How to get free baby stuff: 15 suggestions
Sep 7, 2024
How to get free baby stuff: 15 suggestions
Babies are expensive. But guess what? Being an expectant parent also means the chance to stock up on free baby stuff – which can help to lower the costs just a tad.
Here, we’ll reveal how to get free baby stuff – and where. But first…
Free baby stuff: how free is it really?
We know what you’re thinking… often ‘free’ doesn’t really mean ‘free.’ So, what’s the catch?
Well, most of the products and ideas we’ll go onto list really are completely free.
But you may have to pay a little something – or do a bit of work – to access them. Often, this might mean you:
Pay shipping. Often, companies offering free samples or trial kits will need you to cover shipping costs.
Sign up to a mailing list. Sometimes, companies will want you to sign up to their mailing list in order to get baby freebies.
Earn points. Many companies run rewards programs where they give you newborn freebies or discounts after you rack up a certain number of points.
Give feedback. You might be able to get free baby stuff in return for testing out products. In this case, they’ll be truly free, but you will need to donate your time to feedback on your experience.
Claim on health insurance. In the US, your health insurance may cover the cost of some baby freebies – like ones you get from the hospital.
Pay gas. Free baby stuff that you get from Facebook Marketplace and other similar platforms will often need you to pick up in person. In this case, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas.
How to get free baby stuff
As a first time mom – or dad – you’ll suddenly become very interesting to lots of companies who sell pregnancy and baby products.
The good news is that this means many will be clamoring to give you free products, goodie bags and samples (usually in exchange for details like your email address and due date).
And let’s not forget all the handy-me-downs and gifts that’ll come your way as soon as you announce baby’s arrival.
Here’s how to get free stuff for baby and you.
Free pregnancy stuff
1. Nab a Hey, Milestone Pregnancy Sample Box
Pregnant moms-to-be will love the free Pregnancy Sample Box from Hey, Milestone.
This box is absolutely packed with samples to help you get ready for baby’s arrival – many from brands you’ll already know and love. For instance:
As well as treats for you (think nipple cream, stretch mark lotion and hand sanitiser) there’ll also be bits for baby (we’re talking things like wipe samples, diaper samples, bottles and more).
Plus, you’ll receive access to exclusive offers and resources as part of the brand’s Milestone Mom Community.
2. Sign up for Preggie Perks
Preggie Perks is a free perks program run by maternity clothing brand Motherhood.
Signing up will get you a free bag of samples, as well as discounts and offers from lots of brands.
Often, this will include a free baby bottle, wipes sample and loads of coupons.
Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll even be in with a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Just think how much free pregnancy stuff you could get with that!
Newborn freebies
3. Get a sample pack of plant-based diapers
If you’re keen to use disposable diapers but want a more eco-friendly option, this freebie from Dyper could be perfect for you.
Order a sample pack to get your hands on three diapers or training pants in your selected size and a coupon worth $5 to use against future purchases.
Just pay $5 to offset delivery expenses.
Dyper’s products use Chlorine-Free fluff pulp and are free of harmful chemicals or irritants such as latex, alcohol, perfumes, PVC, lotions, TBT or Phthalates – making them a kinder option for your baby and the planet.
4. Get your hands on baby registry freebies
We bet your friends and family can’t wait to buy gifts for your newborn baby.
Creating a baby registry can be a fantastic way to make sure they help you with items you actually need – saving you the cost of buying them yourself.
It’s quick, easy and (importantly!) FREE to create a baby registry on Moonsift. Oh, and you’ll also be able to add items from any store in the world, instead of being tied to just one brand.
5. Get free baby formula samples
Lots of baby formula companies will offer sample packs or products. After all, they’re hoping they’ll be able to convince you to choose their brand for feeding your baby!
Enfamil’s baby freebies are particularly great.
