help with your baby’s early language development. Find a baby rhyme time session near you here.
4. Baby Box – Scotland Only
If you live in Scotland, you’ll receive a baby box. This is full of essential items for your baby in the first six months. Clothes, books, a thermometer and blankets are some of the things you’ll find inside.
5. Free Prescriptions And Dental Care (For You, Until Your Baby Is One)
Remember you can use your maternity exemption certificate (MATEX) from pregnancy up until your baby’s first birthday. Say goodbye to NHS prescription and NHS dental costs and hello to free healthcare and dental treatment. Check the NHS Baby Start For Life website for if you can also claim free vitamins for you and baby. Breast-fed babies should have a daily supplement of Vitamin D from birth.
What Discounts Can You Get In The UK As A New Parent?
From money off nappies, discounted cinema entry, exclusive parent and baby coffee mornings and deals on baby equipment, there are loads of discounts and perks out there for new parents.
1. Baby Cinema Tickets – New Parent Perks And Activities
Many local cinemas have baby-friendly showings where the lights are on and the sound is dimmed. The entrance fee is usually a lot cheaper than regular shows, so this can be a great way of catching the latest release and relaxing for a couple of hours. Often you’ll find your baby ends up napping!
2. Grab A Coffee And Relax At A Department Store
M&S has lots of perks for new parents, including weekly parent & baby mornings in their café on Tuesdays where if you buy a hot drink, you can also have a free slice of cake or similar. You just need to join their baby club first.
Also look out for John Lewis’s family and breastfeeding rooms which have a chair for you to sit and feed your baby. You can relax knowing that after a wander round the store, there is a dedicated space where you can have privacy if you need it. IKEA also caters well for parents with lots of high chairs and baby food warming facilities.
3. NCT Sales Or Similar – New Parent Perks And Activities
Although not totally free (there’s usually a nominal entrance charge of a few pounds, less if you’re an NCT member), you can pick up loads of bargains at an NCT sale. From baby clothes and sleeping bags to toys, highchairs and accessories, nearly-new sales can save you serious money.
4. Parenting Clubs For Money Off – New Parent Perks And Activities
Of course you get to join fab parenting clubs and websites like Happity, where you can check out offers specially for parents. Check out our cool offers on at the moment, including 15% off days out to Sea Life London Aquarium and Shrek World. Just use code HAPPITY15 at the checkout. Or why not save time and money on cooking with our Hello Fresh offer, with 60% off your first box? Use code HAPPITY30 at the checkout.
Parenting clubs which offer perks and savings include Boots, Emma’s Diary, Bounty, Pampers, M&S and the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Most of these parenting clubs also have blogs and up-to-date parenting tips and advice.
5. Rent Your Baby Equipment – New Parent Perks And Activities
Rather than splashing out money on a new pram and buggy, why not try a baby equipment rental scheme? One of Happity’s offers at the moment comes from Baboodle Rental, where you can rent equipment month-by-month. Use code HAPPITY30 for 30% off your first month.
What Benefits Can I Claim As A New Parent?
Remember to check your entitlement to Child Benefit, the Sure Start Maternity Grant, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit. See our blog post on how to claim benefits and other benefits you may be entitled to as a new parent.
Tax-Free Childcare may be another option for you and your family. Find more information about Maternity Leave and Shared Parental Leave here.
This post contains affiliate links for products we’re sure you’ll love as a new parent. This means Happity earns a small commission if you buy something. This fee goes towards helping more parents find classes and support near them.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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