Having children is one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be expensive. From nappies and formula to childcare and extracurricular activities, the costs of raising kids can really add up. However, there are plenty of ways families can make parenting more affordable without sacrificing quality.

Shop Smart

When it comes to baby supplies, generic store brands are just as good as name brands. Stock up on generics for things like nappies, wipes, baby wash, and other necessities. You can also save money by shopping at discount retailers and buying certain supplies like nappies in bulk. Check websites and apps for coupons and promo codes before making online purchases. Signing up for loyalty programmes at pharmacies and grocery stores can also yield discounts and rewards.

Buy Second-Hand

From pushchairs and car seats to toys, books, and clothes, many baby and kid items can be purchased second-hand. Check sites like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace for quality used goods at reduced prices. You can also look for local parents' groups and sales. Buy out of season when possible - like picking up summer clothes in winter. Ask friends and family if they have any hand-me-downs they’re looking to part with as well.

Borrow and Share

Before running out to buy something, consider borrowing from friends, family, or community groups. Many local parent networks, places of worship, and libraries offer lending libraries where you can borrow toys, games, books, baby equipment, and more. You may also be able to share bigger-ticket baby items like prams and bouncy chairs with other families.

Choose Free Activities

From local parks, playgrounds and museums to story times at the library, there are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy with kids. Pack snacks and make a day of exploring your area without spending much. During school holidays, many campsites, national trusts and zoos offer free or discounted admission for kids. Checking community centre noticeboards and the local council website can yield more ideas for free family fun too.

Take Advantage of Government Assistance

Families in the UK can receive financial assistance from the government through programmes like Child Benefit and Universal Credit. There are also schemes like Healthy Start that provide vouchers for milk, fruits and vegetables. Checking eligibility and applying for any child or family grants and stipends you qualify for can ease the financial burden significantly.

If you decide to foster a child, note that agencies pay a generous fostering allowance that’s designed to cover your expenses.

Learn DIY Skills

Developing basic sewing, carpentry, repair skills and more will allow you to create and fix more things on your own rather than buying new. You can mend and alter hand-me-down clothes, build toys and furniture from scratch, and repair items that break for a fraction of replacement cost. Sites like YouTube have endless DIY tutorials to learn from.

Cook at Home

Preparing meals at home is significantly cheaper than eating out or buying takeaways. Meal planning and batch cooking saves time and reduces food waste too. Involve kids in cooking easy, budget-friendly foods like beans on toast, scrambled eggs, pasta, and soups. Pack healthy lunches for school and days out rather than buying food on the go as well.Raising children requires a lot of work and resources. But employing savvy saving and shopping strategies allows families to enjoy all the special moments of parenting at a price they can afford.