Diapers are a necessity for parents with young children, and the cost of purchasing diapers can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to obtain free diapers.
I should know. I’m writing this article while nursing my third baby, and had three diaper changes interrupt me over the course of writing. I’ve tried nearly every brand of diaper and every method of getting coupons, discounts, and freebies.
Plus, I write A LOT about diapers and freebies here on Homegrown Hillary. Here are some other articles you might be interested in:
- The Best Baby Registry Welcome Boxes with Freebies [Hauls & Reviews]
- The Cheapest Diapers Online and In-Person [Comparison Charts]
- Cheapest Baby Wipes: Price Comparison & Money-Saving Tips
- Pregnant and Broke? 11 Ways to Stretch Your Money
But you came here for FREE diapers! So here are some tips and tricks on how to get 100% free diapers for your baby.
1. Become a Product Tester
Did you know you can sign up to be a product tester JUST for diapers and wipes? All you need is sign up on the Diaper Testing International website, answer a few questions, and wait for a representative to contact you about participation in trials.
The best news? You can get PAID, too! Depending on the length and complexity of the testing (and the questions you’ll have to answer about the products), you can make between $85-$240.
2. Ask Your Pediatrician
Another way to get free diapers is to ask healthcare providers. Pediatrician offices often receive free samples of baby products, including diapers. This is a form of advertising for the companies, and they love giving parents a risk-free way to test their products. In my experience, the nurses are happy to give you some of these samples for free.
3. Huggies Healthcare Samples
In addition, you can check with your maternal healthcare provider (ob/gyn or midwife) and ask if they’re part of the Huggies Healthcare program. If so, they’ll be able to give you a free sample pack of diapers, wipes, and coupons/rewards at one of your 2nd trimester appointments. (And if they’re not part of the Huggies Healthcare Sample Packs program, ask them to sign up!)
4. Join Diaper Reward Programs
Huggies, Pampers, and HelloBello offer reward programs that allow you to earn points or rewards for purchasing their products. These points can then be redeemed for free gift cards you can use to purchase diapers and other baby items.
To get Pampers gift cards, you’ll need to download the Pampers Club app and create an account that you’ll use to scan rewards codes.
To join Huggies Rewards+, you’ll need to download the Fetch app and sign up for Huggies Rewards+ within the Fetch app. (You can use my referral code, YM42W, and get FREE bonus points when you sign up!)
Finally, Hello Bello offers a rewards program called “Bello Bucks.” For every $100 you spend, you’ll get $5 back which you can redeem to buy yet more Hello Bello diapers (or wipes, or lotion, or whatever else you want from them). See Hello Bello’s website for more info.
5. Health Insurance Rewards
Unfortunately you can’t straight up buy normal baby diapers through health insurance. However, you might be enrolled in a health insurance plan that offers free baby diapers as a reward.
Some health insurance companies try to incentivize healthy behavior, like quitting smoking or walking. When you’re postpartum, this includes routine visits with your ob/gyn or midwife! Here are some insurances that offer diaper freebies:
- Aetna Better Health of Pennsylvania offers members $400 worth of diapers to babies who go to well child visits.
- WellSense Health Plan members can receive a box of up to 200 diapers after visiting their ob/gyn or midwife within the 12 week period after giving birth.
- Superior Healthplan members are eligible for all sorts of rewards, including a diaper bag, starter supply of diapers, and educational materials.
If your insurance isn’t listed above, don’t give up! Reach out to your company and ask about benefits you might be entitled to or able to earn. Even if they aren’t diaper specific rewards, many offer generic gift cards for developing healthy habits which you can put towards buying diapers.
6. Check Out Your Local “Buy Nothing” Group
Buy Nothing groups are hosted primarily on Facebook (though there is a lesser-used app). Their goal is to connect neighbors with unneeded items with people who need them. For diapers, this typically takes the form of opened but unused bags, or those just missing a few diapers. Babies grow quickly, and you yourself will probably find you will end up with half-used bags in the middle of a growth spurt.
