Three Ways to Secure Free Baby Items

When it comes to a baby, we believe every penny counts. Heck, that's why this blog was created, to help you spend your money wisely when preparing for a baby. Since every penny counts, let's talk about how to save money and secure free baby items long before the baby arrives.

Three Ways to Secure Free Baby Items:

• Baby Registry Gift Bags

• Bonus Items with Maternity Clothing

• Individual Rewards Programs

Baby Registry Gift Bags

Did you know that when you create a Baby Registry at stores such as Buy Buy Baby, Target and Babylist (my personal favorite) you qualify for a FREE Baby Gift Bag?

These Baby Gift Bags are a great way to secure free items for both you and your little one. Items vary in each bag, but typical items include: wipes, bottles, diapers, pacifiers, lotions, creams, outfits and more!

Free Items with Maternity Clothing

I remember being desperate for some Maternity Jeans early in my pregnancy and not being able to find ANY in stores. I stumbled upon an online store called Motherhood Maternity and I'm so glad I did. When my first order from Motherhood Maternity arrived, it had a FREE bonus baby bottle and pacifier inside. I assumed this was some type of "first purchase" bonus I simply overlooked when I checked out, but I was happy to receive the gift regardless. Then free bottles and pacifiers came with my second and third order as well.

To be honest, I've tried to research why free bottles and pacifiers came with every Motherhood Maternity purchase I made, and I've found no answer on the internet. I can't guarantee that you will get free baby items with every purchase from their store, as I don't know why it happened for me, but it's certainly worth a shot! You need maternity clothes anyways, why not try and get a free bottle out of it too?

Individual Rewards Programs

Many companies providing essential baby items have Rewards Programs with amazing benefits (and incredible perks). Both Enfamil and Similac offer programs which include FREE samples of Baby Formula. Disclosure: given the ongoing formula shortage, I'm not sure if you can currently secure formula samples (though I still think it's worth trying).

Pampers and Huggies both offer Rewards Programs which allow you to collect money-back on every purchase. You can then use that money towards any number of items from more diapers to a Starbucks Gift Card (which is what I do - no shame here).

A Few Final Thoughts Because I Can....

Let's be honest, nothing I've shared here is going to save you thousands of dollars. However, I believe it might save you hundreds if you play your cards right.

I've said time and time again throughout many articles with this blog: "babies are unique". Babies are also unpredictable and extremely picky. So, a word of caution: be careful what you buy before your baby arrives.

My advice is to take FULL ADVANTAGE of the free items we've talked about here.

Rather than stocking up on baby formula, secure some free samples and let that be enough for your initial pantry preparation. If you don't get any free diapers in your gift bags, stick to buying the smallest bundles of 2-3 diaper brands until you know what brand works best for your family. The same goes with pacifiers and bottles; I suggest using free samples or limiting your purchasing before you get your baby's opinion. The last thing you want is a plethora of Advent Bottles you can't return, only to find your baby prefers Dr. Brown's (personal experience talking).

I'll leave you with this: You're Doing a Great Job. It isn't easy to prepare for the unknown, and it can be very overwhelming when you're just getting started. By simply putting in the effort to read things like this article (by which hopefully you've gained some wisdom) you are already proving that you are going to be a remarkable Mom or Dad. I love seeing future parents hungry for information, and I want to help you learn all I can.

Find this article helpful? Let me know in the comments below! Think of something I missed? Let me know in the comments below, so we can all get smarter together!