Having a baby is so expensive. And, sometimes families don't have everything they need to be able to bring the baby home from the hospital.
I have put together a list of free baby stuff for low income families that I hope you find useful. If you're looking for more free baby stuff, see my all inclusive list here.
Free Baby Stuff for Low Income Families
While adding a new bundle of joy to your home can be a really happy time, it can also be really stressful. Babies are expensive because there are so many items that you need to be able to care for a baby (that you've never needed before) and, if we're honest, you might never need them again.
So, I've rounded up in one spot all the resources where you can request free baby stuff for low income families. This article was written in 2018 so these ideas are mostly from then. Most offer are still available, and I update it as often as I can, but if there is something on this all-inclusive roundup that isn't offered anymore, please leave a comment below. And, the same rings true for the opposite. If there is something that needs to be added, please add that in the comments below as well.
You're going to LOVE these!
Okay, so onto my list of free baby stuff for low income families that you can request! (Or at least look further into):
Helpful Numbers to Call for Free Baby Stuff for Low Income Families
The number one place to call to find some of these resources is 2-1-1. This is a telephone number to call that connects you with important community services and programs.
If you know of any national programs, and would love to share please let me know below and I will be happy to add them to the list.
Best Resources for FREE Baby Formula & Baby Food
Baby formula and food are necessary items for bringing your baby home – but the cost of feeding your new baby can definitely add up! Here are the resources for free baby formula and baby food.
1. WIC
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a nutrition assistance program that provides baby food, baby formula, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 years old.
To use this option, you will want to call your local WIC to see if you qualify for assistance.
2. Enfamil Family Beginnings (Free Baby Formula Checks and Coupons):
When you join Enfamil Family Beginnings you'll get up to $325 in FREE gifts including coupons, formula samples, Belly Badges, and more – sometimes they even offer a free baby bag! Plus they will send you coupons every month (and sometimes they even send out free formula checks) that help to buy formula.
If you get WIC these help a lot when you run out. If you get Foodstamps don’t worry, you can use coupons with Foodstamps and WIC checks! To register for the Enfamil Family Beginnings program, click here.
3. Similac Strong Moms (Free Formula Checks & Coupons)
Register to the Similac Strong Moms program and they will give you up to $329 in free gifts for your baby. Similac is like Enfamil and Gerber in that they will often offer free baby formula in the form of checks or coupons. You will also get nutrition guidance and feeding help for every week of your pregnancy all the way through your baby’s first year! Sign up here.
4. FREE Gerber Generation Nutrition Kit for Babies
Gerber has been known to offer free formula samples, money-saving formula coupons and more special gifts for you and your baby to enjoy. Head here to sign up for the Gerber Baby Program.
5. Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Program
When you join the Pampers Gifts to Grow Program you'll get rewards for purchasing Pampers products that can be redeemed on gift cards. Every Starbucks I bought for over a year was free because of this program 🙂
When you sign up here you'll get your first 100 points free. Also when you register for the Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Program you'll get coupons in the mail and free diaper samples. You can also print even more coupons on their site once you register.
6. Huggies Rewards Program:
Huggies has a similar program to Pampers where after you sign up here you'll receive a code to enter into their website that will give you free diapers, free diaper coupons and more.
7. Everyday Moms Sampling Club:
Sign up for the Everyday Moms Sampling Club to get free diaper samples, free infant formula, and more freebies from baby related companies.
**Important note: uncheck the box that reads: Yes, I would also like to receive emails with sweepstakes and special offers from BestDeals4Moms, and press “skip” or “continue to next offer” until you reach the final page where it reads Welcome to EverydayFamily like the screenshot below.
How to get a Free Baby Car Seat for Low Income Families
Baby carseats range in price from $50 all the way up to $300 depending on the brand you choose. That is pricey, especially considering the amount of time that the baby will be in the carseat!
But, you have to have a carseat for your baby or else, you won't be able to leave the hospital, so get ready to find the best one for you. There are resources if you don't have enough money to buy a carseat for your baby though.
Here are some ways you can possibly get a free car seat if you are low income and cannot afford one.
** Please note that these programs may or may not ask for proof of pregnancy, proof of income, ID and more.
1. United Way
Call your local United Way by dialing the shortcode 211 on your telephone. Let them know you need a car seat for your baby and are unable to provide one.
2. WIC
WIC isn't just for food, this is another great place to check for a free car seat. Once you've enrolled with WIC, call or stop in to see if they offer a free car seat for low income families. If your local WIC office doesn’t offer free car seats, ask them if they can refer you another place that may offer them.
3. State Police & Fire Departments
Your local police station may have a lead on places that offer free carseats if you don't have the money to purchase one.
4. Hospital
Checking with the hospital to see if they have a free carseat program is another great place to check. Since you can't leave the hospital without a carseat, this might be a great place to start.
5. Insurance Policies
Some health insurance companies offer car seats for insured new parents. By calling customer service, you'll know right away if a carseat is included in your plan.
6. Church
Churches are a great place to go if you are in need. They have a large network of willing and able people to give and hand down items that have not been used for their whole shelflife.
7. Baby2Baby National Program
Baby2Baby distributes baby gear to children in 20 cities across the United states. See if you are in an area that participates by heading here. This program distributes gently used baby gear and clothing through a network of community-based organizations – a huge help for families who need help with new baby items.
Free Baby Crib Program for Families in Need
Cribs for Kids provides Graco Pack ‘n Play® portable cribs to families who cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.
This amazing program has more than 650 partners throughout the United States. If you are a mother in need of a safe place for your baby to sleep WIC
Free Baby Breastfeeding Pump:
Breastpumps cost over one hundred dollars new, so they're really expensive and sometimes out of reach when the budget is tight. However, some insurance companies offer a FREE Breast pump with no negative impact on your monthly premiums.
UPDATE: Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. Your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump. It may be either a rental unit or a new one you’ll keep. Read more here.
I hope this article was helpful for finding resources for baby formula and food, carseats, cribs and more. If you have any additional resources that would be helpful to list here for others, please share them in the comments!
i need a crib for my 1 year old he had a pack and play and it broke he need a new one