I remember during my first pregnancy, looking around at all of the prices and wondering how in the world anyone could afford to take care of a baby. By the time my second pregnancy rolled around I was swimming in free baby products. In fact, my husband and I had so much stuff by that point that we were actively looking for someone to whom we could donate something.
One day, towards the end of the second pregnancy I was standing in the garage with my mother in law, handing her baby products to take to a friend at her work, and I told her that I had no clue during my first pregnancy that it was even possible to get freebies for a baby.
So, if you are that young mom who is about to embrace the love of a baby for the first time or if you are currently searching for some sort of financial help with your kids – I want to let you know to keep your chin up, help is on the way. It’s amazing really, at how many great companies out there are willing to give their products away to someone in need.
For that reason, I do ask, that if you don’t need these free resources to pass them up, because you might take away the chance of someone getting them that is truly in need. However, I would always ask that you share this post out onto social media because it could end up helping a young mom struggling to provide for a child – and frankly, you may never know that someone is struggling but God knows and I believe that He will bless you if you share this for that purpose.
8 ways to find free baby products
(including full sized samples)
1.) OBGYN
Your OB/GYN office is built up of amazing doctors who, like pediatricians have a great deal of passion for your little bundle of joy. It’s part of their responsibility to see to it that your child is born healthy. Because of that they often present mothers with a welcome pack. Take the time to look inside that, it is full of resources for you. Often times you will find a few weeks worth of prenatal vitamins inside. If you are not already taking them, this is a good time to start and if you just simply don’t think you can afford them, ask the midwife for a sample.
Some doctor offices will even give samples of infant formula to you as you approach your due date.
2.) Hospital
Up until this point you may be used to your midwives being there to help you out, but you’ll soon discover the hospital does not function with the same set of standards. Never assume anything here is free, otherwise you may have something show up on your bill. I paid $90 for Tylenol once. That was a hard lesson to learn.
With that being said, there are still ways to get freebies from the hospital – such as formula. Depending on the particular hospital these things may not be readily available but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. You may just have to ask for them, if you do be sure to include the word “SAMPLE” so that you can rest assured it won’t show up on your expense report once you’ve gotten back home.
Chances are, if your hospital is one of those that do not let patients know about free formula – it is because they have a Le-Leche staff. If that is the case, awesome! Take advantage of that. Breast milk is much cheaper than formula and sometimes all it takes is someone showing you how to nurse in order for you to feel comfortable enough with it. Even if this is your second or third child you might still ask to see a Le Leche team member because you might just be able to learn something that you didn’t know before.
3.) Local Government
Not everyone will qualify for free services from the government but the only way to know for sure is to call and ask. So, pick up the phone, call the local health department. Ask to speak to someone from a Women, Infant and Children’s program. Then schedule a trip up there with all of the requited paper work. If you do qualify for these services they will be able to help you keep track of your health throughout your entire pregnancy and into your child’s young life.
4.) Baby Registry
By signing up for a registry at major retailers you will receive a welcome gift as well as additional savings once your baby has been born. Use these savings to help buy the items you still need. The only pacifier my son would ever use came from a welcome pack after we opened a registry.
5.) Rewards Programs
Diapers and Wipes add up in cost quickly, so make to get the most of your money by creating an account with the brand that you use. Both Huggies and Pampers each offer rewards to their buyers. You can find the rewards codes on the inside of boxes and on the outside of wipes. Log in to your account online, enter the code and let the point accumulate. It will take time to get something nice but you might as well get something back if they are offering. Personally, I have redeemed hundreds of free pictures from Shutterfly, a potty seat, 4 Dr. Suess books and most recenlty this Mickey Mouse Toy.
6.) Samples by Mail
Formula companies are great about helping out new mothers. Some of the largest companies such as Similac and Gerber Good Start have been known to send full sized samples in the mail. Granted, they only give out so many full sized samples each year so you will need to sign up for those perks at their website as soon as you know an estimated due date. However, even if you are not one of the lucky ones to get a full size freebie you will still receive very valuable coupons in the mail that are worth more than anything you would ever find in a local newspaper.
7.) Baby Pictures
While finding a free photographer might be a long stretch you shouldn’t have to give up hope on cute baby announcements. Keep an eye out, you can get Special Offers and Coupons at Walgreens Photo and sometimes that means free prints. However, they are not the only companies to do such things, you can also get 50 Free Prints from Shutterfly just by signing up.
8.) Craigslist/Facebook
Of course this list would not be complete with out a mention to Craigslist and Facebook. Facebook has several online yard sales where people list things for cheap and yes, even free. Craigslist is basically the same way, you could find a product for a low cost or you can just go ahead and do a search for free. Make sure you use safety measures with each site such as meeting in a well populated area during the day and telling a loved one where you are going and what time you will be meeting someone.
For more posts by Lauren visit bPatty.com