It’s widely reported that the typical infant uses six to 10 diapers daily, adding up to roughly 2,500–3,000 diapers during their first year. By the time your child is fully potty-trained, you may have shelled out thousands on disposables.
That kind of spending can strain a household budget, so we assembled a helpful guide to ease the burden.
Ways to Get Free Diapers
You don’t have to overspend on this baby essential. Below are several practical ways to obtain diapers for free.
1. Request Free Samples
Believe it or not, many manufacturers will mail you free diapers simply to try their product. While this won’t replace a long-term strategy, you can often collect enough samples to cover a week or so. Every little saving counts!
- Grove Collaborative – You cover shipping and they’ll include a few trial diapers and wipes.
- Simply Right – Availability varies, but we received five diapers when we tried them.
2. Join Loyalty Programs
Diaper makers know once you pick a brand you’re likely to stick with it, which is why many offer rewards schemes. Take advantage of these perks.
One well-regarded program is Huggies Rewards. When you buy Huggies diapers or wipes, open the app and upload a receipt photo. You’ll earn points redeemable for diapers, toys, gift cards and more, including 500 points just for joining!
3. Locate a Diaper Bank
If you’re struggling financially, look into the National Diaper Bank Network. This nonprofit supports low-income families and has chapters across the U.S.
Keep in mind that government assistance programs like SNAP and WIC don’t cover diapers, so diaper banks are an excellent alternative for those who need help.
4. Earn Gift Cards by Taking Surveys
One of the most affordable places to buy diapers is Amazon, so here’s how to get a free Amazon gift card: sign up with Swagbucks.
Swagbucks offers many ways to earn small amounts of money beyond surveys. It’s also known for occasionally awarding free points (called SBs) to members.
It’s free to join, and you’ll receive a $5 bonus after earning 2,500 SBs within your first 60 days. For more details, check their beginner’s resources.
You can redeem SBs for cash via PayPal or for gift cards to popular stores, including Amazon.
Sign up for Swagbucks here.
5. Switch to Cloth Diapers
Many parents find that reusable cloth diapers are an effective way to cut diaper costs.
Personal finance blogger Courtney Baker ran the numbers and discovered a family with three children could save more than $2,500 by switching to cloth diapers!
6. Become a Referral Ambassador
If you can persuade other parents to buy diapers online, some retailers will reward you.
For instance, Diapers.com runs a referral program that gives you $5 in diaper credit for each person you refer. Check out their referral page for details.
7. Consider Eliminating Diapers Altogether
One contributor once shared her experience of parenting diaper-free. It’s a practice that’s gaining attention, and some families report saving over $2,100 by adopting it. Is this approach something you’d try?
8. Request Coupons from Manufacturers
Diapers are a massive industry, and brands want to keep you loyal. Register with big-name makers to receive free coupons and occasional free diapers:
Don’t stop at diapers — see our comprehensive guide to getting all kinds of free baby items.
