Like every new parent, Kate and Wills have the biggest learning experience of their lives ahead of them according to new research released today. The study by Morrisons found that over half of parents (54 per cent) said that ‘tiring’ is the phrase which best describes their first year with baby, with a further 38 per cent saying it was the ‘biggest learning experience of their lives’.
Morrisons polled 3,000 UK adults with children of school age (4-16) to gain a better understanding of its parent shoppers, following the launch of its new children’s ranges – Little Big and Nutmeg. The research found that it is no surprise that ‘tiring’ is the main phrase which comes to mind - new parents say that they get just four hours sleep per night on average in the first year with their baby – just half recommended levels.
The research also revealed just how expensive having a little one can be, with the average parent spending £3,388 on everyday essentials for their baby in the first year alone. For nearly one in five (17 per cent) the cost breached the £5,000 mark. General baby equipment such as sterilisers, bottles and nappy bags were identified as the biggest expense by two thirds of parents (60 per cent), while almost a fifth (18 per cent) cited nappies. Ten per cent said that ‘food’ for baby was their biggest expense whilst an additional one in ten (10 per cent) cited redecorating costs, as parents prepared the nursery for the new arrival.
These potentially testing times mean that new parents were revealed to argue significantly more than couples without children – on average 3.6 times per week which equates to a total of 187 arguments in the first year. However, two-thirds of parents admitted these were simply ‘silly’ arguments due to the stress and exhaustion. Arguments were most commonly about who does the most work when it comes to caring for the baby (33 per cent), whose turn it was to do the night feeds (24 per cent) and receiving a lack of attention from their partner (22 per cent).
Sonia Whiteley-Guest from Morrisons said: “The birth of Prince George means that new babies are on everyone’s mind at the moment, whether they have a baby of their own or not. However as a parent, I understand that the first year with a new baby – especially if it is your first child – can be every bit as challenging as it is special. In addition to the lack of sleep, it can really put a strain on family finances.
“However, with Morrisons’ offering of great value at affordable prices – more so than ever with the introduction of our new Little Big everyday baby essentials range, and Nutmeg children’s clothing range – we are helping parents make the most of their budgets during their first year with their new baby.”
Morrisons has joined forces with money saving and consumer champion, Sarah Willingham from LetsSaveSomeMoney.com, to provide parents with top tips for budgeting for their baby.
Sarah Willingham’s Top Tips:
- Use vouchers and money-off coupons where possible. Before you buy anything, see whether there is a discount code or voucher to be had. Make sure you check what products are on offer in store or online too. Morrisons lists all weekly offers on its site
- Buy own label products. Be it clothing or food, it’s just as good as quality leading big name brands and can really save you money on your weekly shop. Look out for money-back guarantees; Morrisons has a great money-back guarantee on its Little Big range
- Buy seasonal food and make your own baby food. Seasonal produce is often cheaper than fruit and vegetables which are out of season and cooking from scratch is always cheaper than buying pre-packaged meals
- Take it in turns with known parents to look after each other’s children. It will help you save money, and allows you a much needed night off without worrying about childcare
- Remember you can claim and accrue childcare vouchers from the day your baby is born – and you can use them until your child is 15 years of age – to cut the cost of nurseries and childcare
- As part of doing your budget before your baby is born, have a household expenses ‘spring clean’ and save an average of £1,161. Save up to £413 by bundling your phone, broadband and digital TV to one provider. Don’t auto renew – shop around and save £119 on home insurance and £399 on car insurance. Finally, remember to switch your gas and electricity and you could potentially save another £230
- You can earn £130 a year if you spend £500 per month using a cashback credit card. Just remember that they are only good if you pay your balance off IN FULL every month. Sign up to cashback sites and start earning money each time you buy your baby equipment. Super savvy shoppers buy things using a cashback site, a voucher AND then pay for them with a cashback credit card earning a treble bonus
- Save money on fuel while you shop. Morrisons has a Fuel Saver scheme which gives you 1p off every litre of fuel for a £10 gift card, rising to 6p off if you spend £60
- Check the PER UNIT price of items when you shop. Make sure that anything on offer is a genuine bargain – for example a nappy may cost 20p in an economy pack but 18p in a standard priced smaller packet
- Sell before you buy. The average household has £1,045 of unused items that can be sold. Clear space and make money by putting items online with eBay.co.uk or Preloved.co.uk
Source:
*Research undertaken by One Poll, on behalf of Morrisons, and conducted amongst 3,000 parents with children attending school, 15.07.12 – 22.07.12.
Published 13/08/2013