Parents of twins and multiples face unique financial challenges due to the increased cost of purchasing double or triple the amount of essential baby products. Fortunately, several major manufacturers and retailers offer specialized programs, free samples, and discounts specifically designed to support families with multiple births. These programs range from free cases of infant formula and diaper vouchers to percentage-based discounts on nursery furniture and clothing. While some offers are available directly to consumers upon registration, others require specific steps, such as contacting a pediatrician or submitting proof of birth.
The availability of these offers varies by company, and some brands have discontinued their multiple-birth programs. Current and prospective parents can access these benefits through direct phone lines, mail-in forms, and online registration portals. The following guide details the specific programs, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes reported by parents and verified through direct company contact.
Formula and Nutrition Programs
Nutrition is a primary concern for new parents, and formula manufacturers often provide substantial support for families with twins. However, the methods for obtaining these benefits differ significantly between brands.
Enfamil (Mead Johnson) Enfamil offers one of the most comprehensive support systems for families with multiples. Parents can access benefits through two distinct channels: * Doctor Recommendation Process: Parents should speak with their pediatrician after the babies are born and ask them to contact the local Enfamil sales representative. The doctor can issue a recommendation for free products to be sent directly to the parents. * Direct Contact: Parents can call 1-800-BABY-123 (or 1-800-222-9123) to join the Enfamil Family Beginnings Program for ongoing coupons via mail.
Reports indicate that after the necessary paperwork is faxed back to Enfamil, parents may receive two complimentary cases of formula (one case per baby). A standard case consists of six 12.5 oz cans. Additionally, the company offers $250 in freebies for twins, triplets, or single babies, including free samples of the Enfamil Staged Nutrition line and up to $60 in savings on products.
Similac (Abbott) Similac provides a significant incentive program for new parents, though it does not appear to have a specific "multiples program" separate from its general offerings. * Similac Strong Moms: Parents can join this program to receive up to $329 in free offers. The package includes coupons, free formula, and a free Shutterfly Pregnancy Journal photo book. * Doctor Referral: Similac has stated that parents need to go through their pediatrician or healthcare provider for special offers, as they do not have a specific multiples program.
Gerber Gerber offers a welcome package for new parents that includes high-value coupons. * Gerber Good Start Protect: It has been reported that parents of multiples can receive two 12.4 oz cans of Gerber Good Start Protect formula. * Welcome Package: The package also reportedly includes two "I'm a Gerber Baby" onesies and a coupon for $10 off any Gerber food product, sent in a separate letter.
Diaper and Wipe Offers
Diapers are a recurring expense that adds up quickly for parents of multiples. Several companies offer specific programs to help offset these costs.
Pampers and Luvs Procter & Gamble, the parent company of both Pampers and Luvs, offers a robust multiples program. * Pampers: Call 1-800-726-7377 to request a freebie package as part of the Pampers Multiples Birth program. While there are no special freebies specifically for twins, registering on Pampers.com and adding your name to the mailing list can result in receiving coupons and free samples. Additionally, the Pampers Rewards program allows parents to earn freebies like DVDs, toys, and books by recording reward codes found on Pampers products and social media. * Luvs: Call 1-800-665-3257 for a freebies package from the Luvs Multiple Birth program.
The free package typically includes vouchers for one free pack of diapers (up to a $9 value) for each brand, along with vouchers for $5 off, $2 off, and $1 off packs of diapers and wipes.
Playtex Diaper Genie Playtex operates a Multiple Birth Program for its Diaper Genie product. * Eligibility: Parents can join this program to receive a coupon for $7.00 off a Diaper Genie and other coupons. * Process: Send your name, address, and proof of your twins' birth (e.g., a copy of the birth certificates) to: Playtex Diaper Genie, 20 Troy Road, Whittany, NJ, 07981.
Retailer Discounts and In-Store Offers
Beyond consumable goods, several national retailers offer financial incentives for purchasing the duplicate items required for twins.
Babies "R" Us This retailer offers a discount on essential gear. * Discount: 10% off two or more of the same item purchased in the same order. This applies to items such as two cribs or two strollers.
OshKosh B'Gosh Parents can receive a store-wide discount. * Discount: 10% off on all products sold in their stores. * Process: Ask for the discount at the cashier.
Preschoolian Shoes This shoe retailer offers a discount for parents of multiples. * Process: Fax copies of the birth certificates to 1-866-681-1081 and include your email address.
Food, Beverage, and Other Product Samples
Additional companies provide coupons, newsletters, and product samples for families with multiples.
Beechnut Baby Foods Beechnut provides support through coupons and informational newsletters. * New Parents Pack: Call 1-800-BEECHNUT (1-800-233-2468) to request a freebies new parents pack for twins. This pack includes double the normal amount of coupons and ongoing newsletters with additional coupons. * Online Newsletter: Parents can also sign up for an online email newsletter for more coupons.
Ocean Spray Ocean Spray offers a specialized coupon program for parents of twins. * Multiple Birth Program: Send a copy of proof of your twins' birth to: Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., One Ocean Spray Drive, Lakeville-Middleboro, MA 02349. In return, you will receive a special deal on Ocean Spray product coupons.
Evenflo While Evenflo no longer offers specific freebies for twins, they do provide general support. * Newsletter: Signing up for the newsletter on their website may result in receiving special offers via email, which are available for all babies.
Johnson and Johnson This company does not have a dedicated multiples program but offers general support. * Coupons: Contacting the company directly can result in receiving coupons for products. * Promotions: Liking their Facebook page is a way to stay updated on general promotions and discounts.
The Honest Company A free trial is available, though it is not specific to multiples. * Offer: A free trial of The Honest Company products is available; customers are required to pay for shipping and handling.
American Baby Magazine A free subscription is available for a limited time.
General Advice and Considerations
Parents are generally advised to accept all free offers regarding formula, as it allows them to try different brands without financial commitment and stock up on necessary supplies. It is important to note that the information provided is based on reports from June 2014, and company policies may have changed. Some companies, such as Evenflo, have already discontinued their specific multiples programs. When offers require contacting a pediatrician, parents should be prepared for a slightly more involved process, but the savings often justify the effort.
Conclusion
Numerous opportunities exist for parents of twins and multiples to receive free samples, coupons, and discounts from major baby brands and retailers. The most substantial offers typically come from formula manufacturers like Enfamil and Similac, as well as diaper companies through their multiple birth programs. While some offers are as simple as filling out an online form, others require mailing in proof of birth or coordinating with a pediatrician. Parents are encouraged to proactively contact the companies listed and inquire about current programs to maximize their savings.