If you are searching for ways to get free baby stuff, you are not alone!
Having a baby is not cheap.
Back in 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that families were projected to spend an average of $233,610 raising a child born in 2015.
When adjusted for inflation, that number jumps to $312,202 (as of March 2024), based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Since children can be very expensive, many parents are left wondering, “How can I get free baby stuff?”
Thankfully, there are options out there.
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How to Get Free Baby Stuff
Here are legitimate ways you can score all kinds of baby freebies near you and online.
1. Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit organization that provides free essentials to children living in poverty, including diapers, clothing, and other baby supplies.
Unfortunately, you can’t just go to their website and fill out a form. They have distributors all across the country that distribute baby essentials to low-income families for free.
- To find a partner agency near you, go here (PDF).
2. Target
Start a baby registry at Target and get a free welcome kit. It’s worth more than $100 and you get a variety of products for you and your baby.
You get other benefits too, like over 20 deals of 20% off and 15% off registry completion.
- Create your baby registry at Target here.
3. National Diaper Bank Network
The National Diaper Bank Network, (NDBN) connects and supports more than 240 community-based diaper banks across the country.
These banks collect, store, and distribute free diapers to families that are struggling.
You could get free diapers from the NDBN. Use the site to find local NDBN member diaper bank programs in your state.
- Find free diapers from the National Diaper Bank Network here.
4. Pediatrician’s office
You may be able to get free stuff for your baby, like diapers, wipes, and formula, from your pediatrician’s office. Just ask. You could get some free samples.
5. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups
Facebook Buy Nothing groups allow members to give away items they don’t need and get the items they do need. These groups can be a good place to source free baby stuff.
I would never get anything my baby was going to consume, like formula or baby food from these sites, as you are dealing with total strangers after all, or items like car seats which should not be gotten used and second hand.
For things like toys, clothing, and books though, these groups can be a great resource.
Find your local group by searching the internet for “Facebook buy nothing groups [name of your town, city, or state].”
6. Amazon Baby Registry
Another option is to set up a baby registry on Amazon.
Prime members get a free Welcome Box, which includes sample and full-size items for parents and babies.
You also get other benefits, like a 15% discount on your baby registry, up to $300 in savings, and free one-year returns.
- Create your baby registry on Amazon here.
7. Cribs for Kids
Cribs for Kids may be able to help you out if you’re looking for a free crib.
The organization partners with local agencies to distribute Cribs for Kids Cribette Portable Cribs to their communities.
You can search the map on the site to find the closest Cribs for Kids Partner in your area.
- Find a crib from Cribs for Kids here.
8. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a treasure-trove for free stuff.
Again, I’d avoid getting things like formula, baby food, or car seats on there.
For stuff like books, clothes, toys, and furniture though, Facebook Marketplace is a great option.
- Browse free stuff on Facebook Marketplace here.
9. Enfamil Family Beginnings
Get up to $400 in savings, exclusive rewards, and support when you sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings.
As a member of the program, you can get formula samples, cashback rebates, the chance to win a year’s supply of free formula, and plenty of other benefits.
- Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings here.
10. Family and friends
It’s always worth checking with friends and family to see if they have any old baby stuff they no longer need.
You could have a family member or friend with an old crib, clothing, or toys, that their child no longer needs. Simply ask.
A lot of people want to declutter and may be happy for you to take their old baby stuff off their hands.
Before you accept anything used, particularly things like strollers, cribs, and highchairs, be sure to research the item online to ensure that there have been no safety recalls.
Also, make sure that the item still meets safety guidelines.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) often improves guidelines as dangers or risks of injury become clear. Guidelines can change over time and older items may not be safe, even if they appear to be in good condition.
11. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Children love books. My daughter has enjoyed books since she was just a couple of months old.
Children from birth until age 5 can get a book mailed to them each month for free with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
- Find your local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here.
12. Pampers
Earn free diapers and wipes with the Pampers Rewards Loyalty Program. Find codes inside your Pampers Pack, scan these codes using the Pampers Club app, and get rewarded. Turn diapers and wipes into rewards.
- Learn more about the Pampers Rewards Loyalty Program here.
13. Huggies Sweepstakes
Enter the Huggies Sweepstakes for the chance to win a year of Huggies Skin Essentials diapers, which have a retail value of approximately $900.
- Enter the Huggies sweepstakes here.
14. WIC Program
The cost of formula can really add up. You may be able to get formula for free from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The WIC helps low-income women, infants, and children up to 5 years old who are at nutrition risk. It offers nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to healthcare.
It can help your family with food. As a WIC participant, you receive checks or vouchers to purchase specific food each month. These vouchers and checks are designed to supplement people’s diets with specific nutrients that benefit WIC’s target population.
If you do not fully breastfeed, the WIC will provide your baby with iron-fortified infant formula.
It may even provide special infant formulas and medical food if they’re prescribed by a physician for a specified medical condition.
- Find your local WIC agency and contact them using the map on this page.
- Visit this page to learn more about WIC and how to apply If you’re not already part of the program.
15. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army could help you to get free baby stuff from toys to furniture to diapers. Get in touch with your local chapter to ask.
- Find your local Salvation Army Chapter here.
16. Similac
Join MySimilac Rewards to get up to $400 in benefits and support.
Receive benefits like baby formula coupons, a free Shutterfly photo book, and support and nutrition guidance that’s customized to your baby’s feeding needs.
- Sign up for Similac Rewards here.
17. Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA works to reduce poverty in the United States. It has 168 agencies that provide a variety of services to people in need.
The charity may be able to help you to find free baby stuff from diapers to clothing to furniture.
- Find your local Catholic Charities USA agency here.
18. Request free samples of baby items directly from companies
Baby brands and manufacturers may send you free samples of baby stuff. Just get in touch to ask. This can be an effective way to get free samples in the mail.
19. Get free baby stuff from the government!
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has a program called the Newborn Supply Kit.
The program is designed to help families with essential items for their newborns.
This kit often includes basic baby products like diapers, wipes, and other necessities to help parents care for their little ones during those crucial early months.
According to the HHS’s website, “The Newborn Supply Kit program is made possible through a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the nonprofit organization, Baby2Baby.“
- Find out more and how to apply here.
Wrapping Up: Your Guide to Free Baby Stuff
Getting free baby stuff can make a world of difference for parents. With these tips, you’re now equipped to find everything from cribs and pushchairs to diapers, formula and baby gear without spending a dime.
Whether you’re preparing for your little one’s arrival or looking to save on everyday essentials, take advantage of these programs to get some of your baby stuff for free!
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