Simply join Enfamil Family Beginnings to potentially get:
Free samples of different kinds of formula
Belly badge stickers for milestone pics (eg. ‘1 month old’)
Cashback rebates (earn 10 points/dollar on Enfamil purchases)
A chance to win free formula for a year
Discounts and special offers
6. Sign up to the Free Formula Exchange
If you live in the US and you’re in need of formula, you’ll be able to lean on the Free Formula Exchange.
This is a website that facilitates a nationwide infant formula exchange.
You just need to fill in your location and contact details. Then the Free Formula Exchange will find someone near you who has formula they’re willing to donate.
7. Get a free breast pump
The Affordable Care Act means that most health insurance policies have to cover breast pumps for free.
In fact, they can’t just give you an old dated one. Instead, you can get your hands on a brand new, highly-rated breast pump through your provider – as well as breast pump replacement parts in most cases.
Usually, you’ll be able to get hold of your free breast pump around a month before your due date. Just check in with your insurance provider to make sure you’re eligible and to iron out the finer details.
8. Grab breast-to-bottle freebies from Nanobébé
On the topic of pumping, you can also nab a free sample kit from popular breast-to-bottle brand Nanobébé.
All you need to do is pay shipping and you’ll get a load of freebies right to your doorstep, including:
A flexi pacifier
Breast milk storage bags
Super absorbent nursing pads
In fact, these free samples are so good that the kit often sells out.
So, make sure to order yours well ahead of time – and, if it’s not currently available, check back to catch it once it’s restocked.
9. Get a free milk storage starter pack
Another newborn freebie for those breastfeeding moms, Kiinde offers an amazing starter pack full of everything you need to get started using the Kiinde system.
It includes:
2 direct-pump adapters (Medela, Ameda, Evenflo)
2 direct-pump adapters (Spectra, Avent)
1 squeeze natural feeding bottle
1 slow-flow Active Latch nipple with case
20 milk storage pouches
Not only can the storage pouches be used for breastmilk, but you can also use them with formula and even purees once your baby starts weaning.
This is a freebie that’ll last for a while!
10. Sign up to test feeding products
Brands are often looking for new parents to test out their products.
One such example is Dr Brown’s, which sells a variety of bottle feeding and weaning products.
Simply fill out the form on their website to be in with a chance of being picked.
You could then gain access to new products to try before anyone else – you’ll just need to give your feedback in return.
11. Ask for hand-me-downs
Got close friends or family members who’ve had babies before you? Why not ask if they have any hand-me-downs you could use?
Most parents will love the idea of giving their children’s old stuff a new lease of life – especially when it comes to clothes.
After all, babies grow out of their clothes so quickly that the chances are, those hand-me-downs will be in great condition!
12. Milk the hospital freebies
Every hospital is different, and hospitals vary a lot between countries.
However, wherever you have your baby, you’ll often be able to get hold of at least a few freebies.
This might include supplies of diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby bottles and even baby hats and bodysuits – it all depends on the hospital and your insurance.
13. Scroll online marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree can be an amazing source of free things if you’re patient.
Often, you’ll find larger items like changing tables or cots that are in great condition. While they’re not always free, some are. And most are a fraction of the cost that they would be new.
Just remember that some items – like mattresses and car seats – are best bought new for safety purposes.
14. Test out Munchkin baby freebies
Another one for keen product testers!
Munchkin sells everything from high chairs to baby bath essentials and travel gear. And they’re looking for parents to test their products.
Just complete their sign up form for a chance to be part of their review program.
If you’re chosen, you’ll be given a few bundles to choose from. All you have to do in return is review the free products you’re sent.
15. Throw a baby shower
Baby showers aren’t just an excuse to have fun. Ask your nearest and dearest to throw you a baby shower and we guarantee you’ll also be inundated with gifts.
Keen on cute baby outfits? A showstopping diaper cake? Postpartum goodies?
Don’t leave your guests guessing. Instead, creating a baby registry for the shower will ensure your guests know what items are on your wishlist.
In fact, with Moonsift, you can even add a cash fund to your registry so that guests can contribute towards bigger ticket items, like a pram or car seat.