You can search the Buy Nothing group in your local area for offers, or you can post an “ISO” (in search of) ad for free diapers and wait for your neighbors to respond.
7. Create Baby Registries for Free Samples
If you are expecting a baby, signing up for baby registries can be a great way to get free diapers. Many baby registries offer free diaper samples, onesies, bottles, and other baby items as incentives for registering.
I’ve already tested the four most popular baby registries: Amazon, Babylist, Target, and Walmart, and I received diaper samples in all four freebie boxes. To learn more about setting up baby registries for free diapers, you can read my article on getting free stuff from baby registries, or check out my video on the topic:
8. Return Defective Diapers
If you’re unsatisfied with a diaper purchase, don’t just write it off as a loss! Companies like Luvs have money back guarantees up to $45. For example,
“If you aren’t completely satisfied [with your Luvs diaper purchase] just circle the purchase price on the original receipt and write your name and address on the back. Then send us the receipt and UPC within 45 days of purchase and we’ll send you a full product refund via prepaid card. Limited to one redemption per household or name.*
Check out the Luvs website for more info.
9. Online Giveaways
Be sure to follow your favorite diaper brands on social media or sign up for their email lists. Oftentimes, they’ll run giveaways in exchange for following/liking/sharing their content or signing up for their email mailing lists.
In addition, there are sometimes in-person giveaways sponsored by local groups or organizations. Stay up-to-date on events by joining local parenting groups on social media, too.
10. Attend Baby Expos
Baby expos are events where baby product companies showcase their products and offer free samples and giveaways. Attending a baby expo can be a great way to get free diapers and other baby items.
To find a baby expo in your area, you can search online or check with local baby stores and parenting groups. Some of the most popular baby expos include the Baby Show Series and the New York Baby Show.
11. Sign Up for Free Diaper Samples
Finally, you can try signing up for free diaper samples. Some diaper companies still offer free samples of their products as a way to attract new customers. However, this strategy is most often used by newer diaper companies, and happens less often with the big name brands like Pampers, Luvs, or Huggies, and won’t happen at all with generic versions of diapers (which are still perfectly good!).
In fact, in 2023 it seems like many companies that used to offer free samples no longer do, citing the pandemic. As far as I can tell, you can only get free diaper samples from the luxury diaper brand, Mille Moon, just by contacting them and asking.
Free Diapers for Low Income Families
If you’re struggling financially and buying diapers is a burden, you’re not alone. 1 in 3 American families suffers from “diaper need.” Fortunately, there are a few more methods of getting free diapers that are open only to low income families. Here are some other methods to try if you think you’d qualify.
12. Diaper Banks
Diaper banks are non-profit organizations that provide free diapers to families in need. These organizations rely on donations from individuals and companies to provide free diapers to families who cannot afford them. To find a diaper bank in your area, you can visit the National Diaper Bank Network and search for a diaper bank in your state.
13. Head Start Programs
The national childcare and preschool programs Early Head Start and Head Start provide diapers to children during the days they’re attending programs. This means far fewer diapers you’ll have to pay for and provide at home! They’re also likely to be connected to local community action programs who can direct you to the local diaper banks.
14. Churches
In my town, there are at least three different churches that offer free diapers to families in need. Two of them don’t require proof of income, either. Call or email local churches in your area for more info, or dial 2-1-1 and get connected to them through the United Way’s national database.
15. WIC
In many places, the WIC (women, infants, and children) program offices might be able to provide you with free diapers. While WIC is focused on providing food and nutrition to women and children, they also are a key touchpoint for many families and will likely know how to get you in touch with help if you need it.
16. Pregnancy Resource Centers
Pregnancy resource centers, also sometimes called crisis pregnancy centers, don’t only help pregnant women. They also sometimes have items to offer parents in need, including diapers. You may need to meet certain requirements to receive the diapers, such as taking parenting classes or volunteering.
Getting free diapers is possible if you know where to look. By trying some of the above strategies, you can save money on diapers and provide your baby with the care they need. I hope this guide has been helpful, and I wish you luck on your quest for free diapers!
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