Anyone who’s calculated the cost of raising a baby knows the math can be scary – we’re talking about $233,610 from birth to age 17, according to the USDA. During that first year alone, you’ll shell out around $1,000 just for diapers (your newborn will go through 8-12 per day!). But here’s what savvy parents know: there are legitimate programs and company samples available to help families stretch their budgets during those expensive early months.

The Big Name Formula Programs

Enfamil Family Beginnings

Enfamil’s program offers up to $400 worth of free formula samples, coupons, and baby essentials when you sign up. You’ll get formula samples in various formulas for different needs, plus ongoing coupons that can save you $5-10 per container. They tailor the program based on your baby’s needs and feeding journey.

Similac MySimilac Rewards

The MySimilac program provides up to $400 in offers including formula samples, coupons, and even a free Shutterfly photo book. Their app lets you scan QR codes on formula containers to earn points – every 35 points gets you a reward, plus you’ll earn a $5 bonus coupon after 5 scans.

Gerber Formula Samples

Call Gerber directly at 1-800-408-7277 and ask about their free sample kit. Many parents report receiving a full can of Gerber Good Start formula, a branded onesie, and coupons. The rep will also tell you about samples available at your pediatrician’s office.

Diaper Brand Welcome Programs

Pampers Club & Welcome Kit

Pampers offers sample diapers, wipes, and valuable coupons through their welcome kit program. Join the Pampers Club and download their app to scan diaper packages for points that convert to “Pampers Cash” – redeemable for free diapers and wipes.

Huggies No Baby Unhugged

Huggies provides free sample packs of Little Snugglers diapers and Natural Care wipes through their program. While their Rewards+ program with Fetch ended in March 2024, you can still earn points for purchasing Huggies products through the Fetch app.

Baby Registry Welcome Boxes (No Purchase Required)

Creating baby registries isn’t just about gifts – these retailers send substantial welcome boxes filled with samples:

Amazon Baby Registry

Prime members get a welcome box containing diapers, wipes, bottles, baby wash, blankets, and $50+ in coupons. You just need to add 10 items to your Amazon Baby Registry and have $10 worth purchased (you can buy something small yourself).

Target Baby Registry

Target Circle members receive a welcome kit valued over $100 with samples and discount coupons. Add 10 items to your Target Baby Registry and make a $10 purchase to qualify.

Walmart Baby Registry

Walmart offers free welcome boxes (subject to availability) with various baby essentials when you create a Walmart Baby Registry.

Babylist Universal Registry

This platform lets you create one registry from multiple stores through Babylist and often includes sample offerings from their brand partners.

Lesser-Known Sample Sources

Your Healthcare Providers

Don’t overlook your OB/GYN and pediatrician’s offices. Formula companies supply these offices with sample cans, and many parents walk away with several containers. At pediatrician visits, mention you’d like formula samples – they’re usually happy to help and often have extras.

Pro tip: Be friendly with your nurses during delivery. They have access to loads of samples and are typically generous with parents who are kind to them.

Hospital Discharge Bags

While not all hospitals still provide formula samples due to breastfeeding advocacy, many still offer discharge bags containing diapers, wipes, formula samples, bottles, and other essentials. Don’t be shy about asking for extras – nurses understand babies are expensive.

Noodle & Boo Baby Care Samples

Noodle & Boo offers samples of their premium baby skincare products including diaper rash ointment and gentle cleansers. There’s a limit of one per customer due to demand.

Government and Community Resources

WIC Program Benefits

The WIC program provides free formula, healthy foods, and nutrition support for pregnant women and children under 5. In 2025, families earning up to certain income limits qualify – and those limits are more generous than many people realize. WIC now uses their own Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, making the process much easier.

National Diaper Bank Network

The National Diaper Bank Network operates diaper banks in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. These community organizations provide free diapers, wipes, and other essentials to families in need. Some have income requirements while others don’t – contact your local diaper bank to learn about their specific program.

TANF Cash Assistance

If you qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you can use that cash assistance to purchase diapers and other baby essentials that aren’t covered by SNAP or WIC.

Smart Strategies for Maximizing Samples

Double Up on Signups

If you and your partner both sign up for formula programs using slightly different information (different emails, addresses if you have them), you can often receive duplicate sample shipments sent to the same household.

Social Media Connections

Follow baby brands on social media and engage with their content. Companies sometimes send samples to active followers or run exclusive giveaways for their social media community.

Timing Your Requests

The best times to request samples are during pregnancy (especially third trimester) and immediately after birth when companies are most likely to send substantial sample packages.

Ask Directly

Don’t hesitate to email customer service departments of baby brands asking about samples. Many companies will send samples and coupons to interested parents, especially if you explain you’re trying to find the right products for your baby.

Free Community Resources

Buy Nothing Groups

Search Facebook for “Buy Nothing” groups in your area. These hyperlocal communities share items freely, and baby gear circulates frequently. Parents regularly offer unused formula, diapers, and baby supplies.

2-1-1 Helpline

Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in the US to connect with local resources for free baby supplies, formula assistance, and other family support services.

Local Food Banks

Many food banks now carry baby formula and diapers. Contact your local Feeding America food bank to ask about baby supply programs.

What to Expect and When

Most sample programs will mail your freebies within 2-6 weeks of signup. Formula samples typically include several single-serving packets or small cans, while diaper samples usually contain 2-4 diapers in newborn size. The real value often comes in the ongoing coupons these programs provide – you can easily save $15+ monthly with regular coupon offers.

Keep realistic expectations about sample quantities, but remember that every free diaper and formula sample helps offset those mounting baby costs. Plus, trying different brands through samples helps you figure out what works best for your baby before committing to full-size purchases.

Sample availability and program details change frequently. Always check company websites for current offers and terms.