Hello ladies and gents, I think it's safe to assume that, if you're reading this post, you're either expecting, planning on expecting soon, or you've recently welcomed a little one into this world. Personally, I fall under the category of 'I never in my life thought I would have children, and now find myself at the age of thirty-four, incredibly in love with a man who makes me want to have all the babies, and planning for our first pregnancy together'. I had spent my life avoiding the topic, and wasn't really around many babies or children, so when we decided we wanted to start our family, I quickly realized I had a lot of learning to do! Since then, I've immersed myself in books covering the range of necessary topics from pregnancy, hormones, birth and delivery, natural homebirth, preparing for a newborn, breastfeeding, parenting young children, and all that entails, including mental health, education, discipline, and on and on. Because of my positive Lyme Disease diagnosis, Evan and I have also been working diligently to overcome my health issues in preparation for pregnancy, as well as starting healthy habits together. Somewhere along the path of my research, I started reading about free welcome boxes that expecting parents can apply for and receive from various companies. Intrigued, I looked a little closer. What I found was: much of the information circulating online referenced outdated gifts that are no longer available from companies, contained dead links, or gifts that aren't actually "free" or aren't actually worth the effort for one reason or another. Naturally, I decided to conduct my own research and take notes, which I'm happy to share with you now. Clearly, some free items aren't going to scratch the surface of the full list of baby needs. But it's been fun to research, and I now have two drawers of our future babies' dresser overflowing with free (and almost free) baby stuff! By creating our Amazon Baby Registry now, and getting in the mindset of what we will or won't need, reading and researching, and picking up items as they go on sale, it will take a lot of the pressure off down the road. So when the day arrives we find out we're expecting, we'll be able to keep our minds on our pregnancy and health and other aspects of preparedness, rather than scrambling for everything all at once. Since we're planning to start babymaking shortly after our wedding this summer, it's expanded our window of time from nine months of preparation to about fifteen months until arrival :) For your convenience, I've listed each gift with it's company, website, instructions for how to apply, and of course, a detailed list of everything included. If there's a cost associated with it, I've noted that, along with my opinion of whether the effort and cost were worth the prize received. Of course, this is the part that is open to interpretation, so feel free to form your own opinions based on the information presented! Please also note: this is not a comprehensive list, but as I can see from my efforts, is a fairly comprehensive list of the currently available gifts. * * * Amazon Registry Baby Welcome Box : www.amazon.com : Free with $10 Registry Purchase INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.amazon.com Create Amazon Account Create Baby Registry (Baby's Name, Due Date) Go through the checklist and create your registry Purchase $10 worth of items on your Registry (which you're going to buy anyway) At this point, you can claim your free gift, separate from the box (see below) Have Amazon Prime, or, sign up for the 30-day free trial Once you're eligible, return to your Registry Bam! "Redeem Now" to claim your free box Your box will ship within 1-2 weeks, depending on availability. I had to wait a few weeks for boxes to become available, then arrived in 5 days. CONTENTS: Amazing Baby Swaddle! Hudson Baby Drool Bandana! Moon and Back organic cotton Onesie, 3-6 mos. (2) Nuk Pacifiers for 0-3 mos. (100% Silicone) Full-Size Huggies Nature Care Wipes 56-pack Full-Size Lysol Daily Cleansing Wipes Philips Avent Bottle 4 oz (Does NOT State BPA-Free Plastic) Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion 1 oz Dove Baby Mousturizing Wash 1.8 oz Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion 1.7 oz Burts Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash 1.8 oz Coupon: Burts Bees 15% off select registry items ![IMG_20180430_191630.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmX6yqPXPWWTCiqFranXHFZYqTpj6Hzm3mkKbuW7LgExBT/IMG_20180430_191630.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_191704.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYKK16ZR11TecBu2BKmF1aiUwu9oZF7Dk2XEwiE5LWn7F/IMG_20180430_191704.jpg) WORTH IT? Resounding YES! The best! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Amazon : Free Gift : www.amazon.com : Free with any item Registry Purchase INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.amazon.com Create Amazon Account Create Baby Registry (Baby's Name, Due Date) Purchase one item on your Registry After your purchase has been completed, return to your Registry Bam! "Redeem Now" to claim your free gift Your gift will ship within 1-2 weeks, depending on availability CONTENTS: Hudson Baby Cotton Terry Bath Towel of your choice! ![IMG_20180430_192324.