Are you looking for free baby stuff for low-income families? If so, check out this article to find out details that can help you reduce your costs.
Raising a child costs a considerable amount of money. It becomes harder for people with low incomes. They find it challenging to provide their kids with basic necessities.
A survey from the United States Department of Agriculture states that an average family has to spend around $233,610 to raise a child from birth to age 17.
Well, we have to understand that each family has different priorities, preferences, and resources, and their location is also an essential factor in determining costs. However, tangible resources like diapers, formula, and clothing are necessary for every child.
The good thing is that many options are available nowadays to receive free baby stuff for low-income families. From rewards programs to gift bags to charities, you can probably find a way to get what you need without spending a huge amount of money.
How to get free baby stuff for low-income families?
Ways to get free diapers –
According to surveys released by National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families in the United States face trouble paying for their kid’s diapers. Here we have made a list of resources for free diapers –
National Network of the Bank of Diapers – This is a government organization, offering free diapers and other free baby stuff to low-income families who cannot afford them.
Honest Company – This company sends a free one-time pack of diapers and wipes. However, this shipment automatically registers the receiver for a diaper membership that requires monthly payment unless you cancel.
To apply for the free trial, register online. Remember to cancel your membership within seven days, or you will be automatically credited for the next shipment.
Eco by Naty – Eco by Naty is one of the most reliable places to seek help for free diapers. The company ships a free diaper trial box after your registration as a customer with them.
Rewards programs – Pampers and Huggies reward their customers with coupons that can help them get free diapers. All you have to do is register online and use a phone app to scan every item you buy to redeem points online. These points can later be applied to purchase new diapers or other baby gear.
Giveaways – Follow the popular diaper companies on social media for free gifts. Companies use this as advertising and assume that if you like their product, you will become a customer.
Hospital – You can consider receiving a few diapers when you are sent home after labor and delivery in a hospital. If you need more, simply ask them.
Ways to get free bottles –
Registry welcome gift – Many stores across the US offer a welcome gift bag when you create a baby registry with them. These gift bags and boxes usually include at least one free bottle.
Ways to get free formula –
WIC – WIC focuses on the health of mothers and children, and offers food stamps, nutritional support, and breastfeeding support for qualifying families.
Samples – Most companies send free samples to their customers when they use their website’s contact form. Check out the list below to find the companies offering free samples:
- Gerber
- Enfamil
- Nature’s One
- Similac
Rewards – Enfamil and Similac provide various reward programs for their loyal customers. To get free products from them and qualify for the program, you must sign up with the company online, through their website. Each purchase will give you some points that can later be used to get free formula or other baby gear.
Doctor’s office – Pediatric and OB/GYN offices often obtain free samples from companies to pass on to their new and prospective parents. Next time when you visit your doctor, ask them if they have anything to offer.
Ways to get a free breast pump –
Breast pumps are medical instruments that help lactating women to remove milk from their breasts. Every expectant mother insured in the United States is entitled to a free breast pump, paid for by her health insurance company. Here’s how it works:
- Get in touch with your health insurance provider and inform them that you are pregnant and that you want to request a free breast pump.
- They will let you know when you qualify to get the pump (maybe within a few weeks before the expiration date).
- Your doctor will likely need to write a reference.
- They will connect you to a medical supply company (probably online) where you can register and order the pump.
- The pump will be sent to you free of charge.
Ways to get free clothes and equipment –
Online parent groups – Many cities across the US have Facebook groups where you can connect with local parents and exchange baby items.
If you have some specific needs and you don’t see it listed, feel free to post that you are “looking” for that item.
Some neighborhood groups also organize “exchanges” where people bring in baby items they no longer use and take home the new items they find.
Craigslist – This is an online forum that allows you to communicate with sellers of used items directly. Look for listings daily as quality items go fast.
Baby Gift Registry – A baby register is your opportunity to share with family and friends what new items you have chosen for your baby.
If someone offers you a baby shower, you can share that you have registered with a certain store, and people can find your wish list online or print it at the store.
Some registrations (such as Baby List or Amazon) are exclusively online and allow you to register for items from various stores.
Ways to get a free car seat –
Using a used or borrowed car seat is not a good option for parents as it may not be in the best shape. Also, this is one of those items that you really need to have in the perfect condition for your baby’s safety.
Below is a list of organizations that can help you get a free or discounted car seat if you need assistance to buy it:
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicaid
- United Way
- Local police and Fire departments
- Safe Kids
- Assistance League
The bottom line –
It’s a fact that the cost of baby gear can often be a burden for many. Especially, it is not easy to buy baby stuff for low-income families.
These easy and helpful ways can help you find free samples, rewards, and hand-me-down items in the best possible way.
