Pregnant and need to start stocking up :o)

[paysensmom]

I know there has been posts of this before on here. I am pregnant and I want to start stocking up on cheap/free diapers and samples. I am 11 weeks today. I am due May 5th. Thank you!

 

[mistysue]

Just go to websites for every company you can think of that makes kid things, formula, diapers, whatever. Register for their coupons. They will send you sample diapers, sample cans of formula, and formula checks.
Tell them you are due a little before you are because often they will send you things when they expect you to want them- which was usually a month or so after I panicked and purchased the items for my kids.

Is this your first baby?
Because you might get lucky, but babies can have very brand specific needs. If you stock up too early, you can't return things. If you buy a ton of Luvs and your kid leaks in those and can only wear huggies (or the other way around) you now have this huge supply of things you can't use. Getting a bag of diapers for $1 is still a bad deal if you can't use them.
If you are formula feeding, this is also very touchy. It's not recommended to switch brands, and some babies can't take certain ones so if you get cheap formula, it might just be a waste.

Also- register!!! Even if you aren't having a shower. They will send you a coupon for anything left on the registry after the birth. I think they usually send the coupon in the 6-8 week range after the birth, so don't buy big items you aren't going to use until later before the coupon comes. You can also register at a place like Target and put regular shopping items on the registry just for the discount. It works even if nobody buys you anything off the registry so you don't even have to tell anybody it is there.

 

[fofinia]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I want to suggest this message board: http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/family-way/

There is athread entitled Diaper stockpile. It is pretty informative. I got packs of diapers when they were the cheapest $4-5 a pack. Mostly thru CVS. I didn't go crazy with size one or newborn. But my other kids were born at 8+ lbs. So I assumed this one would be too. And he was. And I think we did like 2 or 3 packs of newborn and 4 or 5 size 1's. And I just finished my last pack of size 2's. He just turned 4 months. And I think he'll be fine in size 3's all ready. If you have other kids you can base off past experience.

I also agree with the register thing. Most of the places give you small free gift too. I got a $10 Babies R Us card for registering. It was my 3rd baby so I didn't really need to register. but I used that gift card!

Also on Hot coupon world, the one referenced above. There is a thread about baby freebies!

Congrats again!

 

[malibuconlee]

Exactly what the PP said.

We used Pampers, first Swaddlers and now Cruisers. Have had Huggies given to me, at my shower and some leftovers from when a friend's baby sized up and my daughter always leaked in them. So, if I had stocked up on them I would have been frustrated!

Same with formula. My daughter was briefly put on soy, but we went back to the store brand of regular. Saved SOOO much money over buying the name brand. But you really never know until the baby is here.

I would start buying or saving up for things for the nursery, that stuff adds up quick.

Congrats!

Oh, and if you are getting things at Target make sure you take them out of the box and put them together even if you won't need them for a long time. They have a terrible return policy. We got one of the Eddie Bauer high chairs and it was banged up when I went to put it together. Of course it was well past their returns window as I had gotten it as a shower gift and my daughter was several months old when we went to use it. Would have had to go thru the manufacturer. It was still functional, wasn't broken so I didn't go thru the hassle, not that it mattered the darn thing is soooo banged up from use now. LOL

 

[MrsPete]

I haven't needed diapers for more than a decade, but I can share a couple tips:

- The name brands are the only diapers that sell the newborn size (with the cut-out notch for the umbilical cord). So you're stuck buying expensive ones for the first two weeks.

- Buy ahead, but don't over-buy any particular size. The baby'll stay in 1s and 2s for a loooong time, so you're not likely to over-buy.

- When I was buying them, the less expensive brands were cheaper than Pampers/Huggies with a coupon. I liked two types best: Luvs and store brand diapers that had the Muppet babies printed on them (Walmart brand and Toys R Us brand).