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVysAgp9aAcQKZMcrnFfcDJ9Vh5FFBFFkd4PFUy1Ag4Hp/IMG_20180430_192324.jpg) WORTH IT? Yes! It's free and great quality! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Target Baby Gift Bag : www.target.com : Totally Free INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.target.com Create Target Account (Email, Name, Password) Create Baby Registry (Baby's Name, Due Date) Go through the checklist, but you don't evan actually have to create a registry! Go to any Target store and visit the Customer Service Desk Tell them you've created a registry, and would like your free bag No questions asked, they're happy to give it to you! CONTENTS : Cute Reusable Bag Dr. Brown's Botte 8 oz (States Anti-Colic. Does NOT State BPA-Free Plastic) Philips Avent Bottle 4 oz (Does NOT State BPA-Free Plastic) NUK Orthadontic Pacifier (States BPA-Free Plastic) Pampers Reusable Diaper Bag, with 1 Diaper and 6 Wipes Up&Up Diapers 2-pack sample The Honest Co. Sample Kit, with 2 Diapers and 10 Wipes Lansinoh Breastfeeding Sample Kit, with 2 Disposable Nursing Pads and 2 Breastmilk Storage Bags Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion 1 oz Dove Baby Mousturizing Wash 1.8 oz Sample Packet Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Lotion Sample Packet Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Sample Pack Babyganics Daily Moisturizing Lotion Target Baby Brochure (Coupons: 50% off one Starbucks beverage, plus LOTS of coupons for Target or Target.com from $0.25 to $25. Good stuff! One FREE coupon for infant formula!) Coupons: Pampers Coupons: $1.50 off Swaddlers, $1 off Wipes, $5 off Large Box Diapers or Wipes, $2 off Vicks Rub, $2 off Dreft Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent, and $1 off Crest Toothpaste. Seventh Generations Coupons: $2 off Wipes, $3 off Laundry Detergent, and $5 off Diapers. Philips Avent Coupons: $2 off Bottle Multipack Set, $10 off Breast Pump, and $1 off Pacifier. ![IMG_20180430_192056.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUvY1XGwcxrpq3rXeDSZncN39jMtvqizvVTTQCcuHRefK/IMG_20180430_192056.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_192121.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVDHfWN3S5k4LwWdGwPU1f1igfpzZLw5KgEaKkgbW4SaC/IMG_20180430_192121.jpg) I've only redeemed one of the coupons, but it was an absolutely free coupon for Similac formula. Just scan it at checkout and it discounts the entire price. We plan to breastfeed, but have read that it's good to have some formula on hand, in case of unexpected circumstances. ![IMG_20180430_191239.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVVhgzxvzunrQA5AhZge8QEJv2So8cs5wsV5oqjutH45N/IMG_20180430_191239.jpg) WORTH IT? Resounding YES! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Babylist Hello Baby Box : www.babylist.com : Totally Free INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.babylist.com Create Babylist Account (Name, Email, Password) Create Registry (Baby's Name, Due Date, Shipping Address) *Note: Baby's Due Date must be within four weeks prior or nine months after the date of your registry being created. Add three items to your Registry from the Babylist store Add three items to your Registry from other online stores (I used Amazon) You'll see on your Registry that you've become "qualified" for a Hello Baby Box Your box will ship within 1-2 weeks (mine shipped in 5 days) CONTENTS: Boon NURSH Silicone Pouch Bottle 4 oz (very cool!) Pampers Reusable Diaper Bag, with 1 Diaper and 6 Wipes Cetaphil Baby Kit, with Moisturizing Oil 1.4 oz, Baby Wash & Shampoo 1.7 oz, Baby Daily Lotion 1.7 oz, Baby Diaper Cream 0.4 oz Lansinoh Breastfeeding Sample Kit, with 2 Disposable Nursing Pads and 2 Breastmilk Storage Bags Sample Pack Cetaphil Skin Cleanser and Daily Lotion for Mom Sample Pack Boob-Ease Organic Nipple Balm Lucy Darling Alphabet Art Print Babylist Guide (no coupons, just tips for Parents) 30 Babylist Registry Cards (to hand out to your friends, I suppose) Coupons: $1.50 off Pampers Swaddlers, $1 off Pampers Wipes, $5 off Pampers Diapers or Wipes, $2 off Vicks Rub, $2 off Dreft Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent, and $1 off Crest Toothpaste ![IMG_20180430_191805.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYkUsTyU8JSsSECju42g7i1uCBGJkFQzcCSvvR8Bdsqoq/IMG_20180430_191805.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_191908.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTx9wfmWxZQi4ZWeAwHZb7yeHMs2dDYhZ7iC7fVwiyUo7/IMG_20180430_191908.jpg) WORTH IT? Resounding YES! The only free non-plastic bottle. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Noobie Box : www.noobiebox.com : Free + $6.95 shipping INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.noobiebox.com Create Account (Name, Baby's Due Date or Birthday, Email, Password) Place a $0.00 Noobie Box into your Shopping Cart Note: Shipping is free with a $40+ purchase; otherwise, $6.95 Check Out Box arrives within 7-10 days CONTENTS: MAM Bottle 4.5 oz (states Anti-Colic and BPA-Free Plastic) MAM Newborn Pacifier (states BPA-Free Plastic) Lansinoh Breastfeeding Sample Kit (2 Disposable Nursing Pads and 2 Breastmilk Storage Bags) Bessie's Best Lactation Cookie Purell Surface Disenfectant 2 oz Aquaphor Baby Healing Oinement 0.35 oz tube WaterWipes 10-pack sample Noobie Guide (Coupons: $1.50 off Aquaphor products, $1 off WaterWipes, Coupon Codes for $30-$60 at nine (9) different "Free + $14.95 Shipping" websites) ![IMG_20180430_192227.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZj8dfNe82vQmmfYpfWdXpDRMD3ju7YiJjsFQa6NXyu1t/IMG_20180430_192227.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_192254.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmb1Z3EhrbtTUfLZjgArAbxM1uBqi57rUjJyiNrz2ovGKn/IMG_20180430_192254.jpg) WORTH IT? Probably not, considering how much better other free boxes are, and this one costs shipping. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Motherhood Maternity Sample Bag : www.motherhoodmaternity.com : Free with purchase of one item (including clearance items) + $2. Weird. INSTRUCTIONS: Go to any Motherhood Maternity store. Purchase any single item from the store (I considered purchasing some nursing pads for $6, but I found a cute maternity shirt that was discounted 75% to $15). The clerk will ask for your information (name, address, email) to be entered into their database. The clerk will offer to sign you up for their Sample Bag, and also enter you into their two year program to receive four baby-related magazine subscriptions, and receive $1500 worth of coupons from various baby-related companies to your email address over the course of two years. She had me at "Carter's coupons". This is only for first-time guests. CONTENTS: Philips Avent Bottle 4 oz (Does NOT State BPA-Free Plastic) Family Circle Magazine Coupons: $5 for 5 Dr. Seuss Books, $1.50 off Beech-Nut Baby Cereal, $30 off Hello Fresh first box, $25 to spend at Tiny Prints, $25 to spend at Shutterfly, Discount for JCPenney Portraits, $25% off $40+ purchase at OshKosh or Carters, $5 off Forehead Thermometer, 20% off single item at BuyBuy Baby, Coupon Codes for $30-$60 at twelve (12) different "Free + $14.95 Shipping" websites) Ads: Gerber Life Grow-Up Insurance Plan, Baby Brezza, Train to Work at Home. (Pictured below with the maternity shirt I purchased) ![IMG_20180430_191348.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWHSCdqNHztfyrHnKjSxDMXUizhr4E1AVoLBc1nCPD7Fh/IMG_20180430_191348.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_191424.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdFFLZxqs5DuEefaQPUHTFH22zDnoidexxozfMmabeJVR/IMG_20180430_191424.jpg) WORTH IT? No, not for the item and coupons in the Sample Bag. But I'm hopeful about the $1500 in coupons. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Walmart Welcome Baby Box : Direct Link : Free INSTRUCTIONS: Go to https://walmart.cesampling.com/babybox/order Complete Information (Name, Due Date, Email, Shipping Address) Wait an unknown amount of time CONTENTS: We'll see after it arrives! It's been about four weeks as of this posting. WORTH IT? We'll see after it arrives! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * These are free items I read about, but didn't really seem worth it to me: Babies R Us : Some online sources say it comes with a bottle, pampers samples, and coupons. But the bottle was definitely plastic. The other free boxes would probably already have the same coupons, so no need! Besides, with Toys R Us stores closing around the nation, I'm not even sure if these bags are still available! Baby Box University : Apparently it's a cardboard box baby bassinet... hm... but it's filled with goodies, including, according to one online source, a full pack of diapers and a full pack of wipes. The process seemed a little more complicated, as you seemed to need to enter your information online, then pick up your box at a local supply location. I cannot verify this. Parasol Sample Pack : 8 Diapers & 20 Wipes : Free + $5 shipping Abby & Finn Sample Pack : 8 Diapers & 12 Wipes : Free + $5 shipping * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This freebie didn't work for me: Enfamil : Many online sources say they've received multiple containers of formula for free, just for signing up to their online community. I signed up for the website, but couldn't find how to get the free goodies. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * These are a few good free possibilities left to check out: Honest Company : https://www.honest.com/account/select-bundle : 7 Diapers & 10 Wipes : Free, but have to sign up for and then cancel a subscription. I read that it's worth it if you're able to combine with their other free trial of lotions and washes (so you get both trials for the same amount of shipping!) but it's currently out of stock. I'm just not really in to the idea of signing up for and canceling a subscription. I'm sure its easy and all, but seems like a time commitment. Buy Buy Baby : It appears to be a pretty good bag of items for creating a registry! But you have to go in to a store, and there aren't any stores near me. If you have one near you, it's probably a good one! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next set of "Freebies" all cost $14.95 shipping. Clearly, all of the websites are owned by the same company or parent company, as they all have the same layout and cart feature, and they each offer only a very specific baby-related item. They range from baby leggings to baby shoes to carseat covers to nursing pads and so forth. After purchasing from one, you'll receive coupon codes for a few dozen other related sites! They all have the same format: FREE with $14.95 shipping. Some of these items seem worth it, even with $14.95 shipping, and some clearly do not. I've only tried one, below: Little Wanderers : $60 "free" + $14.95 shipping INSTRUCTIONS: Go to www.littlewanderers.com Apply Coupon Code in Shopping Cart (available all over the internet) Checkout, and pay $14.95 shipping CONTENTS: $60 to spend on anything on the website. I got 2 pairs of really cute baby shoes. I chose two pairs of cute fox high top sneakers, one maroon pair size 2, and one orange pair size 3. ![IMG_20180430_192350.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbJAY39uMD2PatmMW1WywuLXhbU6F6tzFxYGcNqznceCY/IMG_20180430_192350.jpg) WORTH IT? Yes. These shoes would sell in stores for $15-20 each. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * YouTube and Instagram Giveaways I entered (and won!): I read a recommendation online to enter free giveaways. They suggested to simply go to YouTube and search for 'pregnancy giveaway'. If you filter the videos to only those posted in the past week, a few will inevitably show up. They usually have simple entry requirements like subscribing to their channel, commenting, or following them on other social media. I figured, why not? In the spirit of research, I've entered about a half dozen. I've won two! YouTube @wah_mama Fiona To enter the giveaway, I had to subscribe to her YouTube channel, follow her on Instagram, and follow Naturebond on Instagram. I won NatureBond Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump. Sweet! ![IMG_20180430_192337.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQnQRsNqtC4ewn5vZCAyU784zAiuc4JbckyRCv3NW5yB6/IMG_20180430_192337.jpg) YouTube @jazze800 To enter her giveaway, I had to be the first person to comment on her video. I was! I won an undetermined gift basket, but it hasn't arrived yet. I'm sure it will eventually, and I'll be super grateful for what she sends :) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lastly, I've just been keeping an eye on sales, discounts, and coupons through various sources. I got this super sweet $99 Diaper Bag and Changing Pad for $20 and free shipping! Since I created my Amazon Baby Registry, Amazon notifies me when items related to my registry go on sale. I saw a number of "ok" diaper bags go on sale, but none of them were what I wanted, and I didn't bite. Finally, after being patient (me? patient?) the perfect storm appeared. The super expensive $99 diaper bag I really wanted had an unadvertised Seller's Discount AND was an Amazon Prime Lightening Deal. Those combined cut off $79 from the price tag! ![IMG_20180430_191159.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWeKbr86HGhWuQwowmxYE7rfbjxNrxHQcvQhMXCX2wSuG/IMG_20180430_191159.jpg) Also, thanks to Amazon, I got these adorable $12 Hudson Baby burp cloths for $5 and free shipping. They had an unadvertised Seller's Discount. I wouldn't have known, but I happened to be looking at some items on my registry and noticed the price drop. Thanks, Amazon! ![IMG_20180430_191010.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmd2W9N8tsp6yyHMfUr8wUdc2XRtwLGiNuJsuJ46Lt3j18/IMG_20180430_191010.jpg) I got a pack of $10 Pampers Swaddlers for $5.50 by combining $1 off In-Store Sale, a $1.50 Coupon (from the Target welcome box) and a $2 rebate from the iBotta app. I only bought one pack because, well, I'm not even pregnant yet, so it felt more than a little silly. Also, we plan to use reusable diapers, so hopefully we'll only need to purchase a pack or two of newborn diapers before we get into that routine. But hey, it was a good deal! ![IMG_20180430_191307.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV3HCAbf9BMPPy88HSXRfa3XCDwytWGjPchhBdrv428mi/IMG_20180430_191307.jpg) I got these super cute clothes from Carter's for $15! They were having an 80% off sale on their website, with free shipping to your local store. I chose three items in 6-month size and three items in 18-month size. $15 for six items means they were $2.33 each. And they're so cute :) ![IMG_20180430_191050.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQrEDr1uEKjUVAgAyrgwNCFbne3vXfnVxbvfufRoXHW3C/IMG_20180430_191050.jpg) ![IMG_20180430_191031.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaFwUwhHc9ViVfMRTxvWebTLNXnMq7oz5j3sHaCBMSbnz/IMG_20180430_191031.jpg) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I hope you found this information helpful and useful! If you have any comments or additional information, please share below! Thanks for reading, Dani Mouser | Dani Photography | www.danimouser.com | New Orleans, Louisiana The Knot | Wedding Wire | Yelp | Facebook | Instagram | Steemit | Patreon Soon-to-be: Dani Benton | Dani Benton Photography Coming Soon: www.danibentonphotography.com