TONS of baby and kid's freebies, deals and tips for parents - updated Sept 2009

[quanvon]

i'd love to keep this thread going with updates for free/good deals and tips for parents. Please notify me of any freebies, deals and tips you find and/or notice on RFD and I'll updated it on this thread! Please also let me know if you find any dead links and i'll either find the new one or delete it off this thread.

ok, this 1st post is too long, so click here (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4755035&postcount=63) for more deals & freebies for parents

2nd post is too long, so click here (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/tons-baby-kids-freebies-deals-tips-parents-updated-apr-19-08-a-86264/2/#post9496916) for more updates

added Mar 1/07:
FREE Fever Detecting Pacifier (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405138&highlight=Green+Dot+Pacifier). posted by Nikita (although no one has reported receiving this)

Johnson & Johnson Parent Pack (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353086&highlight=baby) -posted by ladybug193

SAVE.CA - pick and choose coupons to be mailed to you. Since the save.ca links posted previously are all pretty much dead, i've removed them. In it's place I've included suziecute's save.ca thread (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132833&highlight=save.ca)as it's pretty up to date (thx suziecute) and a lot of times there's coupons for diapers, wipes, baby food, etc. NOTE: to order multiples you can alter your address slightly (ie. st, street, st., etc)

How to get FREE magazine subscriptions from the US (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280910&highlight=baby) - takes a bit of work, but can get free magazines (or VERY cheap subscriptions) including pregnancy, parenting, etc. - posted by Scoop

Free fork & spoon (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402295&highlight=baby)- be warned not to include you're real ph # as you'll most likely get lots of calls to sign your kid up for an RESP! - posted by Manik

added May 10/06: - DEAD DEAL
Caring for your baby and young child - birth to 5 years (http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/Events/Birth/RP_Birth/) another freebie offered by Statefarm (replaces Mayo book) - posted by Cactus (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287465)

This seems to be a popular RFD post started by Look30: Deals for your Baby (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225074)

added Feb 15/06:
$ SAVING TIP: Live near a London Drugs? Try stacking coupons (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2851728&postcount=57) to save lots of money! Note, supposedly you can do this at Real Cdn Superstore (Loblaw company), but not everyone's heard of this. My sister's done it successfully a few times and other times she's been told no.

added Dec 13/05:
Sign up for a free newletter, samples & coupons from Heinz Baby (http://www.heinzbaby.com/english/newsletter/) - posted by Savana (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228886)

added Nov 5/05: UPDATE - kids club no longer exists, BUT they do still send your child a card for their birthday for something to redeem (last year it was a free kids meatball meal and ice cream).
Join the Ikea Kid's Club. Got the membership pkg recently and it came with a membership card, magnet and a coupon for a free kids meal. Sign up in store (by the kids ball area) [update: your child gets sent a card for their bday, which you can redeem for a gift....gifts change all the time. My neice got a pick of a frisbee or stuffed doll, whereas my daughter got a pkg of markers which also have a stamp on one end]
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/8262/ikea8xi.th.png (http://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ikea8xi.png)

added Aug 20/05:
OOPS, just realized I never included the links for Huggies (http://www.huggieshappybaby.com/offers/benefits.aspx) & Pampers (http://ca.pampers.com/en_CA/signup.do) . Sign up to get coupons, samples, etc. Note: when you sign up for Pampers they have a new program in place called Gifts to Grow (http://pampers.eprize.net/giftstogrow/index.tbapp?page=_how_it_works) where you collect points to redeem gifts (similar to Heinz)

Forgot the Heinz Rewards (http://www.heinzbaby.com/english/loyalty/) Program too. **dead**

added Aug 9/05:
Free sample of Little Tykes Diapers (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1982423#post1982423) - posted by Umieesa

added July 11/05: **dead**
FREE $10 gift certificate: My sister was at the Dr's office today and saw some Today's Parent "mini magazines" that were displayed. They're small magazines that are about 8"x5". This one's titled "preparing for your baby". Inside there were some baby coupons that you can use for the Loblaw group of companies (ie. superstore, extra foods, zehrs, fortino's, independent & atlantic superstore) as well, there was a mail in voucher for "soon to be mom's" to get a $10 gift cert good for any of the stores listed above. The only thing you had to do was fill in some info and answer a few questions. [NOTE: rec'd mine late Oct/05 so it takes a while to get.....was a nice surprise as i had forgotten about it]

added Apr 13/05:
Get free enfagrow formula samples and a $3 coupon by enrolling (http://enfagrow.ca/en/enroll.html). Took about 5-6 weeks to get the pkg.

