Free & Low-Cost Baby Essentials – Where to Find Nappies, Clothes, and

Having a baby is expensive, but you don’t have to buy everything brand new! There are plenty of ways to get free or low-cost baby essentials like nappies, clothes, prams, and cots—especially if you're on a low income. Here’s a full guide on where to find free baby items, how to get discounts, and the best ways to save money.

1. Supermarket Baby Events: Stock Up for Less

Big supermarkets hold baby events a few times a year, offering massive discounts on nappies, wipes, baby clothes, bottles, and even big items like car seats and prams. Some supermarkets let you reserve items online before the event starts, so sign up for their newsletters to get early access!

Best places to look:

Aldi Baby Event – Great for cheap nappies, wipes, baby food, and budget baby clothes
Tesco & Asda Baby Events – Discounts on well-known brands like Pampers and Tommee Tippee
Boots Baby Event – Ideal for baby toiletries, and essentials on offer. You could pick up your box of Bonya whilst you’re there too!

2. Free Baby Freebies from Brands & Schemes

Many companies offer free baby products and samples when you sign up for their baby clubs.

Best places to get freebies:

Emma’s Diary – Free gift packs with nappies, wipes, and baby lotion (sign up here)
Bounty Packs – Free nappies, samples, and money-off vouchers (sign up here)
Boots Parenting Club – Free gifts like baby wipes and £1.50 worth of Advantage Card points per £1 spent on baby products
WaterWipes Club – Free sample pack of sensitive baby wipes

3. Local Facebook Groups & Freebie Websites

Many parents give away baby items for free once their baby outgrows them. Check these places regularly for the best places to find free baby items near you:

Facebook Marketplace – If you need something specific, post in local "Buy Nothing" or “Free Stuff” groups on Facebook. Many parents are happy to pass things on!
Freecycle & Freegle – Websites where people give away unwanted baby gear
Olio – An app where people share free items (sometimes includes baby products)

4. Nappy & Wipes Saving Tips

If you qualify for Healthy Start Vouchers, you can use them to buy supermarket-brand nappies, which are much cheaper than big-name brands.

Some councils offer free cloth nappy starter kits or discounts on reusable nappies. Check at www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk or ask your local council.

You could also swap to washable wipes (like Cheeky Wipes) to save money long-term.

5. Baby Banks: Get Free Clothes, Nappies & Baby Equipment

Baby banks work like food banks but for baby essentials. They provide free clothes, nappies, bottles, baby wipes, prams, cots, and more to families in need.

How to find a baby bank near you:

Ask your midwife, health visitor, or GP for a referral
Visit Baby Bank Network to check for locations. Some baby banks require a referral from a professional (like a midwife or social worker), so ask early if you think you’ll need support.
Check local Facebook groups—many community-run baby banks aren’t listed online

Raising a baby on a budget is tough, but there’s a lot of free support available. Whether it’s a baby bank, a supermarket deal, or a freebie from a baby club, every little bit helps. Take Action Today: