Ways to save for baby

Are you expecting your first baby? Having your first baby is such an incredibly exciting time. There is so much to think about, plan for, anticipate, and in addition to all of the joy, it can also be an expensive time for families.

Freebies and coupons can really help out, especially if you start early in your pregnancy.

Watch for non-sale prices on common baby items. That way, you’ll know when a good sale comes up. Being familiar with the best prices and combining sales with coupons will help you stock up a little bit at a time.

Ask your family to help out with gathering freebies and coupons for you as well. You can maximize your savings by having these opportunities mailed to multiple addresses. Grandparents would be happy to help!

With a little bit of planning, you can really trim costs and allow others to participate in all the fun as well.

Here are just a few companies that are offering either freebies or coupons for new moms. There are lots more freebies out there, but this gives you a head start.

Make a list

Make a list of the items you are going to need such as, crib, crib mattress, sheets, diapers, soaps, creams, baby bathtub, baby seats, etc.

Don’t forget hand-me-downs! Many families and friends love to share the items they have used for their babies. Most of the items have been gently used, and if borrowed or shared can really save you a lot of time and money.

Take a look at your list and let those who offer know what you are still missing. When our grandchildren came, we offered to purchase the crib (within a price range). Our kids found the ones they wanted and we simply purchased it for them. We loved being able to do that and they loved the thought and the savings of one of the bigger items on their list.

Opportunity #1:

Shopper’s Drug Mart: Shopper’s has a great program with various freebies once you sign up, including special coupons for baby items and bonus Optimum points on items. Coupons are also sent out directly to your personal email. Check out shoppersdrugmart.ca for more information.

Opportunity #2:

Sobey’s (with pharmacies): For this deal, you do need to be expecting a baby in your sign up form to qualify. Sobey’s offers free prenatal vitamins, information on nutrition during your pregnancy, coupons, and newsletters filled with web links as well as ongoing support to help with any questions or concerns. https://www.sobeyspharmacy.com/bbh

Opportunity #3:

Enfagrow A+: Sign up and receive a free sample of Enfagrow A+ for toddlers between 12 to 36 months. Check out enfamil.ca. The site also offers coupons, lots of great information in newsletters and usually free ready-to-use formula.

Opportunity #4:

Nestle Baby Club: When you sign up for this club, you get a free Nestle Baby Starter Pack, an infant formula sample, a diaper bag with change pad, emails with tips and videos, as well as usually some great coupons. Visit www.nestle-baby.ca for more information.

Opportunity #5:

Huggies: Huggies provides coupons and promotions (make certain to choose Canada) to parents. Visit www.huggies.com/en-CA.

Opportunity #6:

Healthy Essentials (Johnson & Johnson): Sign up to request a free Johnson & Johnson sample pack at www.healthyessentials.ca. Make sure you answer yes that you or someone in your household is expecting a child and they will send your free pack in the mail. These are really great to keep in your diaper bag. There are also great coupons on this site, including Aveeno Baby coupons, lotions and lots more .

Opportunity #7:

Pampers: Join the Gifts to Grow club and earn points by entering the codes from diapers and wipes packages, then redeem those for rewards. Facebook also has extra ways to earn points. Check out www.pampers.ca.

Opportunity #8:

P&G Brandsaver insert & site: Great coupons for Diapers, wipes and lots of baby items are found in the coupon insert from P&G that arrives in your flyers or newspaper. The printable site https://www.pgeveryday.ca/offers also offer’s great Pampers coupons.

Opportunity #9:

Babies ‘R’ Us registry: Go into the store, sign up and receive a gift bag of goodies, emails sent to you with promotions and coupons. When you sign up, you also get a $10 coupon.

Opportunity #10:

Smart Canucks: Each week, at www.smartcanucks.ca, see a list of the best baby products are on sale. Check the link weekly to help save you a great deal of time in finding great prices and deals.

Gail Quigley is passionate about saving money. A retired mother of three, she’s been searching for deals all her life and has turned the hobby into an expertise. Not only does she love saving, but she gets joy from helping others do the same. Join her group, Saving with Gail, on Facebook.