Check out our baby registry checklist for inspiration.
How can I get free baby clothes?
Babies grow so quickly that it’s often not worth buying a whole new wardrobe in every clothing size.
Instead, invest in a few ‘special’ outfits and bulk up their wardrobe with second hand baby clothes.
Not only is it better for your pocket – but it’s better for the planet too!
Ask family or friends for hand-me-downs
Check online marketplaces
Browse buy-and-sell websites for free baby clothes
If you can’t find baby clothes for free, don’t despair!
You can also buy second hand baby clothes at a fraction of the price of new ones in charity shops, online marketplaces and even online stores that curate second hand clothing items.
Read up on our blog about newborn essentials so you know what to look for.
Then, keep track of all the clothing items you want to buy by creating a collection here on Moonsift. It’s a great way to save everything in one easy-to-manage place until you’re ready to purchase.
Where can I make a baby registry for free?
If you’re looking to create a baby registry for free, you’ll have two main options: creating an in-store registry, or using a free online baby registry provider.
Here’s the lowdown.
In-store registry
The traditional way to create a baby registry is in-store.
Many stores offer this service – including brands like Target and Walmart.
Essentially, you go to your chosen store and pick out items to add to your baby registry.
Your loved ones will be able to visit your registry online to buy you a gift. But usually, your store will ship all the gifts directly to you at the same time, to make life easy.
There are benefits to creating a gift registry in this way. But there’s one big downside: you’ll only be able to pick items that are stocked by your chosen store.
That means you might end up having to choose items that are less nice or more expensive than elsewhere. Plus, your loved ones may even end up paying more than necessary, if the same item is also available at another store for a lower price.
Online registry
Nowadays, online registries tend to be the preferred option.
Everything is done online, which makes it super easy to add, edit and share your registry.
Plus, you don’t have to opt for a registry made from a single department store. Instead, opting for a universal registry will allow you to add and combine products from any store in the world.
Universal baby registries include MyRegistry, My Crib, Amazon and Moonsift.
With these sites, you can pick your favourite items to put on your baby registry, wherever they’re being sold.
However, we believe that Moonsift is a cut above the rest.
As well as letting you save items directly from any store in the world across both mobile and desktop, it’s the only one to track price changes and offer to alert you when prices drop.
In this way, you and your loved ones can save money by buying your favourite items for the lowest price available.
Simply create your baby registry today to get started.
FAQs
How can I get free baby stuff without paying?
There are lots of ways to get free baby stuff. The main ones include:
Getting free samples from brands
Signing up to test products
Browsing online marketplaces
Creating a baby registry
Asking friends and family for hand-me-downs
What free stuff can you get when pregnant?
When you’re pregnant, you can often get free sample boxes and kits. These can include items like nipple cream, stretch mark lotion, hand sanitiser, diaper samples, bottles and more.
How to get free baby bottles?
If you’re based in the US, you may be able to get free baby bottles in the hospital if you decide to bottle feed.
Alternatively, some free sample boxes and kits will include a free baby bottle – for instance, those supplied by Hey, Milestone and Motherhood often do.
Does insurance cover postpartum supplies?
That depends on your insurance and the type of postpartum supplies you’re after.
In the US, your health insurance will usually cover the cost of a breast pump. Most insurance companies will also cover compression garments to help with postpartum recovery – including postpartum support clothes.
What is the average cost for baby clothes?
According to Baby Center, you’re likely to spend on average $20 to $50 (or more) per month on clothes for your baby.
Bear in mind that babies tend to go up a clothing size every few months, so you’ll be forking out on more clothes in their first year than you will later. With that in mind, you can see how buying second hand baby clothes could reduce your costs considerably.
How far ahead should I buy baby stuff?
It’s completely up to you how far ahead you want to shop for your baby.
Most babies arrive within one week on either side of their expected due date – which means somewhere between weeks 39 and 41.
So, as long as you have the essentials by around week 35, you should be fine (although bear in mind that twins and other multiples tend to arrive early!).
