Free Baby Samples and Coupons for New Moms

In today's economy new mothers are finding it hard to afford the basics for raising a baby. Items like diapers and formulas have always been expensive, but add to that the high price of gas and high housing costs, and most of us are left with empty wallets long before that next paycheck comes around.

Thankfully, there are companies out there who offer free or discount baby items. They have always been out there, but these handouts are being sought out now more than ever. I've done the groundwork for you and will list some of the best offers for new moms.

First, never feel too proud to go on WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Some people stay away from WIC because of the welfare stigma, but after having raised my first child without WIC, and my second child with WIC, I think you would be crazy not to take the government up on their generosity.

Even if you are considered middle class, you will still probably rate WIC. WIC gives free food coupons and health care referrals to moms regardless of whether they are breastfeeding or not. With WIC come the benefits of free milk, baby formula, infant cereal, regular cereal, juice, cheese, eggs, peanut butter or beans, tuna and fresh carrots.

When we were on WIC, we found ourselves with a surplus of juice, so we wound up giving some away to our friends with children, otherwise they would have expired. Plus we were allowed over 400 fl. oz. of Carnation Good Start Baby Formula each month, and I don't remember us having to come out of pocket once.

Applying for WIC is simple and after you are accepted, to stay on the program you just have to show up to their offices once a month with your records of grocery purchases. You don't have to pay the government back.

If you don't want to go with WIC or make too much money to be accepted, there are plenty of online clubs that give out coupons to new moms.

Gerber.com has a wonderful free membership that gives you coupons for Gerber products such as their jarred baby foods as well as Gerber Graduates snacks and meals. They also have coupons for Graco and Nestle Good Start baby formula.

Huggies Baby Network at offers free samples by mail as well as coupons for their diapers. You can sign up at http://www.huggieshappybaby.com/offers/benefits.aspx.

Pampers has a program called Gifts to Grow, where you get points for purchasing Pampers products. You can redeem the points online and receive rewards such as diapers, cereal or Babies R Us gift cards. You can sign up for their program at http://pampers.eprize.net/giftstogrow/index.tbapp?page=view_catalog&locale=en_US.

Last but not least, babycenter.com babycenter.com has a section with tons of freebies from baby giants like Johnson's, Mylicon and many others. It's a one stop shop for freebies, coupons and money-saving clubs.

Really, all you have to do is go to Google and search for your favorite baby brand, and usually they will have offers on their websites for new moms. These programs tend to be very generous. At one point, you might find that you have to start giving your excess coupons to other moms that you know. It's nice to know that these big companies are willing to help us out in this harsh economy.