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The Best Free Baby Stuff
for the Super-Suspicious
Finding the best free baby stuff has been somewhat difficult for me. I've been burned before. I've "signed up", completed gold-star
offers...and then drowned in the ensuing phone calls, spam emails, and junk mail. Revenge is sweet.
Suspicious is now my middle name. My eyes are squinty, watching for the next "aha-got your email!!" attempt.
But, like a good addict, I like my freebies. What's a mom to do? Besides spending hours looking for free stuff that doesn't require me to sign-away my life or
spend money on "trial products" to get my $500 gift certificate to Toys R Us. (Yes, I was that dumb.)
So I guess it's your lucky day. I've done the research. I've written the lists. You just get to click, print, request, and wait.
The Best Free Baby Stuff - Sleuthing 101
When looking for the best free baby stuff online, there is one basic principal you have to understand. Free doesn't always mean F.R.E.E.
In the world of free baby stuff, there are basically four types of "giving" groups out there.
- I like you, here's some free stuff. (Which is me in this section.)
- I like you, but I'll like you even more if you sign up for my newsletter. (I'm not doggin' it. In fact, I even use it. So sign up for my newsletter and get my bribes...)
- I like you, and will give you lots of coupons, but I will also sell your info to marketing companies so I can make money giving you free coupons. (Not me.)
- I don't care about you. But I will confuse, cajole, and even con you into "participating" and giving your "opinion" or completing gold/silver/platinum/copper/iron/tin foil
"offers" in order to get your so-called-free stuff. (Here's an example - don't be suckered! Read the fine print and you'll see what I'm saying.)
Sorting the Best Free Baby Stuff from the Common Con
Several years ago, when I was just discovering the wealth of knowledge the Internet has to offer, I came across a few tantalizing sites that promised me freebies for my newborn.
All I had to do was share my email address. (Go ahead...type it in... said the devil on my left shoulder.)
I put in my information and was JUST about to click "submit" when I decided I would actually read their privacy policy.
The angel on my right shoulder must have been watching over me because when I clicked on the "Privacy Policy" link, I found....nothing. There was no privacy policy! It was a clever trick of fonts and colors.
No link. No privacy. whew. It was a close one. So check those policies! (and ignore those shoulder-devils.)
Some of the Best Free Baby Stuff
~ Just to Get You Started ~
Here are some baby freebies in the "general" category. For specific free baby items (like formula, samples, diapers, etc.) see the articles below.
- Hylands, as in the teething tablets, is giving away a free baby calendar. You'll have to provide information for them to send
you the calendar, but you can opt out of any correspondence.
- Starting solids? Beech Nut is offering a free Solid Advice Booklet. You'll have to provide your address, but that means they'll be able to send you product coupons, which I
certainly don't mind receiving. They also offer a free starter kit,
next-steps kit, and toddler kit.
- I know it's probably way in the future, but Pull-Ups is giving away a free DVD for potty training.
Those days come faster than you think.
- Blinds are fast becoming one of the most recalled and deadly products out there. The Window Covering Safety Council is offering
free cord stops, tassels, and tie down devices to keep your blinds safe. Request a free safety brochure with repair instructions.
- Anbesol is offering a free tooth chart to keep track of when your baby teeths. Perfect for the baby book!
- Every day at noon (Eastern), Nursery Water gives away a free bag.
- Get a free Baby Sign Language and Alphabet Chart
when you sign up for the Sign2Me Spotlight Newsletter. See why I recommend teaching your baby to sign.
- Request free Child Safety Stickers to be placed on your baby's car seat. The stickers provide emergency and medical contact information in case the worst happens. Free
while they're available.
The Best Free Baby Stuff
~ From Formula to Clothing Catalogs ~
Fighting for Free Baby Formula
Formula, is by-far the most expensive recurring baby expense a new parent has. Fortunately, there are some techniques and tricks you can use to stretch those powdered-dollars as
far as they can possibly go. From generics to organics, there are money-saving options and free samples for all. It's all about knowing where to look. And here's where to look.
Free Baby Samples That Will Make Your Heart Flutter
Picture me skipping through a field, throwing freebies into the air like rose petals. That's what this article is like. You'll be as "giddy as a schoolgirl" (thank-you Indiana Jones for the
reference). How does a free nursing cover sound? Sha-blam! How's that for the best free baby stuff evah? Come one, come all!
Con-Free Baby Coupons
Looking for a long-term savings relationship? Tired of one-use-stands? These sites will provide you with an endless supply of deals and so many coupons you'll develop scissor-cramps.
Better start your pinching excercises, because here they come...
Your EZ Guide to Free Baby Diapers
I know what you're thinking. Heather, you've given us formula steals. Surely, you've got some diapering deals in there somewhere. Of course I do! (And don't call me Shirley)
...and...they...are...right...here.
Free Baby Clothing Catalogs
Last, and perhaps least, I have listed out some free baby clothing catalogs you may enjoy looking at. However, personally, I'd much rather shop for baby clothes using these
coupon codes than pay full-price on a phone order. But hey. That's just me. Here's your list. Enjoy.
BTW,
If you hear of a freebie that's worth sharing, please let me know about it so I can share it with others.
So...Did I Impress?
This is Just the START of the Best Free Baby Stuff on the Web
Keep the freebies coming. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, RSS, email, or newsletter.
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