As a parent of twins, I can’t count how many times someone cheerfully quips, “Two for the price of one!” with a grin.
If only that were true.
You don’t reap the full benefits of hand-me-downs as easily, and you still need two cribs, duplicate wardrobes and a double stroller that often costs considerably more than a single one.
Thankfully, there are strategies to reduce expenses.
A Smart Option: Multiple-Births Programs
When secondhand shops, mom-to-mom sales and similar avenues don’t stretch far enough, check into multiple-births programs.
Several major brands provide discounts and complimentary items for parents of multiples. Policies shift from time to time, so reach out to these companies to verify current offerings.
Pampers/Luvs
How to apply: Mail a copy of the birth certificates or hospital discharge papers, along with a note indicating whether you prefer a Luvs or Pampers package and your mailing address.
What I received: A congratulations letter along with coupons totaling up to $18 off diapers and wipes. These were fixed-dollar coupons rather than percentage discounts, so there’s no need to buy more to save more!
Pampers/Luvs Multiple Birth Program: Pampers Multiple Birth Offer The Procter & Gamble Company P.O. Box 599 Cincinnati, OH 45201
OR
Luvs Multiple Birth Offer The Procter & Gamble Company P.O. Box 599 Cincinnati, OH 45201
Huggies
How to apply: Like Pampers, send a copy of the birth certificates or hospital discharge documents and include a return address.
What I received: I was mailed $12 in dollar-value coupons, usable on Viva, Poise, Kotex and more, in addition to Huggies diapers and wipes!
Huggies Multiple Birth Program: Kimberly-Clark Corporation Department QMB P.O. Box 2020 Neenah, WI 54957-2020
OR
Huggies in Canada: Kimberly-Clark Corporation Department QMB 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y5
The First Years
How to apply: You can send proof of birth by mail, fax or e-mail. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and e-mail.
What I received: A congratulatory note and two Take and Toss Cups plus two Lamaze Teethimals, with a combined value of $21.
First Years Multiple Birth Contact Info: TOMY Attn: Multiples Birth Program 2021 9th St SE Dyersville, IA 52040
OR
Fax: 563-875-8263
OR
Email: [email protected]
Ocean Spray
How to apply: Mail in your babies’ birth certificates to receive coupons.
What I received: We received a free jar bottle of Ocean Spray juice and a coupon for savings on a future purchase.
Ocean Spray Cranberries One Ocean Spray Drive Lakeville-Middleboro, MA 02349 Attention: Consumer Affairs
BeechNut
How to apply: I used the contact form to ask about their Multiples Discount Program.
What I received: They mailed me $8 in coupons for baby foods and cereals not long after.
Additional Discounts for Multiples
Babies R Us
They provide a 10% discount when you purchase two of the same item in select categories, like strollers and car seats. This can translate to savings of over $30 on some higher-end products.
Buy Buy Baby
Similar to Babies R Us, you may get a 10% discount when buying two identical items.
Various Retailers
Other stores run in-store discounts. Check locally for Stride Rite, OshKosh or other children’s shops to learn what they offer.
For example, my neighborhood Stride Rite gave me 50% off one pair of shoes when I purchased two of the same style.
Because my twins are over a year old and no longer need formula, we didn’t qualify for every program. Still, many companies have initiatives — and since formula is expensive, it pays to reach out. Enfamil, Similac and Carnation all maintain programs for parents of multiples.
Tuition Savings
Preschools and private schools commonly offer discounts if you have more than one child enrolled. Multiples stretch that benefit further because the savings apply each year.
My son is just two years older than my daughters, so we can make the most of this. Right now, we can save $1,900 per year in tuition at our neighborhood private school.
And tuition breaks don’t stop at high school — scholarships specifically for twins are sometimes available at the college level.
Whether you already have multiples or just found out from an ultrasound, start exploring these offers and take advantage of the savings!
Your Turn: Have you used multiple-births programs? Share your best discounts with us!
Danielle Hetzel is a sometimes-at-home mom of three in the Greater Detroit area. She’s constantly looking for ways to cover the costs of diapers and snack foods.
