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Guide to Getting Discounted or Free Baby Stuff in 2023

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Parenting is a BIG financial commitment as the cost of raising a baby may appear little but could add up fast. If you are a first-time parent, you’ll be surprised at how many diapers your kid will need. And it doesn’t end there. You’ll need a baby bottle, pacifiers, and almost 100 more baby products before your kid reaches 10 years. Your kid deserves all these. I personally want the best for every kid and I hope this guide will be helpful in obtaining that additional gear your kid needs.

Alice and scoured the web rounded up almost 100 ways to score some seriously discounted or free baby gear, maternity clothes, breastfeeding equipment and more — and save you some serious $$$ in the process.

Food and formula:

You can get free baby food and formula. These are the most important baby products your baby will need and you should not hesitate to take advantage of free food. Use the following ways to get discounted and even free baby products.

1. Contact the companies

Many baby formula and food companies have coupons and samples that you take advantage of:

Enfamil:

Enfamil has a program called Family Beginnings that will hook you up with exclusive coupons, special offers, and free samples.

Similac:

Similac has a program where they can send you baby gear in a bag based on your baby’s age. The rewards program is called Strong Mums and it can really save you the hassle of trying to find the right gear for your baby based on their age.

similar free coupons and formula

The Similac® StrongMoms® Rewards program offers personalized gifts and benefits, like free formula samples and baby formula coupons. But the program is about more than just savings. You’ll get nutrition guidance, ongoing tips and education, and offers—all delivered right to your email.

Similac website

You can read more about it here.

Nestle Baby Formula

If you live in Canada you can get Nestle baby formula kit which includes infant formula and ​other nutrition samples for infants. The kit also has coupons, special offers, a feeding guide. You can see more about it here

Generation Good

Generation Good also offers parents in Canada gifts, free samples and guides for parents. You can read more here

Parent’s Choice at Walmart 

Parent Choice is Walmart’s program where parents can get 50% off baby food and formula of popular brands such as Enfamil® and Similac® infant formulas.

Gerber’s

Beech-Nut

  • Similac also provides a rewards program called Strong Moms. The program sends coupons and samples based on your baby’s age and needs, which will not only save you money but cut down on time and energy spent figuring out what might be best for your baby’s age.
  • Nestle’s Baby Formula Baby Club also comes with some perks, including a welcome box of samples and $130 worth of coupons to new members. More on What It Really Costs to Raise a BabyThe Surprising Costs of Having a Baby14 Easy Ways to Save Money After BabyWhat Happens When You Can’t Afford Diapers? The Overlooked Issue That’s Impacting Moms and Babies
  • Generation Good, Seventh Generation’s reward program, grants you access to coupons, discounts, products to try out and access to their mom community. You can spread the wealth, too. Generation Good members are eligible to host “Healthy Baby Home” Parties. The company will send you samples and info you can share with your friends.
  • Parent’s Choice at Walmart doesn’t offer freebies, but they do offer discounted sample sizes on their website. So whether you are looking to find things to try for a picky eater or are looking to only spend a little less this week, their sample sizes might be perfect for you.
  • Gerber’s program comes not only with samples and coupons, but also with helpful resources for moms, including their chat bot, Dorothy, who will answer your baby-related questions, and an app to help better understand baby’s milestones and track his eating and growth.
  • Beech-Nut offers a one-time coupon for new parents. So if eating organic is important to you, reach out to them, and they’ll send you a coupon.

Check out government programs 

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)  is a governmental organization that’s mission is to help low-income mothers. The organization provides families with good, nutrition counseling, and access to health services. The program does come with income requirements that vary from state to state though. Find out if you’re eligible here.

Talk to your doctor

This one may not seem obvious, but it is one of the easiest: ask your baby’s pediatrician. They may have free baby food or formula samples you can scoop up, and they may also point you in the direction of organizations that can help.Savvy Saving Tips for ParentsSetting Up a Family Budget8 Ways to Save Money on DiapersReliable Financial Help for Single MomsWhy Is Day Care So Expensive? Parents, Legislators and Child Care Providers Weigh In

Get reimbursed

Neocate, a baby formula company that provides formula for a wide variety of dietary needs, provides free assistance for those looking to get their formula expenses reimbursed through insurance.The team at Nutricia Navigator will help you navigate the very confusing insurance system to see if you can save money on what your baby needs most: healthy meals. You could be a good candidate if you don’t qualify for other forms of assistance (such as WIC or other government programs).

