Saving on Babies

Yesterday the topic of how to save when you are having a baby or have babies. While I know there are TONS of resources and ideas out there and I could never do them all justice, I want to try and address this topic because it's one that we all struggle with at some point.

I decided to organize this post by category since there is so much information. Hopefully that will help you find what you're looking for.

BOOKS & INFORMATION:
I spent very little money on books when I was pregnant. I found that most of the information I needed was online.

Here are a few of my favorites:
Babies Online
Find the perfect baby name. at BabyZone

Get Weekly Email Updates from Babycenter.com

Free Magazine Subscriptions:
Click Here for a Free Subscription to Baby Talk Magazine!
Free Subscription to American Baby

WHERE TO FIND COUPONS:
Ok, I know this came up yesterday but one of the best ways I have found to save on baby stuff is to sign up for everything I can get my hands on. As on of our readers pointed out yesterday once signed up these company's continue to send coupons as you child grows up, so it's well worth it to get on the mailing list. I am still getting coupons from Huggies, and Pampers on a monthly basis.

Here are a few good sites to register with for free baby coupons: Sign up for the Huggies Network, Sign up for Pampers Gifts to Grow it doesn't say it will send a coupon but I got one yesterday in the mail from this program. You can also sign up for the$1.50/1 Pampers Coupon if you haven't already.

I also recommend signing up for: Enfamil Family Beginnings if you pan on using formula. You will get samples and coupons in the mail just for signing up.

DIAPERS:
This is a tricky one. Everyone tends to have their favorite brand. Walmart has a great line called Parent's Choice, and I personally always buy Luv's if I can't find a good sale or deal on Huggies or Pampers. Since there aren't many tricks to buying the Store Brand, I am going to focus on using coupons to purchase diapers and let you make the decision about what's best for you.

I typically buy Diapers at either Target, or Walgreens when I am using coupons. Another great source for Diapers is Sams Club if you have a membership, however keep in mind that Sam's doesn't accept coupons.


Shopping at Target:
Create a Baby Registry with Target.com. This will get you on the mailing list for Store Coupons.
At Target You can combine 1 Target Coupon with 1 Manufacturers Coupon per item. So keep your eyes open for those coupons that come in the mailbox and start matching them up with great deals.

Watch for Gift Card Deals at Target. They frequently run Buy 2 get a $5.00 gift card offers. Here's how I work this deal:

Buy 2 of the item, use 2 coupons, get a $5.00 GC
NOW- You can roll the gift card (meaning you can use it on your next transaction and still receive the second gift card) this is the best way to keep your out of pocket low, and avoid having $30.00 in gift cards at the end.

Buy 2 more of the item
use 2 coupons
use $5.00 GC from first transaction
and get a $5.00 GC from this transaction

Shopping at Walgreens:
Walgreens is very similar to Target in that you can combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons. Also, Walgreens frequently runs Register Reward deals on Diapers. However, YOU CANNOT ROLL REGISTER REWARDS AT WALGREENS, so if you don't have something to spend the register rewards on after you are done then this might not be the best option for you.

Walgreen's also has a store brand diaper. These typically go on sale 2/$9.00
* If you are brave, ask at the Pharmacy for the Prescription Savings Plan Coupon Book
This has a coupon for $2.00/1 pack of Walgreens diapers.
Use the coupon when they are on sale for $4.50 each to make these just $2.50 a pack.

You can also sign up for Diaper Trials and get FREE Diapers Here

TOILETRIES:
Here are some great coupons for Johnson's and Johnson's Products.
There was also a $1.00/1 coupon recently in the paper.
$1/1 Johnson’s Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
$2/2 Johnson’s Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
$2/2 Johnson’s Shampoo, Conditioner or Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
$3/3 Johnson’s Products (IE) (Firefox)

You can use these coupons to get FREE Johnson's Buddies Bars at Walmart or Target (My son is 14 months and that's what we use on him)

You can also use them at Target and Walmart on the smaller size Baby Lotions and Wash's. These are as low as $2.14 for the smallest size, so you can get these for around $1.14 each.

I also use these on the Baby Cotton Swabs for their ears. These are about $1.38 at Walmart and with the coupon they come out to $0.38 each.

FEEDING AND FORMULA:
Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings, Nestle Good Start and Similac Strong Moms
Also, you can get a free sample of Parent's Choice Formula at Walmart.com

Remember most stores will let you use a coupon for formula and one of those "Checks" you get in the mail because the "check" is run as a payment. So hand over your coupon first, then the check as you are paying.

CLOTHING & STUFF:
Sign up with Gerber for coupons on Cups and Onsies.
Register with Children's Place to receive great coupons in the mail.
* I always use my coupons when they have "Additional 30% or 50% off clearance. Add the 15% off coupon on top of that and I have gotten a ton of stuff for less than $5.00

Shop Consignment Shops/Sales:
Once Upon a Child in Fayetteville is great
Also, here is a great list of Consignment Sales