Babies are not cheap! While I do keep a Baby Offers page on Coupons, Deals and More, I generally do not post a lot of tips and ideas because, well, my “baby” is 6’5″ and 23 years old.
So when Suzanne offered to write a post about baby saving tips, I was thrilled!
Thank you Suzanne!
Here are my tips to save money on baby stuff. I have a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 3 week old boy so I have learned a lot over the past few years. A lot of the best deals come around when the drug stores have a good deal that can be paired with a good coupon. That is when I have been able to get free formula, diapers, and wipes.
FORMULA
Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings, Similac Strong Moms, and Gerber Generation. Each of these programs will provide you with formula coupons and samples when the baby first arrives. Similac has the most coupons and samples and they are very responsive. If you ask them to send you coupons or samples, they are the most likely to do so. When you get the coupons, pair them with sales or ECB/UP reward deals to maximize the value. For example: Use your coupons for the Similac deal at CVS this week to save even more.
Enfamil has a program running right now where you can get a free case of newborn nursettes if you are due to have your baby within 3 months. If you recently had a baby, they may send you one too. You need to get a promo code in order to participate. Your OB/GYN should have flyers in their office which contain the promo code required. When you get the code, you can call Enfamil and they will ask you a few questions and then mail out your free formula.
All three companies offer hospital gift bags as well. My hospital did not participate, but I contacted the companies afterward and they mailed out the gift bag, which also included coupons and samples.
If you have a family member who doesn’t mind receiving samples and coupons for you, sign them up too.
DIAPERS and WIPES
Sign up for Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards and Pampers Gifts to Grow. Both of these programs will allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free products or coupons. I usually file my codes away and wait for double points promotions. That is when you can get the biggest value for your points. They only run them once or twice per year, but if you can wait, it is worth it. The Huggies program will mail you coupons as well. There are free codes available online for both programs. Ann usually posts them when they come around so keep an eye out. I rarely buy Pampers, but I have about 1500 points already just from free codes.
Keep an eye out on the Huggies site for the free wipes or free diapers coupons. You need about 300 points to redeem them, but those are the best value. I will let everyone know when I see that deal again. When I get the free product coupons, I usually save them until I see an ECB/UP deal so I can turn them into a moneymaker.
When you find a good deal, STOCK UP! I probably bought 30 packages of diapers during the last Rite Aid deal and I’m glad that I did since these deals don’t come around that often.
Keep an eye out for deals at Rite Aid and CVS. Rite Aid usually has the best diaper deals, but you may need to jump through a few extra hoops to get the best deal. For example, you may need to participate in the Video Values program or Single Check rebates in order to save the most.
If you have a Target or Wegmans near you, keep an eye out for store coupons to pair with the manufacturer coupons. I recently got a bunch of free wipes at Wegmans with a $1/1 store coupon and a 75¢/1 manufacturer coupon.
Keep an eye out for Huggies coupons online. That is where you will get the best, high value coupons. When coupons become available, they usually post a link on their Facebook page.
I will be sure to let everyone know about the best scenarios when the next great deal comes along.
Use cloth diapers. I buy disposables too, mostly for outings or nighttime, but our primary diapers are cloth. The up front investment is a little higher, but the long term savings are tremendous. We use Fuzzi Bunz. They are so easy to clean. They are one of the more expensive brands, but well worth it if you ask me. If you do go with cloth, look for deals first. There are some great sites that offer discounts and freebies on occasion. Check out diaperpin.com for a list of current deals.
FOOD
Sign up for the Beech Nut newsletter and they will send you coupons via email each month. If you sign up for their mailing list, they will send you a free product coupon. Ask your friends or family to print extra copies if you find a good coupon. They often have one for 75¢/1 Rice Cereal which will get you free (or really cheap cereal) if your store doubles coupons.
Gerber is now offering coupons on Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for coupons from them. They will also mail you age-appropriate coupons when you sign up for the Gerber Generation program.
Earth’s Best offers coupons on their website and via mail if you sign up for their newsletter.
Sign up for Recyclebank. When you get enough points, you can cash them in for free Happy Baby company product coupons (these products are sold locally at Target and Wegmans).
Make your own baby food. It takes some work, but you can save a ton of money if you make your own baby food. I usually make a big batch of whatever food we are having and then I use ice cube trays to freeze them. After they are frozen, I transfer the cubes into ziploc bags. That way, I can take out one or two cubes as needed. Super Baby Food is a great book to learn more about making your own baby food.
