PARENTS are only just realising they could get up to £100 worth of free nappies.
Buying nappies and other baby items can be pretty pricey, especially if you have multiple children of the same age.
With costs going up across the board it's more important than ever to save where you can.
One savvy mum has shared a little-known way that parents can get money towards reusable nappies which can save them hundreds of pounds over their child's life.
Posting on Facebook group Scrimping on a Budget, she wrote: "Lots of local councils either give a grant of £100 if you use cloth nappies or give new parents free cloth nappies to the value of.
"Using cloth saved me a fortune when my lad was small, and nurseries and childminders etc are more than happy to use them too nowadays."
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Fellow parents were quick to comment on the post which was met with dozens of likes and comments.
One asked: "Is it for first time parents?"
Another said: "I wish I’d done cloth nappies with mine! Must’ve cost much more in disposable ones overall and the thought of all those in landfill!"
A third wrote: "There's no way I could have afforded disposable nappies with mine.
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"With the grants offered, nappy libraries and people giving away or selling nappies cheap and the fact you can resell them after or use for subsequent children the amount of money you can save is astonishing."
Several were unaware of the schemes and wanted to know if their local council had anything similar.
The various schemes available differ from council to council across the UK which means what's available in one are might not be available in another.
In some cases the council will offer up to £100 in free cash to encourage parents to buy reusable cloth nappies.
How the money is available also depends on the scheme, some will offer cashback upon purchase, some offer vouchers and some will provide you with a nappy starter kit.
Online parenting resource The Nappy Gurus has rounded up the full list of councils across the country which take part.
Welsh council Powys offers up to £100 cash, with a minimum of £50 per family, towards the cost of the cloth nappies.
Whereas Essex council will offer £30 cashback when you purchase reusable nappies.
North Aryshire in Scotland will give families a real nappy starter kit too.
And Belfast City Council offers a free two week nappy trial and £30 cashback when you spend £50 on the nappies.
Barnet council in London also offers a £70 voucher.
Each council has specific eligibility criteria as well as application process, it's best to head over to your local council's website to see how you can get yours and what exactly is available.
To find out what your local authority is,search your postcode on the government website.
Some of the vouchers are available to be redeemed through specific online sites such as The Nappy Guru and The Nappy Lady websites.
How else can I get free baby items?
If you aren't after reusable nappies or you're looking to save on other baby items, there is more help available too.
Some areas have "baby banks", where parents can pick up free toiletries and other essentials, including food.
Children's charity Little Village has an interactive baby bank tool of more than 200 baby banks UK-wide.
It's worth getting in touch with your nearest centre to find out if you are eligible for any help.
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.
Parents can get a voucher and exchange it for a pack of Pampers New Baby Carry nappies.
Huggies offers free packs of DryNites pyjama pants for older tots as a way for parents to test them out before buying.
You have to fill out a form on the Huggies website to register for the nappies.
Pura offers a trial 24-pack of biodegradable baby wipes – you just have to sign up on its website.
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Plus, Pampers' customers can download the Pampers Club app and get a free pack of Pampers Baby-Dry every time they buy 10 packs.
The Sure Start Grant might be able to help new parents too – the payment is worth £500.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
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