Didcot mum says 'families are struggling'

A mum who is helping other parents save money said a lot of families were "struggling to afford everyday essentials".

Emmie Withers, 35, from Didcot in Oxfordshire, hosts the Mum2Mum market where people can buy and sell pre-loved children's clothes and toys.

It comes as Child Poverty Action Group revealed that the basic cost of raising a child until the age of 18 can be up to £290,000.

Ms Withers said: "Everyday essentials such as food, formula and all the clothes babies and children go through can cost an awful lot."

She explained that the Mum2Mum markets are in-person events run in the community which can act as a "social event".

She said at the event "you can come along, pick items up, try them out and speak to the previous owner".

"Anyone can come along whether you're a parent, caregiver, grandparent or running a childminder," she said.

"We often see the same parents coming back time and time again because children grow and change so much.

"Something you buy at one market, you might want to sell at the next one."

Ms Withers said it could be "really expensive" being a parent and a lot of families were "struggling just to manage the rising cost of everyday essentials".

"Children grow so fast, even as babies you're replacing their entire wardrobe every couple of months," she said.

"It can cost an awful lot to keep up with the everyday essentials.

"Everywhere you look, everyone you speak to has a different suggestion on ways to soothe your baby and there are so many different pieces of equipment out there.

"Especially as a first time parent, where you are just trying to navigate the world of settling a baby, you will do and try almost anything and that can cost a lot too."

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