This article was written by my wife a month ago, she’s just given birth to our second child and in hospital as i make a few adjustments to this post. Please feel free to make comments at the base of the page if you feel we’ve made mistakes or you feel you can add advice for others to read.
Having a Baby

Having a baby should be on of the happiest times of your life especially if it is planned and something both you and your partner want. If not then you really need to consider your options and what you really want from life. Having a baby is not an easy way out to get housing and the state to pay for everything, times are changing which means the way the government offer benefits are also changing. Be sure about your decision and make sure you are doing everything for the right reasons and remember a baby is a lifetime commitment, not just an accessory!
The Initial Panic
When you discover you are going to have a baby one of the main concerns are how you will cope financially, especially if you both work just to make ends meet. Losing a salary can be hard and sometimes put extra pressure on you as a couple but there is no need to panic to begin with as there are plenty of places offering advice on how to cope and what you are entitled to whilst you are on maternity leave. Check out with your employer to see what the Maternity policy is as part of your terms and conditions; as all companies have to offer some sort of benefits maternity pay with many offering the standard Statutory Maternity Pay or SMP as more commonly known.
Maternity Pay
The statutory maternity pay (SMP) is the most common maternity pay package offered by employers for the initial 39 weeks (approx. 9 months) of your maternity leave. However whilst you might think anyone can claim for it you are wrong as there are still strict guidelines advising who can and can’t claim. You might find if you have just started a new job and still in your probation period you might not be entitled to the pay, if you are unsure check with your current employer and also check on www.direct.gov.uk to find out more. SMP is usually 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly salary, so if you work on commission then it will be averaged out over a certain timescale during your normal employment. The following 33 weeks will be paid at the standard rate of £128.73 or 90% of your average weekly salary, whichever works out the lower rate. There are alternative options for those aren’t entitled to SMP or reasons why SMP must stop being paid, along with details on tax credits, income support plus how you go about returning to work before 39 weeks, again all this information can be found on www.direct.gov.uk
Over the past few years the length of time you can take off on maternity leave has been increased to 52 weeks, however the final 13 weeks will not be paid.
If you are unsure what leave to take why not sit down with your HR team and your partner to work out how much time you can afford to be off and what options are available to you. Your employer may be keen for you to return quiet quickly but please do not feel pressured to return earlier, you are entitled to this leave and they cannot force you into doing anything you don’t want to.
Also, you will still accrue holiday allowance and in most job roles you will be able to claim back the 7 public bank holidays but please check your contract and with HR who will confirm this for you. Your accrued holiday allowance is usually tagged onto the end of your leave, which is a nice bonus as you get paid for sitting at home during your last few days off.
Maternity pay is quiet complex so please make sure you fully understand what your employer offers fully and what you are entitled to from the state otherwise you could find yourself losing out on money along with extra time off with your new little bundle of joy!
Paternity Pay
Whilst most of the leave focuses around the mother, the father hasn’t been forgotten. A few years ago fathers would have to take their holiday to be off with their partner to enjoy the first few days and weeks with their new bundle. Whilst most companies were very accommodating some were not and made it very difficult for the father to take time off during such an important time in their lives. The Government introduced Ordinary Statutory Paternity pay for the father where they will be entitled to have up to 2 weeks leave and claim for one or two consecutive weeks at £128.73 or 90% of their average weekly salary, whichever is the lowest. Any other leave will need to be taken as paid or unpaid leave at your employer’s discretion.
With both Maternity and Paternity pay also include adoptive parents to be and the paternity pay isn’t exclusive to the biological father, as the mothers husband, civil partner, basically anyone who is expected to have full or shared responsibility of bring up the little one. The www.direct.gov.uk website has all the details you need to know and so will your employer.
Equipment
Once you’ve got over the initial shock of being parents to be you need to start thinking of the equipment you need, we offer discount and promotion codes for all the big retailers offering kiddies equipment such as Mothercre, Kiddies Kingdom, Kiddicare and many more so before you buy online be sure to checkout our money saving codes. Whilst many or should that be most first times mums and dads think they need everything and all brand new, once you’ve worked out the costs you might think differently. Have a chat with friends who are already parents and I bet they will say for the first child they had to have everything but soon realised they didn’t and the amount you spend on something that is used and worn for just a few weeks is heartbreaking. Our advice is that certain items need to be new or in tip condition such as car seats, if you are buying 2nd hand make sure you ask if they have been involved in an accident. If they have there might be some structural damage that you can’t see and only appear should you have an unfortunate accident. Also due to the advice about cot deaths, they suggest you use brand new mattresses for a new baby. Some don’t stick to this and the decision is completely down to you, they still don’t know what causes cot deaths they can only advise what you should do to cut down the risks.