Try your local food bank

Families in need can also head to their local food bank for formula and baby food. Most food banks will have options for you and baby. You can find one close to you on their website.

Breastfeeding tools and equipment:

Whoever said breastfeeding is free was wrong (your body can do some amazing, awesome things, including growing a human being — but it doesn’t come equipped with nursing pads or electric pumps). Save big bucks on breastfeeding with the tips below (and they’ll come in handy if you’re supplementing, too).

Have your insurance pay for it

The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to cover your breastfeeding needs. We know going through insurance can sound impossible, but you don’t have to do it alone. Companies like Targetand Medela offer support to customers to help them purchase their pump through insurance.

Cover up and have them cover the bill 

Not every mom wants to use a nursing cover, but for ones who do, those tiny pieces of cloth can be a lifesaver. That doesn’t mean you should have to shell out big bucks for them though. Get four sets of breast pads in adorable prints for free when you visit BreastPads.comand use SHOPHER1 at checkout.Paying for Child CareHow to Make Day Care Work on a Budget4 Reasons Everyone Benefits From Affordable Child CareStarting Child Care: How to Ease Into the Child Care ExperienceThe Best States for Working Moms All Prioritize One Thing

Snuggle up with a free nursing pillow

Your nursing pillow will become your best friend, the kind you lean on when you’re in need (or, in this case, when your arms are tired or you’re searching for some comfort). They don’t have to cost a fortune, either. Visit Nursing Pillows and type in the code SHOPHER1 at checkout for a free nursing pillow.

Grab a discounted nursing bracelet

“Which side?” You may have never considered this question before, but as a new mom it will pop up on your list of most-asked (next to “Where are my keys?”). But this little nursing band will be the simple solution to remembering what side you last breastfed from. You can get $1.20 off one at MilkBands.com by using the code 1FRUGALBABY at checkout. 

Rent what you need

Breastfeeding may be a huge part of your life for some time. But if you’re supplementing and won’t be pumping every day, it may not make sense for you to buy a pump. Certain companies, such as Medela, allow you to rent the gear you need instead of having to commit to buying. You can also check out YummyMummy, which is dedicated to all things breastfeeding and can walk you through any questions you may have about how to get your rental covered by insurance and picking the equipment that’s right for you, as well as address any concerns you may have about breastfeeding itself.

Learn for free

Any new skill comes with a learning curve, and breastfeeding is no exception. Lactation classes can help make your breastfeeding experience the best it can be. Worried about the cost? Try online classes or seminars, which tend to be less expensive and time-consuming than in-person ones. Check out Medela’s University and more online breastfeeding classes at Breastfeeding House Calls, a Texas-based lactation clinic.Budget Tips from Moms Who Have Been ThereThe Biggest Change In My Budget Now That I Have Kids12 GIFs That Sum Up What It’s Like to Be a Parent on a Budget38 Must-Read Quotes for Parents on a Budget

Call for help

Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it isn’t always easy, and lactation consultants can be expensive and aren’t always there when you need them. The Office on Women’s Health’s toll-free breastfeeding hotline can be, though. So next time you’re in a breastfeeding bind and need some support, call 1-800-994-9662 to talk to a trained breastfeeding counselor in English or Spanish. They’re available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

Find a discounted or free lactation consultant

Phone consultation not doing the trick? If you’re looking for in-person help, check out Breastfeeding USA, a community-based breastfeeding advocacy organization, which provides experienced breastfeeding counselors, support and networking programs, and breastfeeding classes to answer any breastfeeding-related questions you may have (babies are welcome to attend right along with their moms). Check their site to find a chapter and counselor near you. 

