Maternity Leave Planning: Financial Tips for New Parents
20 August 2026 — Baby Discount Shop
If you're a parent in the UK, there's a good chance the advice you've been given about this is either outdated or simply wrong — here's what the evidence actually says.
If you're a parent or parent-to-be in the UK, you'll know that finding reliable, practical information about maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents can feel overwhelming. There's so much advice out there — from well-meaning relatives to Instagram influencers — that it's hard to know what to trust. Much of what you'll find online is conflicting, out of date, or written by people with no real experience of caring for a baby. That's why we've put together this guide, drawing on UK health professionals (NHS guidance and health visitors), experienced parents, and the latest research. We'll walk you through the essentials, the common mistakes to avoid, and the questions we're asked most often — so you can make confident decisions for your family.
Understanding Your Maternity Leave Entitlements
In the UK, eligible employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave. The first 26 weeks are called Ordinary Maternity Leave, and the second 26 weeks are Additional Maternity Leave. You can start your maternity leave from 11 weeks before your due date. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks — 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, and £184.03 per week (or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. To qualify for SMP you must have been employed continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date. You must give your employer at least 15 weeks' notice of your leave, and they may ask for your MATB1 certificate, which your midwife or GP signs from week 20. Maternity Allowance is the alternative for mums who do not qualify for SMP, paid through the Department for Work and Pensions.
When it comes to choosing products for maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents, it pays to do a little research and invest in quality. Many UK parents swear by trusted brands that offer excellent value, durability, and proper safety certification — but you don't always need the most expensive option on the shelf. Look for items that carry the UKCA or CE mark, have solid reviews from verified purchasers, and come from retailers with a straightforward returns policy. We've rounded up some of our top recommendations at the end of this article, all chosen because they're consistently rated highly by real UK families, to help you get started with confidence.
Planning Your Maternity Leave Financially
The drop in income when you go on maternity leave can be significant, which is why planning ahead is so important. Start saving as early as possible in your pregnancy. Check what additional benefits your employer offers — some companies enhance SMP or offer a longer leave period. Shared Parental Leave is another option worth exploring, allowing you and your partner to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between you. Work out a realistic budget now: list your essential outgoings, then see what SMP will cover and what you need to make up from savings. You still accrue holiday while on maternity leave, and you can take up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without losing pay. Also check whether you qualify for Universal Credit or Child Benefit, and remember that your pension contributions continue while you are on SMP.
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
The thought of returning to work can be both exciting and daunting. Under UK law, you have the right to request flexible working from day one in your new role. This could mean reduced hours, compressed hours, working from home, or job sharing. Your employer is legally required to consider your request seriously. If you're returning to the same role, you're entitled to any pay rises or benefits you would have received if you hadn't been on leave. Put your flexible working request in writing and explain how it will work for your team — employers can only refuse on specific business grounds. You are protected from discrimination and unfair dismissal while on maternity leave, and entitled to any pay rise agreed during your absence. Childcare is often the biggest hurdle, so start looking into nurseries, childminders, or grandparents' arrangements early.
When it comes to choosing products for maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents, it pays to do a little research and invest in quality. Many UK parents swear by trusted brands that offer excellent value, durability, and proper safety certification — but you don't always need the most expensive option on the shelf. Look for items that carry the UKCA or CE mark, have solid reviews from verified purchasers, and come from retailers with a straightforward returns policy. We've rounded up some of our top recommendations at the end of this article, all chosen because they're consistently rated highly by real UK families, to help you get started with confidence.
Support and Resources for New Parents
There are brilliant resources available to support UK parents through the maternity leave journey. ACAS offers free advice on your employment rights. Gingerbread provides support for single parents. Many local children's centres run parent-and-baby groups that are perfect for meeting other local parents. Online communities like Mumsnet and Netmums are fantastic for practical advice and peer support, whatever time of day you need it. Your health visitor is a brilliant first port of call for any worries about your baby or yourself — they see new parents all the time and can signpost you to local support. If you are struggling with your mental health, talk to your GP or health visitor about perinatal support; charities like PANDAS and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance offer help too. Your local council's family information service lists childcare, groups, and activities in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
**How much maternity pay will I get?** If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you get 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of your earnings if that is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. **Do I have to tell my employer when I am pregnant?** Yes — you must tell them by the 15th week before your due date, and give at least 15 weeks' notice of when you want your leave to start. They may ask for your MATB1 certificate, and they must confirm your leave dates in writing within 28 days. **Can I take holiday during maternity leave?** Yes — you continue to accrue your statutory holiday while on maternity leave, and many mums use it to extend their time off at the end. **What if I don't qualify for SMP?** You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead, or check whether you qualify for Universal Credit or other help through your local council or Citizens Advice.
When it comes to choosing products for maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents, it pays to do a little research and invest in quality. Many UK parents swear by trusted brands that offer excellent value, durability, and proper safety certification — but you don't always need the most expensive option on the shelf. Look for items that carry the UKCA or CE mark, have solid reviews from verified purchasers, and come from retailers with a straightforward returns policy. We've rounded up some of our top recommendations at the end of this article, all chosen because they're consistently rated highly by real UK families, to help you get started with confidence.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide to maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents has been helpful for you and your family. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another — and that's absolutely fine. Trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and don't be too hard on yourself; parenting is a learning journey for all of us, and no one gets it right all the time. If you have any concerns about your baby's health or development, your health visitor or GP is always the best first port of call, and the NHS website (nhs.uk) is a reliable, free resource for UK parents. And if you're looking for recommended products to help with maternity leave planning: financial tips for new parents, check out the selection below — each item has been chosen because UK parents consistently rate it highly for quality, safety, and value for money.
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