As many new parents discover, shopping for a family can be expensive. Here's how to make sure you and your little one eat healthily, even when you're on a tight budget.
- Make the most of the discounts offered by store loyalty cards and baby clubs.
- Look out for coupons in newspapers – lots of them are for highly processed foods, so only go for those that offer discounts on healthier foods.
- Stock up when your favourite foods are sale or there is a 'buy-one-get-one-free' offer. If you don't have much storage space, be creative. No one needs to know you have tins of baked beans stashed under the bed!
- If you have a market nearby, use it to buy cheap fruit and veg.
- Make the most of your freezer – buy larger amounts of meat or fish then divide into smaller portions and freeze. You could also cook in bulk then freeze handy meal-sized portions (don't forget to label bags and containers carefully).
- Bigger doesn't necessarily mean cheaper, so always check the unit price. This tells you how much an item costs per kilogram or litre. You'll find it in small print at the bottom of the price ticket on the shelf.
- Go for 'value' and supermarkets' own brands – they are often just as good as branded varieties.
- Make sure you aren't hungry before you go shopping.
- Plan your menus for the week. Then make a list of the ingredients you'll need and stick to it when you go shopping.
- Make the most of leftovers – they could make a great packed lunch, stir-fry or soup for the next day.
- Meat tends to be expensive, so eat more vegetables and carbohydrates.
- Set yourself a weekly grocery budget and stick to it, even if it means taking things out of the trolley.
- Use over-ripe fruit to make purées or smoothies.
- Go food shopping less often – this will cut down the number of impulse buys you make.
- Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables as these tend to be cheaper – you'll often find them at the front of the fruit and veg section.
- Check to see if you qualify for the Healthy Start scheme. This entitles you to free vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables as well as formula and vitamins for your little one.