Children: Crosslight’s money-saving tips

• Apply for free school meals for your children if you are eligible – check and apply on your local council’s website (find your local council here) 
   

• Apply for Healthy Start vouchers to get free fruit and vegetables, pulses, vitamins, milk and infant formula, if you are pregnant or have children aged under 4 and are on a low income; Rose vouchers are also available in some areas including five London boroughs currently  
   

• Visit your local baby bank if you are not able to afford essentials for your children – they offer ‘pre-loved’ items that have been donated by local supporters.  
   

• Check eligibility for free or cheaper childcare online 
   

• Check out ‘kids eat free’ offers in supermarket cafes and high street outlets – search online for current offers  
   

• Consider free days out – take a packed lunch, go somewhere with no admission fee (lots of natural spaces have treasure trails / themed walks etc to keep kids entertained) or use supermarket or other vouchers to get free admission to attractions. Trip Advisor (search free + desired location) and Days out with the Kids have good ideas online for free day-trips. 
   

• If you’re thinking of using cloth nappies, many councils offer a voucher to help with the up-front cost of buying reusable nappies, or to put towards a paid-for laundry service. See Real Nappies for London or The Nappy Lady in the rest of the UK.