Just had a baby? You could be be eligible for some nice freebies.
The birth of Princess Charlotte has led to several companies offering freebies and perks to new parents.
And if you named your child Charlotte or Charlie you could get hold of even more.
As well as the more gimmicky offer, we’ve picked out everything you could be eligible for, whether you’re a stay-at-home or working parent.
Perks for parents of Charlottes and Charlies, or those born last week
Virgin Money is loading £25 on to the first 1,000 new Virgin Money Young Saver accounts for new arrivals named Charlotte or Charlie.
If your baby was born on the same day as Princess Charlotte (2nd May 2015) you can claim a free lucky silver penny from The Royal Mint. You can even choose between a blue or pink presentation pouch to keep your penny in.
And investment portfolio manager Nutmeg is offering five prizes of £2,000 to parents whose new baby shares the same date of birth as the new princess.
It’s open to the first five parents who send a copy of their new baby’s birth certificate via post or email showing exactly the same date. Certificates must be sent within 40 days.
New and existing investors can enter and the winners will have their £2,000 invested in a Nutmeg portfolio. It must stay there for a minimum of 12 months, and applicants will still be required to make the standard minimum contribution of £50 unless the fund has a minimum of £5,000.
And Drayton Manor is offering free admission to girls under 12 called Charlotte. You need to bring some ID to prove your name and the offer's only open until 11th May.
[Related story: Five financial decisions you should never make quickly]
Perks for all
Child benefit
Anyone can claim child benefit if they’re responsible for a child, regardless of whether they are working or have savings. You can claim for each child below the age of 16.
Payments are tax-free as long as neither parent earns more than £50,000 a year. If one of you earns more than that, you’ll have to pay some of it back via your self-assessment tax return, or all of it if you or your partner earn over £60,000.
You’re entitled to £20.70 a week for your first child and £13.70 a week for any further children. You’ll need to claim within the first three months of your child being born as it can only be backdated three months from receipt.
Working tax credit
Working tax credit can help you out with things like childcare, and is worth up to £122.50 a week for one child and £210 for two or more. You must work at least 16 hours a week and use registered or approved childcare.
Free life insurance
A number of insurers offer £10,000 worth of life insurance to new parents aged 18-45 for a whole year, including Asda, Post Office, Tesco and Legal General.
It’s valid from the day you apply up until the newborn’s first birthday and each parent can be covered separately. Insurance policies from Asda, Post Office and Tesco are all underwritten by Aviva. If you go to Aviva directly, you could bag an even better free life insurance deal as it is offering £15,000 worth of cover to each parent of a child under five.
Free prescriptions and NHS dental treatment
Pregnant women and new mothers who live in England will get free prescriptions for the first 12 months after their baby is born. Prescriptions are free for all in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as standard.
NHS dental care is free in the UK while you’re pregnant and for the year after your baby’s birth. All you need is a Maternity Exemption Certificate signed by your doctor or midwife.
Child tax credit
You may be entitled to child tax credits. How much you get will be determined by your household income.
You’re more likely to be eligible if your income is below £26,000 or £32,000 for two children.
You can still get credit if your income is higher if you have childcare costs or a child with disabilities.
Be aware that child tax credit is being gradually phase out and replaced by Universal Credit.
Free nappies
You can take part in a free ‘real nappy trial’ via babykind.co.uk or get free Pampers and Huggies nappies when you sign up and refer a friend at Free Nappies.
Free baby recipes
Get exclusive recipes, tips and free samples by signing up the Organix newsletter.
Free nappy rash cream
Take a Bepanthen survey and get a free sample of nappy rash cream. It can even be used on the skin of premature babies.
Free advice and money off vouchers
If you’re a loyal Johnson’s customer, register with the Johnson’s Baby Club and get rewarded for spending with things like water baby classes, books and special photoshoots for the family.
Perks for parents on low incomes
You’re entitled to a host of benefits for yourself and your baby if you’re on a low income.
Healthy Start food vouchers
Pregnant women and families on certain benefits can get weekly vouchers for free milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, infant formula and vitamins.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits, you could get a one-off payment of £500 to help with the cost of your first baby. This is called the Sure Start Maternity Grant, it's tax free and you don’t have to repay it.
Income Support
Anyone with a youngest child under five who is not working or working less than 16 hours per week can claim Income Support. If you’re in a couple, your partner must work no more than 24 hours a week. It's available for single parents, too.
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-based JSA is available for families working no more than 16 hours a week, or 24 in some cases, and at least one adult is seeking work.