- With my second child, I found a wonderful service: A woman who lived near me had two sets of twins (all boys), and she sold super-cheap, second-quality disposables. She sold them by the case (which was huge -- I'm thinking it was like 200/case in the smaller sizes). They were second-quality: the pattern'd be off-center, or a tape'd be missing from a couple (I'd save those for night time and use a bit of duct-tape underneath a sleeper so the baby could never get to it). The box was always mixed: Pampers, Huggies, store brands, brands I never identified. They were just over half the price of store-brand diapers. She took orders all week long, and then she delivered on Fridays (the only day she had a sitter). I'd leave a check in an envelope on the porch, and when I'd come home, a case of diapers'd be waiting for me.

 

[DisneyBrooke81]

Congrats!!!! May 5th is a fantastic day, it is my birthday!

Both of my girls, I used Target brand diapers until they were in size 3s. They are cheap, and the amount of times you are changing infant diapers they work. Once they started getting more mobile, I had to switch to Pampers/Hugges/Luvs. It seemed the Target ones got too saggy and hung between their legs.

Also, for formula, I was lucky. Both of my girls used Sams Club brand. Cheap and is exactly the same as the real stuff!

 

[vettechick99]

The best thing I had was a diaper shower with my first. We didn't buy diapers for probably 6 months. It really helped.

Like the others said, there are tons of coupons out there. But when it's time to buy, I like a lot of store brand stuff. I order my formula and diapers from Target - their store brand stuff is awesome. Walmart has their-brand Mylicon drops (I use a drop in every bottle I make). So don't be scared of store brands. Some are just as good or better than name brand.

Congrats!

 

[vettechick99]

I haven't needed diapers for more than a decade, but I can share a couple tips:

- The name brands are the only diapers that sell the newborn size (with the cut-out notch for the umbilical cord). So you're stuck buying expensive ones for the first two weeks.

- Buy ahead, but don't over-buy any particular size. The baby'll stay in 1s and 2s for a loooong time, so you're not likely to over-buy.

You can also just cut a notch in the front of your newborn diapers. We ran out of the notched ones but her cord was about to fall off, so I just cut a few of the newborn ones I had. Worked just fine.

Also, my DD was in newborn size only a few weeks. They go up to 10 lbs I think? So that doesn't last long. She is about to bust out of her 1s. She is 10w and 12.5 lbs. 1s are supposed to go up to 14lbs but that just can't be. I do remember them being in 2s a long time, and then 3 forever.

 

[MissBritt]

i am almost 15 weeks pregnant with my first and was wondering if anyone could tell me exactly how upromise works and if i should sign up for it? thanks!

 

[paysensmom]

Thank you for all of the replies!

This is our third child. We have a six year old and an 8 year old. A little bit of a gap!

With our first we used Pampers. I found out with my second that Pampers got really full fast and hung between the legs. I realized, that other diapers did not do this! I used the walmart diapers in the purple box and they worked wonderfully. I think White Cloud?

I just want to start stocking up a little when I can and if there is a really good deal or samples. I was layed off on Friday, I am a teacher. So, the income we were counting on is no longer going to be there. So, I want to start trying to stock up now. I will be breast feeding so the most expensive thing on our list will be diapers and wipes. I know it is cheaper and more economical to do the cloth diapers, but I just don't have the stomach for that.

Keep your tips coming, thank you all so much!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Here is a good thread off the Baby Bargains Board.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=129653

Also, the Baby Bargains book (Alan & Denise Fields) gives great product advice.


As for someone asking about Upromise... I haven't been very active on it, in about 5 years I have gotten $250. I keep meaning to register my parent's cards and for a while mine were outdated. Getting it all up to date is next on my list!

 

[Piecey]

Tell them you are due a little before you are because often they will send you things when they expect you to want them- which was usually a month or so after I panicked and purchased the items for my kids.

I can't stress that enough. My son was 7 weeks yesterday and I got my first package from Enfamil and still nothing from Similac yet. I even fibbed my due date a month before it actually was.

What I find helpful is the "swap spot" on thebump.com

You can trade things there if you do find you need a certain brand. Get acquainted with their website and post a few times, some traders only want to trade with people who aren't "newbies"

 

[kt_mom]

- Buy ahead, but don't over-buy any particular size. The baby'll stay in 1s and 2s for a loooong time, so you're not likely to over-buy.

