Helpful FREE programs/offers for those with babies/young children.

[u/Thelittlestelf13]

There have been a lot of posts lately where users have been asking for help with baby supplies, formula, etc. I would honestly love to help out everyone, but I sadly can't. I can however help provide several ways to get sample sized and even full sized samples that are a HUGE help for those with babies on the way, small babies and young children. It seems that a lot of people don't necessarily know about a lot of these programs so I thought I'd put together a list for those of you who could use the help. Many of these have full sized products included with samples, some are just samples but all of them come with high value coupons that will save you a ton of money.

Walmart baby box. Before your baby is due, fill out a registry on Walmart.com then fill out the form or go in store to ask for your free baby welcome box. This box includes coupons, wipes, a bottles, a onesie, sample products and more. - Note this one is on back stock at the moment though according to their site, so you may have to wait 4-6 weeks for it to arrive.

Target baby box. This is the same as above, you will need to create a registry with them before going in store to customer service where you can ask for a baby box. Plus after your baby shower date (the registry asks for the date of it), they email you a coupon for 15% off what ever is still left on your registry.

Amazon Create a registry with amazon.com then add items to your baby registry list and reach the minimum $10 threshold. Before you can claim your baby box they do require at least one item that is $10 or more be purchased from your registry. Once your $10 in purchases (anything as long as it's on your registry) is shipped, you will see "Check Status" at the top of your Amazon Baby Registry. Just click the "Claim Now" button.

Buy Buy Baby sign up for a registry then go in store to the customer service desk to ask for your free baby box. This box is similar to the boxes above, it will have wipes, a bib, coupons, etc.

Baby Box Co - This program offers you free baby stuff as a reward for completing free online parenting classes. So this one requires a little bit of work but the box is 100% worth it, says it takes 15-20 mins to watch the videos. The box includes a number of baby things such as burp rags, wipes, diaper samples, etc. A friend of mine signed up for this and got a box of goodies including a baby blanket and lots of coupons, value of this box is $150.

Hello Baby same as above, create a registry and request a free welcome box. This one looks pretty good comes with a breast feeding starter kit, diapers, lotions/shampoos and more.

Motherhood Maternity on your first visit in store they will provide you with a free goodie bag filled with bottles, pacifiers, samples, coupons and more.

Medela breastfeeding supplies. Planning on breastfeeding? Sign up for this free support mom group and receive a free gift pack as well. Comes with things like nursing pads, nipple cream,milk bags, etc.

Enfamil you can sign up for this either before or after your baby is born. It asks you to include your due date/delivery date so they can send you the correct goodie boxes. Your first box will include formula samples (if you apply before the baby is born, you'll receive both liquid samples like the type they have in the hospital and powder formula), several coupons for $5 off a can of formula coupons, Month belly badges (to take photos of your baby with) and special offers. I signed up for this program when my son was a baby, they will send you one initial box and then another box every 3ish months (If I remember correctly), sometimes the boxes include other goodies like bottles and such.

Similac This is the same type of program as the Enfamil program above, however the first box from this one also comes with a small lunch box to store bottles in. I can confirm this one works as well as I had this one when my son was a baby.

Gerber Baby - Call 1-800-408-7277 and ask to receive one of their Baby Nutrition kits, they will ask for your mailing info and in 2-4 weeks you'll get a kit with a baby onesie, a full can of formula and coupons.

Most hospitals will give you a goodie bag after you have your baby, they will also provide you with liquid formula bottles and a small supply of diapers. If there is left over formula/diapers PACK them in your bag to take home with you, same goes for the blanket they provide you in your room along with the pads for yourself. If you leave them behind they will just get thrown out.

Rewards Programs - If you decide to use Huggies for your baby sign up for huggies rewards program, you'll earn points for the diapers you purchase that can be redeemed for baby goods (toys and such). Pampers has a similar program where you can cash the points in for baby toys.

Check online to see where your closest WIC (Women Infants & Children) and go down to apply, they have a different household limit than food stamps does so even if you don't qualify for food stamps you could still qualify for WIC. While you are pregnant they will provide you with produce, milk & juice, after your baby is born they will provide you with several cans of free formula every month up until your baby starts eating solid foods. Once your child starts eating solids they will start providing baby cereal, baby food, milk and more all the way up until they are 5 I believe. You'll need to stop by while you are pregnant/with your child one every three months for a well being check up and to pick up your food vouchers.

If you ever run out of formula and are unable to purchase it for what ever reason until your next check, CALL your local food bank, also check for churches in the area that provide food pantry type help and ask them. Also don't be afraid to call your pediatrician they keep a number of cans in stock in their office for when babies are testing out different types to see what works best, call them and explain you just need a can to get you through x amount of days and most will be more than happy to give you a can or two until you can buy more.

For Older Kids:

Bashas food store has a kids birthday program where they will receive a free birthday cake from the bakery every year on their birthday up until the age of ten. This is great for families on a tight budget during birthday times.

Home Depot & Lowes- Bored kid? Home Depot & Lowes offers monthly hands on projects that are free for children to participate in (building bird houses,etc), Check with your local store for more info.

Lego magazine - Lego is offering a free two year subscription to their magazine for any children ages 5-9.

McGruff - Free safety kit, this kit includes a finger print card, etc.

Boost Mobile - Back To School Event. Now until Mid September lots of Boost Mobile stores are still hosting their back to school events, visit any of the participating stores with your children in tow and each child will receive a free backpack with school supplies.

Planet Fitness, May 15th until September 1st of each year teens ages 15-18 are able to workout at Planet Fitness for free.

Bowling through the Kids Bowl Free program dozens of bowling allies are offering kids 2 Free bowling games each day through out the summer.

Hopefully this post has been helpful! If I find any other programs I will add them to this list.

[u/realityisoverated]

Lowes holds a monthly project workshop for kiddos as well. Home Depot is a strong childhood memory for little ones here.

[u/Thelittlestelf13 → u/realityisoverated]

:) I added it to the list!

[u/backpackwayne]

Awesome! Good to see our favorite elf out here.

Next month we'll be getting things underway for SLH. Can't believe it is time again. :D