A new study has shared some worrying figures
Parents across the UK are struggling to afford essentials for their newborn babies, worrying research has revealed(Image: iStockphoto)
Parents across the UK are struggling to afford essentials for their newborn babies, worrying research has revealed.
A survey of 2,000 parents discovered 40 per cent were finding it difficult to afford essential goods for the care of their newborn, while 49 per cent of parents with kids under five felt their little ones had missed out on moments to learn or play due to the cost of living, Barnardo’s survey said.
Other worrying figures highlighted 44 per cent of individuals said financial pressures had affected their child’s development, which included speech, physical play and socialising.
When surveyed, 54 per cent of parents said they wished they had been able to give their newborn baby more essential goods.
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Barnardo’s is currently calling for a crucial scheme giving parents a box of baby essentials including clothes, books, a bath towel and a changing mat to be expanded throughout the rest of the UK after a successful introduction to Scotland in 2017.
According to the Guardian, in England, Wales and Nothern Ireland at the moment stock is inconsistent, with parents surveyed by Barnardo’s sharing they believe the scheme should be made available everywhere.
Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “Poverty steals the foundations of learning, playing and growing that are essential to build their futures, leading to delays in speech, growth and emotional development.
“[Baby boxes] mean a family doesn’t have to choose between heating and a cot, or between food for themselves and clothes for their newborn.
“It means the basics are there, ready and waiting, so parents can focus on bonding with their baby rather than worrying about how they’ll provide for them.
She added: “By giving parents the essential items they need from day one, we’re not just supporting families in crisis – we’re investing in children’s health, wellbeing and development for years to come.
“It’s something all parents need for their newborn babies, and which we are calling for the government to provide.”
Juliea Morris, a Barnardo’s family centre manager in Woking, discussed the pressures many new parents are facing at the moment: “I’ve visited homes where babies are still sleeping in Moses baskets longer because families are unable to afford a cot, and toddlers are often still in prams when they are of an age for a pushchair but again families are unable to afford these.
“These are not luxuries – they are basic items that keep babies and toddlers safe and healthy.”
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She added: “We are privileged that families welcome us into their homes – it helps us gain an understanding of what’s important to them and the support they would like. Many families we are supporting are relying more on food banks than ever.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions told the publication: “Our efforts to turn the tide on poverty after years of rising hardship are making a real difference – household incomes have risen 5 per cent in real terms, about 100,000 fewer children are in deep material poverty and food bank usage has fallen.
“As part of our child poverty strategy, which will lift 550,000 children out of poverty, we’re releasing new guidance on baby formula pricing, potentially saving parents up to £540 in a baby’s first year, while our £1bn crisis and resilience fund is there for families who need extra support.”
