The cost of bringing up a baby is rising. Parents need help

For many parents, the arrival of a newborn baby is exciting – one of life’s most joyous, memorable moments. But increasingly, parents’ anticipation for and enjoyment of their new addition is overshadowed by the daunting financial reality of providing for a baby. 

The cost of essential newborn products has been rising for years with inflation, but new data from Compare the Market reveals that things have grown substantially more expensive in the last few months. 

The price comparison website tracked price changes across 89 of the UK’s most popular supermarket staples between February and May 2026. This data found that nappies (the essential pack) cost an average of £6 in February and £12.65 in May (up 110%), infant paracetamol was £3.50 in February and £4.10 in May (up 17%), baby wipes (a three-pack) went from £4.50 in February to £5.20 in May (up 15%), and formula (800g) went from £13.50 in February to £15.55 in May (up 15%). 

A significant proportion of these price increases reflect the removal of long-running promotional and discounted prices, returning products to their standard retail price. 

“While the headline inflation rate offers a bird’s-eye view of the economy, it doesn’t always reflect the sticker shock parents feel at the checkout,” Charlie Evans, money expert at Compare the Market, says. “Seeing a non-negotiable staple like nappies surge by 110% in a matter of weeks is stark. It could force families to make difficult choices elsewhere in their budget just to cover the basics.” 

The impact of these price rises is crippling for parents. 

Read more:

• Parents are increasingly turning to food banks to feed their babies in the cost of living crisis
• Why the natural human failure of imagination stops us from relieving children’s suffering
• Where to get help as cost of living payments come to an end

Ellie, a 26-year-old mum with muscular dystrophy, recently gave birth to her third child. She tells Big Issue it was “a lot easier” when she had her first child – “before the cost of living went up”.

“I just don’t think there is enough support for families, especially families who struggle with physical disabilities,” she says, adding that she thinks the government should work harder to support families with newborn babies. “I wish people in government would understand how the cost of living really affects people and their mental wellbeing.” 

Another mum, Abby*, fears that she simply doesn’t have enough money after paying bills and rent to afford basic items for her five-month-old baby. 

“It’s hard when you’ve got three kids to make ends meet,” she says. “It’s difficult even when you work – you’re trying to afford some of these things, but you can’t because they’re so expensive.”

For Jasmine^*, a mum to twin boys in Woking, it’s a similar story. “Everything is so expensive,” she says. “Nappies and formula are the main things we struggle with because they are so ridiculously priced.”

Barnardo’s, a children’s charity, has expressed concerns about the financial strain new parents are facing in its most recent report, ‘Building Blocks’. 

The report found that four in 10 UK parents struggled to afford all the essential items needed for their baby’s first six months. More than half of parents (54%) in the UK wish they had had more essential items to care for their baby when they were born. 

“I’ve worked with children and families for nearly 30 years, and in all that time, I don’t think I’ve seen things as tough for parents and carers – especially new parents – as they are today,” says Juliea Morris, a Barnardo’s family centre manager in Woking. “The cost of living has had a dramatic effect.”

The charity is urging the government to tackle child poverty by providing baby bundles – packages of essential items provided to families during pregnancy or shortly after birth including clothing, blankets, nappies, books, play items, and practical guidance on infant care and early development. 

“Beyond providing essential supplies, baby bundles are an early touchpoint between families and services, offering information and support at a critical stage in a child’s life,” the report stated. “By providing families with essential items and ensuring parents are informed about the support in their communities, baby bundles can help ensure every child begins life on the right path.”

The increasingly high price of baby products has a knock-on effect, as 44% of parents surveyed feel financial pressure has affected their child’s ability to develop skills such as speech, socialising or physical play, and 49% of parents said their child missed out on opportunities to learn or play due to cost. 

Emilie de Bruijn, senior community lead at the Baby Bank Alliance, says that the families she works with are “feeling the pinch acutely this year,” and that every penny spent on nappies or formula is a penny that can’t be spent on things like heating, fuel to get to work, and other necessities. 

“Baby banks across all areas of the UK are seeing a referral rise, more families are struggling year on year, and some baby banks have to cap their referrals in order to cope,” de Bruijn says. “It’s incredibly tough on parents at the moment.  No one wants to feel like they cannot afford to feed or support their child.”

For new parents overwhelmed by rising prices, de Bruijn offers some practical advice and tips. 

She suggests that new parents could consider free playgroups rather than paid ones, and create or evaluate budgets to see if there are any other ways to cut costs (easier said than done when things are already tight).  

Money Saving Expert has a long list of tricks and tips to save money with a baby or toddler in tow, including making sure you and your partner are getting your full pay entitlement from work, batch cooking, looking out for promotional deals for products, considering reusable nappies, and avoiding the temptation to buy what you don’t need. 

Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and Child Benefit are UK-wide, Healthy Start Cards are available inEngland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and Sure Start Maternity Grants are available in England and Wales. Community centres in England provide family support services, temporary care, and advice. In Scotland, local authorities offer early childhood support, while Wales uses the Flying Start programme for targeted early years assistance. You’ll want to make sure you find out exactly what you are entitled to based on where you’re living. 

In Scotland, where welfare is partially devolved, there are various benefits new parents can access, including a baby box, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Foods and Scottish Child Payment.

But most importantly, de Bruijn urges parents to reach out for help. “As a parent myself I know the job is hard, but there are over 400 wonderful baby banks across the UK who would be happy to support you,” she says. “There is support and no one is judging you.”

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

Change a vendor’s life.

Buy from your local Big Issue vendor every week – and always take the magazine. It’s how vendors earn with dignity and move forward.

You can also support online:
Subscribe to the magazine or support our work with a monthly gift. Your support helps vendors earn, learn and thrive while strengthening our frontline services.

Thank you for standing with Big Issue vendors.