We are all about saving money in every aspect of our lives and pregnancy was no exception. We both took full advantage of as many opportunities as we could think of to earn money, save on costs and get free things during our pregnancies. Here is our list of things to try if you want to do the same!
Baby Registry Discounts, Promos & Welcome Boxes
The baby registry world is huge, big companies really want your business and they reward you for choosing them by giving you gifts. This is a great way to try sample sizes of products before buying a full-size and we love that they also usually include bottles so you can try a few brands before purchasing something your little one won’t use.
Check out our registry welcome box reviews for Amazon, Target and Wal-mart.
You can also utilize the completion discount to get items you need for less and be sure to keep your eye out for additional perks like Amazon’s diaper discount.
Clinical Trials
Some clinical trials are for local participants only and others can be done remotely. Be sure to read the fine print and be sure you are comfortable with the tests/questions that they will be asking.
These two are local to LA if you are in our area: the Sweet Pea Study and the USC Hatch Study. You can find local ones yourself by checking hospital websites and searching on mommy boards.
You’ll likely get paid in gift cards or reloadable debit cards (yay, tax-free!) and may also walk away with additional goodies like onesies, meal vouchers and/or free parking coupons.
Be On TV
Easier said than done right?!
The big one to try for is the Ellen Mother’s Day episode where attendees walk away with thousands of dollars worth of gifts. But you have to be having your first child, get your pregnancy timing right (it shoots in May and I think that they want women who look pregnant) and get selected out of a pretty big pool of competition. You can apply to be on the show here.
Can’t make it on Ellen? Other shows often have special “expectant parent” episodes so keep your eye out. Stella and her husband were on “Let’s Make a Deal” and it airs tonight! Usually, for those special episodes, the whole audience gets a free gift and if you happen to get on stage, the prizes get even bigger!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
We love this program run by Dolly Parton where you can earn 60 free books during your baby’s first few years! Check out the Imagination Library website to see if you qualify.
Book a Doula in Training
We are both so happy that we decided to book a doula to help during our births. It was incredibly valuable to have a second set of hands and all of her expertise. That being said, doulas can be an expensive addition to your birth costs and usually, they can’t be covered by insurance or FSA/HSA accounts. We both worked with the same doula who was in training and she gave us a discounted rate since she was in the process of getting her certification. This is a great way to cut down on the cost while still getting the wonderful perk of having someone by your side.
Read Your Benefits Manual
You probably have perks that you’ve never paid attention to that you can take advantage of during pregnancy. Be sure to look to see if you have an FSA for health purchases or dependent care. You may also want to get legal insurance so that you can create a will and trust for your little one.
Once the baby is here your job may have a relationship with a daycare or kid-related activities that you can take part in.
Earn Free Vitamins
Pre-natal vitamins can really add up in cost especially since many people start taking them before pregnancy, you continue during and then keep taking them after. That could add up to several years of vitamins depending on how long you are trying to get pregnant and how long you decide to breastfeed.
We love the Care/of vitamins and there is a way to earn free ones by using their app and referring friends.
Product Reviews
The world of baby products can feel huge and daunting real quick and companies really rely on user reviews to get their items noticed in the marketing noise. Check out programs like Amazon Vine to review your way to free things!
Diaper Rewards Programs
If you become loyal to a diaper brand, the savings can really add up. Most of the major players have a rewards program where you can earn your way to free things. Check out the programs for Honest, Huggies, Pampers, & Seventh Generation.
Has anyone else come up with fun ways to save money and get free things during your pregnancy journey? Let us know in the comments!