It’s no secret — having a baby is expensive. As amazing as parenthood is, it can also be a bit hard on your pocketbook. It’s estimated that raising a child in Canada can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 a year. That’s not chump change by any stretch of the imagination.
But luckily, there are some ways that you can cut financial corners and leave a little more money in your wallet, and one way is to take advantage of free baby samples and products.
Here are some common costs associated with having a baby, as well as some of the best ways to get your hands on some freebies.
Common Baby Costs
The following are some of the more common expenses you’ll incur when you have a baby:
- Baby formula and bottles
- Furniture
- Gear, such as diaper bags and strollers
- Clothing
- Toys
- Books
- Diapers
- Childcare
Of course, there are other miscellaneous things that can add to this list. Just take a walk through a Babies R Us store and you’ll know what we mean. That said, the above list covers the basics, and anything beyond would be based on your particular needs and budget.
Best Ways To Get Free Baby Products
The following is a list of free baby samples and gifts you can grab to make life with your baby a little easier on the wallet.
Huggies No Baby Unhugged
What the program is. The Huggies ‘No Baby Unhugged’ program works with hospitals, parents, and communities to ensure that all babies are given the vital physical human interaction they need, even when their mothers aren’t there.
What you get. Huggies will send you a free pack of newborn diapers and wipes and will also donate $5 to their No Baby Unhugged program when you share a ‘hug’ picture with your baby. If your baby is older than 4 weeks old, you can get coupons for Huggies products instead.
Pampers Rewards Program
What the program is. The Pampers Rewards program is a points system that allows you to collect points with every purchase you make with Pampers. Every time a Pampers code is scanned when you cash out, you collect points.
What you get. When you collect enough points, you can exchange them for free baby items from Pampers and coupons.
Sobeys Baby Be Healthy Program
What the program is. This program is designed to help ensure that all moms-to-be have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
What you get. As a member of the program, you can take advantage of the following perks:
- Free consultation with a pharmacist
- Nutritional guidance throughout pregnancy
- Prenatal vitamins during your pregnancy
- Guidance on which herbs are safe to take while pregnant
Nestlé Baby & Me
What the program is. The Baby & Me program offers support to parents during the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life.
What you get. After you register for the program, you’ll receive the following:
- Ready-for-Baby pack including gifts and coupons
- Free samples of baby products
- Extra savings mailed to you or sent to your email as your baby grows
- Helpful tips and advice from experts regarding your baby’s development
Amazon Baby Registry
What the program is. Much like you’d register for a baby shower at places like Babies R Us, you can also register for items sold on Amazon. And given the wide selection of products available on this e-commerce giant’s site, it will be nearly impossible not to find what you’re looking for.
What you get. If you’re a Prime member, you’ll get a free gift after at least $25 is purchased from the registry. You can also save 15% on eligible baby items when you complete your registry.
Baby En Route Registry
What the program is. This is another baby registry site that allows you to pick and choose all the items you need for your baby.
What you get. Receive a free goodie bag of samples and offers from local stores after at least 15 items have been added to your registry, and get 10% off when you buy more than one of the same items.
London Drugs Baby Welcome Package
What the program is. Sign up for the London Drugs Baby Welcome Package and newsletter in exchange for a promo code that will be emailed to you, to be used to get discounts on in-store purchases.
What you get. Redeem your promo code for a box with all the goodies you need for your baby, including baby wipes, baby wash, diaper cream, and more. The promo code can also be redeemed for a free baby package online at LondonDrugs.com.
Baby R Us Baby Registry
What the program is. The Baby R Us registry is a popular one where you can pick out everything you could possibly need for your baby, from the moment you give birth and for their early years.
What you get. Both the online and in-store registry offers the following:
- $25 coupon after 25 items are added and you sign up for their emails
- 10% off remaining registry items that were not purchased
- Baby Swag Bag that comes with samples and coupons
Cetaphil Parents Club
What the program is. The Parents Club from Cetaphil offers a ton of goodies and simply requires that you sign up using your name and email address.
What you get. As a member of this club, you’ll receive the following:
- $5 coupon after joining
- Free baby gift pack that includes baby wash and shampoo, baby oil and moisturizing lotion, and a plush elephant rattle
- Exclusive offers and coupons
- Exclusive information on contests, promotions, and new products
- Parenting tips and guidance
Enfamil My Family Beginnings
What the program is. This is another membership program that you’ll need to sign up for using your name and email address to get freebies and coupons.
What you get. Get up to $160 in coupons for free baby formula samples, a subscription to the Your New Baby magazine, and offers from the Enfamil online store. There’s also the option to upgrade to the Premium plan for $39.99 to receive up to $350 in coupons for formula, partner discounts, and more.
Best Buy Sampler
What the program is. This is a free membership program that allows you to test out products and review them. It’s available to parents-to-be and parents with a baby under 2 years. Every month, members are randomly selected to review baby products.
What you get. If you’re selected, you get to test out a wide array of products and keep them in exchange for an honest review. Products include baby monitors, car seats, strollers, and more.
Final Thoughts
Given how much money you’ll be spending every month on baby products, getting a few freebies can make things a little easier on the wallet. And by sampling a variety of products, you’ll be able to discover your favourite items without having to dish out a lot of money for full-sized products.