Looking for more? There are tons of hyper-local programs that can help you out. ZipMilk, which is run by the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc., aggregates breastfeeding resources by state (searchable by zip code) and may be a good place to start your search if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Diapers:

Your baby will be doing a lot of growing and changing that first year, and every day will be new. But one thing you will use every day without fail: diapers. And they don’t come cheap: In a recent survey, What to Expect found that while first-time moms anticipate spending $591 per month on diapers, they actually end up spending $650. Yup, the cost really adds up — but so can the savings. Every free or discounted diaper = more money in your pocket. Here’s how to save: 

Try free samples from popular brands

  • The Honest Company’s diapers are chlorine-free, eco-friendly and adorably patterned, but they’re also pricey. Luckily, the brand offers free samples — so you can decide if they’re right for you before putting down a big chunk of change.
  • EverydayHappy Diapers is an online service that will deliver eco-friendly diapers at the affordable price of .14 per diaper. You can try the service free for a week to not only test out the subscription but get a week’s worth of free diapers.

Get involved in diaper rewards programs

  • If you had a penny for every diaper…well, you may not get a penny, but you can get a point. Huggies’ rewards program tallies points every time you buy diapers (so…all the time, basically!). You can then redeem your points for diapers, gift cards (including Amazon, Target, Best Buy and Visa cards) and toys.
  • Pampers offers a similar rewards program, and you can use your points to get free diapers, baby products and gift cards, as well as donate to charity organizations.

Reach out to diaper organizations

If you’re struggling to afford diapers, you’re far from alone. In fact, a 2015 study showed that diaper need is a far-reaching problem in the U.S., with almost 30 percent of parents unable to afford diapers. Luckily, some organizations around the country have stepped up to make sure that every parent has access to clean diapers for their baby. One option is the National Diaper Bank Network, which works with community and advocacy groups to provide free diapers for families in need all over the country. Baby2Baby is another organization with networks all over the U.S. that provides low-income families and kids with the essentials they need to grow up healthy and happy, including diapers.

Make the switch to cloth diapers

Switching to cloth diapers allows you to save money (and minimize your carbon footprint) because you don’t have to pay for diapers to throw out. However, there’s no way around the extra laundry, which may add to your water and electricity bills — so they may not be the most cost-effective option for every family. They can also be a little overwhelming if you’ve never used them before (how many do you need? What kind of cloth diapers should you get? How do you wash them?). Still, there are ways to cut down on the costs and to demystify the process: 

  • Giving Diapers, Giving Hope allows low-income families to “rent” cloth diapers at no charge to help them free up money in their budget for other essentials. There’s no time limit as to how long you can have the diapers (though you need to pay to ship them back to the organization when you’re done), and they provide support for parents who are new to the cloth diapering process. 
  • The Rebecca Foundation also offers cloth diaper loans to families in need. They have four different programs available (one for U.S. military families, one for foster parents, one for parents of children with special needs and a fourth for any family struggling to regularly buy diapers) and chapters in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. If you’re eligible, they’ll provide up to a year’s worth of free cloth diapers (and they also provide disposable diapers to families in times of emergency, such as after a natural disaster). Lastly, they provide classes for parents who are new to cloth diapering. 
  • Go DIY! If you’d rather take things into your own hands or find a way to upcycle some old fabric, you can DIY your baby’s cloth diapers. Here’s a list of free and inexpensive patterns to use when sewing your baby cloth diapers.

Other Baby Gear:

Crib, bottles, towels, swaddles, baby monitors…the list of stuff that you need when a new baby arrives seems never-ending. How could one tiny person need all of those things? But that long list doesn’t have to come with a receipt that’s just as long. Here are some options to help you save on baby gear:

Get a discounted or free crib

No doubt, this is going to be a big-ticket item for your little one’s nursery, but if you can’t afford it, help is available. Cribs for Kids is an organization that provides safe sleep education and tools to new parents and may be able to provide you with a free crib as well. 

Get thrifty

Swap.com, a thrifting website that provides discounted items, has a whole section of baby gear for incredibly low prices (they also have maternity and baby clothes!). The site has a little bit of everything and a constantly changing inventory, so give it a look to see if it has what you need.

Trade with other moms

Are you a second-time mama looking to save money this time around or a new mom looking for clothes for your (quickly) growing little one? Or are you simply trying to decide what to do with your old baby gear but hate the idea of just tossing it in the dumpster? Use peace.love.swap to connect with other moms and organize or find swap meets near you, where you can trade clothes, gear, toys, books and more, for free. Now, you can get rid of baby gear you don’t need, meet a new mom friend, pick up baby stuff you do need and do something good for the planet all at once. 

