Four in 10 UK parents struggle to afford essentials for newborns, study says

Exclusive: Survey of 2,000 people by Barnardo’s also finds almost half feel their child has missed opportunities due to cost Four in 10 parents across the UK are struggling to afford essential items for the care of their newborn babies, according to research. The survey of 2,000 parents with children aged under five by the charity Barnardo’s found that almost half (49%) felt their child had missed out on opportunities to learn or play because of the cost of living. Meanwhile, 44% said financial pressures had affected their child’s development, including speech, socialising and physical play. More than half (54%) said they wished they had been able to provide more essential items for their newborn. In Scotland, all parents are eligible for a box of baby essentials that includes clothes, books, a changing mat and a bath towel. Since the scheme was launched by the Scottish government in 2017, more than 360,000 baby boxes have been distributed. However, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, provision is inconsistent. Barnardo’s is calling for the scheme to be rolled out nationwide, citing widespread public support for the initiative. Seven in 10 parents surveyed said baby boxes shoul