This isn't always true. My DS is 4 months old and has been in size 3 diapers for over a month already. He is a little over 17 lbs and already in 9 month clothes. My dd wasn't his size until she really was about 9 months old! Do you never know. Plus diapers fit babies differently and although I used only pampers for DD I am able to use LUVS for DS and I really like them for him.

Diapers are one thing I never reccomend stocking up too much on beforehand because you just never know and every baby is different. I've learned my lesson with clothes this time around too. Although DD wore clothes that corresponded to her age DS doesn't. DS is completely grown into the 9-12 month clothes we bought for the winter time and if he keeps growing at the rate he is now he will be out of them by Christmas!!

Thankfully we didn't buy a ton of stuff. But the temptation was there in the spring to stock up on winter stuff for him and I'm so glad I didn't and that we waited until we went to the outlets in August. If I had bought him 6-9 month clothes for the winter like I had origonally thought I'd be out of luck because that stuff wouldn't fit him anymore.

 

[Piecey]

- Buy ahead, but don't over-buy any particular size. The baby'll stay in 1s and 2s for a loooong time, so you're not likely to over-buy.


-

Not true for everyone... my 7-weeker is in 2's. He will be out of them shortly, too...

(Though he was 10lbs15oz at birth soooo

 

[tinker&belle]

When I was pregnant, I asked my friend who already had two children which size of diapers she recommended stocking up on and she recommended size three. I did that and it seemed to work out well, both my girls have stayed in threes a LONG time.

 

[mjkacmom]

This isn't always true. My DS is 4 months old and has been in size 3 diapers for over a month already. He is a little over 17 lbs and already in 9 month clothes. My dd wasn't his size until she really was about 9 months old! Do you never know. Plus diapers fit babies differently and although I used only pampers for DD I am able to use LUVS for DS and I really like them for him.

Diapers are one thing I never reccomend stocking up too much on beforehand because you just never know and every baby is different. I've learned my lesson with clothes this time around too. Although DD wore clothes that corresponded to her age DS doesn't. DS is completely grown into the 9-12 month clothes we bought for the winter time and if he keeps growing at the rate he is now he will be out of them by Christmas!!

Thankfully we didn't buy a ton of stuff. But the temptation was there in the spring to stock up on winter stuff for him and I'm so glad I didn't and that we waited until we went to the outlets in August. If I had bought him 6-9 month clothes for the winter like I had origonally thought I'd be out of luck because that stuff wouldn't fit him anymore.

I got burned with dd7 when she was a preschooler. Dd14 and ds12 wore their ages. However, who knew dd9 (almost 9 pounds at birth) would stop growing around the age of 3. I remember buying a bunch of clothes ahead of time, and none of it would fit for another year or so (she now wears a 7 slim).

 

[justbishop]

If you're looking to save money (with the added bonus of no chemicals against your little one and less trash in landfills), you should definitely consider cloth diapers! They're so much better now than the old prefolds, pins, and plastic pants

(No judgment or flames from me, expressed or implied. Just offering up my expertise and making a friendly suggestion!)

 

[DisneyBrooke81]

When I was pregnant, I asked my friend who already had two children which size of diapers she recommended stocking up on and she recommended size three. I did that and it seemed to work out well, both my girls have stayed in threes a LONG time.

I agree! DD is 17 months old and it feels like she has been in size 3 diapers for months!

 

[kimkoz]

Diaper Party - This is amazing. In our family/friends we do it as guy thing. way for the guys to have a night out before baby comes. all the guys bring some drinks and a package of diapers or wipes. i didn't have to buy any for the first 5 months. Any close friends that could possibly have one for you?

I used target alot, not the diapers (atleast not yet) but for huggies. they have thier own coupons and you can double them with a manufac. coupon.

I only ran into a problem once with buying too much too early. Our grocery stores here were very lax with it. no reciept was fine, i just exchanged but in this case it has to be something they carry of course.

 

[TLuvsD]

Miss Britt l love Upromise. Our D is a Jr in highschool, and I've only belonged to Upromise for a short time. I don't shop through them enough (should have downloaded the automatic thing), but she has textbook money that didn't cost me a dime.
I registered the grocery cards and do some shopping through them (mostly the office supplies for DH's business).