Maternity leave is meant to be a once in a lifetime moment, those slow mornings, the newborn snuggles, the midweek brunches, and yes, the odd coffee you didn't make yourself. But with your income dipping and expenses rising, saving for maternity leave (and sticking to it once you're actually on it) can feel like a full time job of its own.
You can enjoy maternity leave and keep your maternity leave budget in good shape. It's all about spending smarter, not less. Below are 10 genius money saving tips while on maternity leave, to help you save without missing out.
How to Budget for Maternity Leave
Start by working out exactly what's coming in versus what's going out once your pay changes. Statutory Maternity Pay is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then at £194.32 a week (or 90% of earnings if that's lower) for the remaining 33 weeks, 39 weeks in total. For most people that's a real drop from their usual salary, so it's worth mapping it out properly rather than guessing.
It's also worth checking what else you might be entitled to. Child Benefit, Universal Credit and the Sure Start Maternity Grant, a one-off £500 payment for first-time parents on certain benefits, can all add up, so check your eligibility on gov.uk before assuming you don't qualify. From there, separate your must-haves (nappies, feeding, rent) from your nice-to-haves, and build a little wiggle room into each week rather than one big number for the whole leave.
How Do People Survive on Maternity Pay?
Mostly by planning ahead, not by cutting out life altogether. Many parents report feeling worried about money when a baby is on the way, so if you're feeling the pinch, you're genuinely not alone. Most families get through it with a mix of smart swaps: free or discounted activities instead of paid ones, batch cooking, renting big-ticket items instead of buying outright, and making the most of loyalty schemes, cashback and discount platforms for everyday spending. It adds up more than people expect.
1. Swap Baby Boutiques for Smart Shopping
Those tiny outfits are tempting, but your baby will outgrow them faster than you can say "baby grow". Mix pre-loved finds (check Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or Depop) with a few new pieces for special occasions.
💡 Cubbi tip: Check Cubbi before you buy, there are exclusive deals from high street favourites and baby brands you already love.
2. Make Coffee Dates Budget-Friendly
Your social life doesn't have to disappear just because you're watching the pennies. Switch pricey cafés for walks with a thermos, or meet at a friend's house and rotate who hosts.
💡 Cubbi tip: Boston Tea Party gives a free coffee to anyone who brings their own reusable cup, so check the Cubbi app for their latest offers before your next coffee date.
3. Rent the Big-Ticket Items
Prams, travel systems and bedside cribs can swallow a huge chunk of your budget, and are often only used for a few months. Baby gear rental companies let you borrow top quality items for a fraction of the retail price, then return them when you're done.
💡 Cubbi tip: Sometimes it makes more sense on cost-per-use to buy outright instead, especially if you're planning more children. Keep an eye on savings like Black Friday sales and Cubbi parent discounts on the big baby essentials, think Silver Cross prams, Maxi-Cosi car seats, and Mamas & Papas for pretty much everything else.
4. Take Advantage of Free Baby Activities
Baby sensory classes and music groups are great, but so are your local library's rhyme time, park meetups, free museum days and free mum-and-baby walking groups near you. Your baby doesn't know (or care) how much you've spent, they just want you.
💡 Cubbi tip: For the odd bigger day out, check the Cubbi app for discounts on places like Chessington World of Adventures, SEA LIFE and Alton Towers, worth having the saving ready for when you fancy splashing out a little.
5. Meal Plan Like a Pro
Batch cooking during nap time can save you serious money and sanity. Make double portions of freezer-friendly meals so you're not tempted by expensive takeaways on tired days.
💡 Cubbi tip: Check Cubbi for discounts on meal kits like Gousto and Stocked, and more, to make planning even easier.
6. Make the Most of Loyalty Schemes and Cashback
From nappies to coffee, most big brands and supermarkets have loyalty apps or reward schemes, and cashback sites can give you money back on everyday purchases too. It's free money if you're already buying the product.
💡 Cubbi tip: Your credit card and phone plan often come with perks or extra cashback worth checking, and it's worth having a discount platform like Cubbi in the mix too, so you're not missing out on deals you didn't know existed.
7. Bulk Buy the Essentials
Nappies, wipes, formula, the things you know you'll need no matter what, are almost always cheaper bought in bulk rather than picked up one pack at a time when you run low.
💡 Cubbi tip: Look out for deals like 3 for 2 on supplements at Holland & Barrett, or 22% off medications and toiletries at iHerb, you know you'll need them eventually, so get them in bulk at a much better price.
8. DIY Baby Photoshoots
Professional newborn photography is beautiful, but you can create gorgeous memories at home with your phone, natural light and a few props.
💡 Cubbi tip: Invest in one or two cute outfits using Cubbi discounts, they'll pay for themselves after one photoshoot.
9. Join Local Parent Facebook Groups
Facebook groups for mums and parents in your local area are a genuinely underrated resource. Not only will you find out about local deals, but people are constantly giving away or swapping baby items they no longer need.
10. Use Your KIT Days
If you want (or need) a little extra income during your leave, Keeping in Touch days, KIT days for short, let you work up to 10 days during your maternity leave without it affecting your statutory maternity pay or bringing your leave to an end. They're optional and have to be agreed with your employer, including what you'll be paid, but they're a useful tool if a bit of extra cash would help.
Saving money on maternity leave isn't about cutting out joy, it's about choosing value over impulse. A little planning, some clever swaps and the right tools can keep your maternity leave budget healthy while you enjoy every precious moment.
💜 Download the Cubbi app today and start saving on the brands you already love.