CLOTHES
Shop the clearance section at your local department stores. Target is one of my favorites. When they do their 75% off markdowns, you can get an outfit for $2. Watch the Target website for coupons as well. They occasionally have coupons on their website for baby items which can get you free or cheap clothes if you pair them with a sale or clearance find. For example, they had a coupon at the end of summer last year for $3 off any kids denim. I got a bunch of jean shorts for .50 cents each with these coupons and a clearance sale. They also had a coupon recently for $1/1 Circo baby item, which I used to get free kids socks.
Now that I know there are so many people who are interested in baby deals, I will start sending message to Ann when I find a really good deal. That way, everyone can have a chance to take advantage. I will be sure to let you know if I think of any other good money-saving tips.
Suzanne
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Suzanne!
Thanks & Great job!! I’ll forward it along to my Sorta-Kids. I think I do most of those already for them but they probably dont. Funny enough, they’re on their way over here right now for some coupons.. Gotta go look for deals for them.. so thanks again!
Suzanne, YOU ROCK!!!!
And congratulations on your new “baby boy”!!!
I love your deals, no matter what… but as stated previously, my eldest is getting married and I’m hoping for grandbabies soon…
They live in Toronto, and there are hardly “any deals, much less coupons” in Canada. So when she visits, (often), she stocks. I would love to help her w/ my future grandbaby needs!!
I acually got 3 free packs of diapers from one of my patient’s this week. She said her granddaughter registered under her address and they came to her over 2 months ago. They were going to expire on the 25th and her granddaughter was nowhere to be seen. So she said, “here, if you can use them, take them”. I took them, redeemed them @ target along w/ 4 free wipes!!!
My dd is coming home for the 4th, I’ll show them to her and she will “roll her eyes”, but you know darn well, who the first person she will call when she gets married and pregnant is don’t you????
So keep em coming honey!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
Congrats on the newborn!
My eldest is only 7 and is mouthing off so badly that I can now understand the “soap in the mouth” discipline strategy, though I still choose not to do it!
For those interested Moms and Moms that are willing to give it a try, breastfeeding is an incredibly cheap way to feed a newborn and baby. It requires a great deal of sacrifice, IMO, so that is a “cost” to consider for some. But in the long run, maybe some of the health benefits actually make it more cost effective (e.g., less doctor visits). I remember a doctor’s office actually being amazed at the small size of my DS’s medical file. So that was nice. I wasn’t quite as lucky with infrequent doctor visits with my next child but so it goes maybe less than what might have been…
And if anyone is looking for some reasonable (let’s just say I did find that breastfeeding until my children’s interest dwindled at about a year was more than enough time for me) support, please feel free to contact me. Ann, I give you permission to give out my email to anyone who contacts you personally for it!
Thanks Sal!
Ann
I agree completely. I am currently breastfeeding, but I figured that I might as well stock up on free formula just in case I need to supplement.
Yes, I stocked up on free formula too! I also got some formula “bottles” from the hospital and was able to use them when I was told to supplement (and I’m not going to really touch that topic but to say that I don’t think the medical field knows everything…that is, the boobs were working but the baby wasn’t!) Anyhow, I also used the free formula to mix with cereal when I didn’t have enough breastmilk “stockpiled” for both bottles AND meals
And I also love The Children’s Place. I love hand-me-downs more but earlier this year I discovered I didn’t have enough of what I needed so I must’ve purchased from TCP on-line 3-4 times in the past year…which is a lot for me! I did catch the sales, 15-20% off, and free shipping at least a couple times so that was nice. A store just opened nearby so I’ll be investigating store vs. on-line clearance sales for the best deals. I haven’t signed up for their credit card yet but was thinking about it. Gymboree had more rewards with their store CC so I do have that one…
Thoughts on the TCP credit card anyone?
Out here in the country, its cheaper to ‘buy’ free formula to feed the hens in the winter. Its calorie dense and rich in calcium so they don’t need a calcium supplement. Helps keep the feed bill down when they are shut in.
Thanks Suzanne and congrats as well! I am in the same boat as you my boys are 2 yrs 9 days apart-so the youngest will be 4 months old on the 28th. I agree with all of the above but I want add to the clothing section. My new favorite store for clothing for is The Children’s Place. I shop the clearance and there is always at least a 15%off coupon out there for them. Last weekend I walked out of there with 2 polos, a tank top, a one-piece outfit and a pair of flip flops for $15. Thank goodness I saved all my 2 yr olds clothes for his brother. Also for formula-if you have the 20% wellness discount at Rite Aid and combine checks and coupons-you can practically get free formula.