To begin with all you really need is a selection of clothes that include baby grows, vests, socks and hats, these really depend on the season but a newborn will not be able to control their body heat for the first few weeks so they will need to be really wrapped up on cool/cold days whereas during the hotter months they will need less. It’s all trial and error, the amount of times I have over or under dressed my little girl by not getting her clothing right, but if you put layers and take extra clothes with you the situation is easily rectifiable! The other things you only really need is nappies, blankets and somewhere to sleep such as a moses basket or crib or you could out the newborn straight into their cot, however they might look a tiny bit too small to begin with!
Car seats are essential and some hospitals will not let you leave with your new baby if you don’t have a suitable chair. These tend to be expensive but are a good investment for the safety of your baby. However good condition second hand ones are good enough really depends on your pocket.
If fund are tight why look at pre-owned websites such as eBay, Preloved and if you are on Facebook there are local groups where you can buy and sell 2ndhand baby equipment at considerably lower prices than any shops or auction. Just make sure you ask the right questions and if possible ask if you can see the item before handing over any money, just to make sure you are getting good quality items in good condition. You really will find some bargains out there if you are prepared to spend time looking around.
Another great way to get equipment and clothes is from your friends. I have been very fortunate and was given loads of used clothes when my daughter arrived from friends and have been given even more by just being pregnant again. I have also been given equipment that I didn’t have or borrowed first time round which has saved us loads of money so far. The only thing I would say is be careful with the amount you take as you could find yourself never using half the stuff as you don’t have the space for it, whilst its nice to be given stuff don’t feel obliged to accept everything given to you. Also be careful as some people will want the stuff back once you’ve finished with it, whilst this isn’t an issue for equipment clothing can be an issue especially if you get clothing from others. Who’s to say in 6 months time you will remember who’s given you what? But you can bet your friend will remember everything they’ve given you and expect it all back. Bit of a tricky one as you don’t want to seem ungrateful but at the same time you need to think what is practical and realistic!
Returning to Work
For most new mums this can be the most stressful part of having a baby, after having so much time off work to spend with their little ones the thought of having t leave them with someone else is a horrible feeling. First thing to do about half way through your time off is to discuss with your partner your options. Do you think you can financially cope with working part time or is full time your only option? Who will look after the little one whilst you are back at work? If you have family helping you out, then great as this will save you a lot of money however if you are relying on grandparents you have to take their age in to consideration and they might not be able to cope ones your little one starts to move about plus what will you do if they are taken ill or on holiday? Every angle needs to be considered otherwise you could find yourself taking unpaid leave to look after your little one! Other options are nurseries and childminders, take a look at childcare facilities in your area; do you have a good nursery or childminders near by or close to your work? Check their OFSTED reports, I would strongly recommend you use someone who is OFSTED registered especially if they are not close family. Most childcare organisations insist you are less than an hour from your little one in case of emergencies and illness; this is something you need to clarify during your initial meeting. If you want to go back part time then you need to refer to your flexible working policy with your employer. You need to give yourself time to apply and for discussions to take place, so do not leave it to the last minute, plus if you are returning to work before the end of your 39 weeks you need to give your employer about 6-8 weeks notice. If your flexible working request is refused do not feel that is the end of it, seek advice and see if your can appeal. My initial request was refused and at first could accept their reasoning but then in a clear mind I thought differently and luckily had friends who worked in HR so asked them for advice. They indicated I had a good case and appealed and won, luckily my manager was so unorganised and never kept to deadlines that worked in my favour – much to his annoyance! Do not feel threatened or feel you have no choice but to accept what they are offering, you have a right and you have a voice and if needs be seek advice!
Childcare Vouchers
Most employers offer a Childcare voucher scheme that allows a certain amount is taken out of your salary pre tax, giving you a small saving each month.
Most childcare organisations accept payment in forms of Childcare vouchers; this is something you will need to check with them directly. You can only take Childcare it out of one of your salary’s so suggest the higher earner uses the allowance and the additional amount needs to be paid directly to the organisation.