Save on bath time

You can get Baby Dove Samples for free by signing up for their #RealMoms mailing list.

Looking for a free car seat?

Contact your local WIC agency to see if any local organizations can provide you with free car seats or help with installation. One important note: Because safety standards and technology change and car seats sometimes get recalled, a car seat is one baby item you should never buy used. However, organizations such as WIC, United Way 211 and the Safe Kids Coalition can either provide free new car seats that meet all safety standards or can connect you with organizations that can.

Baby or welcome boxes:

Some organizations put together big sample boxes for expecting and new moms and can be a great way for families to get some of the baby basics for free.

Baby boxes

  • The Baby Box Company is an organization that provides a new-parent box. But this box is more than just a way to transport baby gear: it is the baby gear. This box comes with some essentials like diapers and wipes, but also acts as  a safe sleep space for baby. So if you don’t want to or can’t invest in a bassinet, this box can be a spot for baby to safely lay her little head down.
  • Babies Need Boxes is a nonprofit that provides baby boxes to families in New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Alabama and Virginia. Each baby box includes a firm mattress, waterproof cover, cotton fitted sheet and a bag of newborn essential items. Similar to above, these boxes do double-duty as a bassinet for baby.
  • Newborns in Need is another network of local organizations looking to help families in need. They care kits, which come with baby wash, sleepers, diapers, wipes, thermometers and other necessary items as well as handmade blankets, afghans and quilts.
  • Operation Shower aims to support military families through group baby showers or their B Is for Baby Box Program. Military moms who are either a) active duty, b) have a spouse or partner who is active duty and deployed, or c) was injured or has a spouse or partner who was injured while deployed are eligible.

Registries that provide welcome boxes

Some registries don’t just let you organize your stuff — they give you a head start on collecting all that baby gear. Walmart, Target, Amazonand buybuy BABY all provide welcome boxes filled with coupons, free samples and more.

Baby Clothes:

Baby’s clothes may be tiny, but they’re not cheap. And they don’t last long. Every time you turn around, another onesie has bitten the dust, either destroyed by a stain or left behind as your baby grows (and grows and grows). Re-stock using the options below. 

  • At Little Wanderers, use promo code 1FRUGALBABY to score a free pair of baby shoes.
  • Pants and babies aren’t always the best of friends (we blame you, diaper blowouts). But we love the colorful ’80s vibes the leggings from BabyLeggings give off. Use promo code 1FRUGALBABY for a free pair.
  • Children’s Orchard is a chain of consignment stores that allow you to buy baby clothes and gear at discounted prices but also to sell your gently used baby gear for store credit. Getting to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get free baby items? Sounds good to us.
  • Wildflower Kids is a Minneapolis-based, mom-owned online consignment shop that sells kids clothes. Their goal is to not only save moms money but to promote sustainability. Basically, you’re saving the planet and getting discounts without having to dig through racks and bargain bins. Win-win!

Maternity clothes:

Whether you’re on a strict budget or not, it can feel silly to spend a lot of money on clothing items that will only be in your style rotation for a couple months (or even a couple of weeks). But you don’t have to shell out big bucks to find clothes that are both stylish and comfortable.

Become a thrifter

  • Try My Kid’s Threads, an online consignment store. “Kids” may be in the name, but don’t worry, they didn’t leave out moms. The website has a whole section dedicated to affordable maternity wear, so head over and see if they have anything that catches your eye.
  • Josie’s Friends is another online thrift store that’s not just about the little ones and has a large, affordable maternity section. You can also consign your old maternity clothes once your pregnancy is over and use your credits toward clothes for your tot.

Get a free belly button maternity band

At some point in your pregnancy, your growing bump is going to need some support, and you can get some support paying for it. Visit Belly Button Maternity Band and use the code 1FRUGALBABY to get one for free.

Child care and other costs:

Miracle Babies is an organization that provides need-based financial assistance to families with a baby(s) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They use income-to-debt ratio, gestational age of the child at birth, anticipated length of stay in the NICU, as well as the severity of any birth abnormalities to distribute grants to families based on their need. The grants can then be used for things like transportation, parking fees, gas, groceries and hospital meals or child care costs for older children.Related TopicsFinancesFamilyFamily Groups

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