Wow! Thank you so much. This information is very helpful. I’m expecting a a baby boy 10/26. Congrats girl. =0)
I thought of one more thing:
Sign up for any baby-related freebies/samples that you may come across. They often come with high value coupons that have long expiration dates. My Pull-ups flushable wipes sample came today with a $2 coupon that doesn’t expire until December!
Congrats Suzanne!! My wipes and coupon came today also. My baby is 21 and is 6’2″, so I get deals for baby shower gifts for friends and family. As soon as I hear someone is pregnant, the gift basket begins.
Congrats Suzanne on your new baby boy! Really nice write-up! I too saved a bunch of baby freebies for a gift. The recipient loved it!
I also enjoy all of your posts!
A couple of mothers in our town started a clothes swap. The school principal lets them use the gym and they solicit donations from students and parents. On swap day, everyone is welcome to come pick out as many clothes as they need or want. All sizes are organized so there are men’s, women’s, boy, girl and baby sections all organized by size. We always have more clothes than we can give away so most of the leftovers are donated to a local charity. I have not bought clothes for my 3 boys in 3 years. My daughter, though…
Congrats on your new little boy! I’ll definitely be looking forward to seeing more posts. I’ve recently been asked to work full-time from the 30 hours I was used to doing so unfortunately I now have less time to search for deals I once had the time to find for my almost 2 year old. I appreciate any help I can get!
All amazing tips! I would definitely also mention getting Diapers from amazon.com and signing up for Amazon mom. I know you can often get diapers in store for less, but the online prices there are still usually about a 50% savings!
Also if you see diapers on sale but they aren’t in the size you need, still buy them! You can either exchange them at a later date, or you can hold on to them until your baby grows into them.
Another way we save — not only buying clothes on clearance, but also buying clothes at yard sales… and then reselling them once we’ve outgrown them. Often times we can resell them on e-bay for more than we paid for them at the yard sales!
And the last piece of advice I have? Don’t spend a lot of money on toys and gadgets! They’ll get enough of those for gifts, and in the end – they’re still going to prefer to play with your pots and pans and kitchen utensils!
Congrats your your new little one, and thanks for the article!
Congratulations on your new baby boy! I love how you mentioned the coupons on baby clothing, My son is 4 but can sometimes still fit into clothes in the baby/toddler section and we love to shop at target for his clothes and yes I too stocked up on SEVERAL pairs of the circo socks (since the monster in the washer always syeals one sock out of the pair why not stock up? lol) Im so glad you posted this cause so many people dont realize all the great buys you can get for little to no money, I am a single mother and thought oh how can I afford everything for my child, but with my dads help he has taught me the amazing ways of couponing and shopping smart with clearance, sales and of course combining with coupons, with the advice kind women like you are sharing so many people would be struggling to even feed there children let alone clothe them so again thanks for your kind words and great advice Suzanne!
I meant to say withOUT the advice kind women like you are sharing so many people would be struggling to even feed there children let alone clothe them so again thanks for your kind words and great advice Suzanne!
Congrats on the newborn Suzanne! Great tips too!
I Love the picture of the baby on this post! Too funny
Great post, Suzanne!!
If I could add one thing to the expectant mom’s….. after delivery when you are leaving the hospital be sure to take as much stuff as you can from your hospital room because they throw it all out. The nurses always tell me that they are trashing it anyway. Just leave the furniture and cloth items obviously. I was even able to take the toilet paper. LOL! You will have vaseline, baby wash, diapers, wipes and possibly formula so TAKE IT!
Great tip Amanda. I agree completely. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for more of things that you need. I got a whole new SAMs kit just because I asked for more of one item.
Congrats on the new lovely! I am so happy anytime I hear people who appreciate the value of making your own and doing yourself. There are so many questionable things in commercial baby food and formula!
Thanks for the post and all the great tips! Very helpful!
My baby is no longer a baby, he turned 3 in April … but I find your article to be spot-on, and hopefully it helps those with infants. Diapers and formula are a big expense. I stocked up on Diapers when we had a CVS, and I got more free wipes than I could use from A&P deals when I lived in the Hudson Valley. For clothes, I buy the next size or two up during Children’s Place & Gap clearance sales … and I must say … a Kohls charge card is a great thing to have. They have wonderful toy & clothing sales, combined with 30% off, I have found some great deals! My closets are stocked with gifts and clothes for about any occasion!
Thanks for all the great tips! My daughter is nine months old now, and I find formula to be the biggest expense of all. She is on the Good Start Soy, and I rarely find coupons for that formula. Any tips on how to get Nestle to send me coupons? I’ve emailed them before and I never even received a return email.
wow, thanks so much for all the tips and info., it is greatly appreciated!