A printable baby tooth chart (http://www.anbesol.com/teething/chart.asp) to record the appearance of all of baby's first teeth!

added Jan 5/05:
found this post (http://forum.canadianparents.ca/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=195056&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) on another board with TONNES of great freebies. Includes tooth charts, growth charts, baby food recipes, tonnes of other parent links, etc (too many to add to this post, so check it out!)

Attend a free Gymboree Music & Play class by printing this coupon (http://www.playandmusic.com/b2c/customer/previewClass.jsp)

added Nov 16/04:
child safety kit (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=115874) - thx 4 the post Merlin62

added Oct 19/04: - DEAD DEAL
My friend informed me that Dairyland Home Service is offering free home delivery of products for 4 weeks to new parents. I just signed up yesterday by calling 1-800-667-1228. I asked, but unfortunately this offer is only good in BC.

What you get is:
1) your choice of juice (orange, apple or cranberry)
2) your choice of milk (2%, 1%, homo)
3) your choice of yogurt (strawberry, mango, fr vanilla)
4) your choice of blueberry waffles, bread, bagels

all for free delivered to you once a week. Pretty sweet!

For any of you that take Walmart portraits, sign up for their portrait club (http://goportraits.com/goportraits/portraitclub_signup.asp?a=5/) and you'll be emailed coupons for a free portrait and a discount off your portrait pkg.

added Oct 13/04:
Free cord repair kit (http://www.windowcoverings.org/) to make window blind cords more kid safe [thx to daisy11 from frugalshoppers for this one]

OOPS, almost forgot to include that the Kidsfutures program has been rolled out nationwide as of Oct 2004. You can earn money for your child's RESP by collecting UPC's and/or receipts for products you probably purchase every day. When you refer someone both you and your friend receive $5 when your friend earns $50 in their account. Even better you can refer anyone to help you save for YOUR child (ie. grandparent, aunt, etc). Check it out! - now renamed Futura Rewards (https://www.futurarewards.ca/)

added Sept 15/04:
sign up for the Avent Newsletter (http://www.aventamerica.com/boilerplate/boiler_brochures.asp) and get a breastfeeding guide and sample nursing pads (THX for the find Greedygirl)

added Aug 24/04:
just discovered frugalshopper's great forum, esp LOVE the coupon (http://frugalshopper.ca/phpBB2/index.php) section where you can trade, request & get updates on coupons. There's lots of baby related ones you can get there. Check it out!

-------------------------
ORIGINAL POST
Here's a bunch of freebies for parents:

Charmin Potty Training Kit (http://www.charmin.com/en_us/pages/pt.shtml) - took a while to get though

Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year (http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/events/birth/) offered by State Farm [update, looks like this book has been replaced by another offer see, May 10/06 update] - DEAD DEAL[/B]

FORMULA - you need to sign up for their clubs. In exchange you get cans of formulas, coupons, etc mailed to you (Jan 22/08 - updated links)
Similac (http://www.pharmacommunications.ca/Similac/English/similac.php?partner=google) **need to update links**
Nestle (http://www.nestle-baby.ca/en/register/register.htm) **need to update links**
Enfalac (http://enfalac.com/en/enrollment/index.html) **still works**

That's it for now.
Yvonne

[protectivedad]

I just received my book today. It is an ~800 page quality hardcover book. Thanks for posting.

[Jono]

Just received my book today

[quanvon]

out of curiosity, did you guys sign up for the book b/c of my post or did you hear about it from another source? Just wondering as I signed up MONTHS ago and still haven't rec'd it yet. Wondering if I should sign up again! I've heard it does take a while to get though.

[Islander]

It took a few months to receive mine but it was worth the wait! Excellent book.

[specialfx3000]

Is it just me or the link to the Mayo Book does not work.

A new window flashes on my machine and goes away.

The other links work.

[jakeoh]

Is it just me or the link to the Mayo Book does not work.

A new window flashes on my machine and goes away.

The other links work.
Same thing for me, but copy and paste the URL in a new browser window works. The url is http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/events/birth/

[Jono]

out of curiosity, did you guys sign up for the book b/c of my post or did you hear about it from another source? Just wondering as I signed up MONTHS ago and still haven't rec'd it yet. Wondering if I should sign up again! I've heard it does take a while to get though.

Took about 3 weeks from the time I ordered until I received it. I would try again if you have been waiting several months.

[quanvon]

Took about 3 weeks from the time I ordered until I received it. I would try again if you have been waiting several months.

THX Jono. Just thought it was funny that I posted this, yet hadn't rec'd it yet, while others have.

I'll try again. :)

[protectivedad]

out of curiosity, did you guys sign up for the book b/c of my post or did you hear about it from another source? Just wondering as I signed up MONTHS ago and still haven't rec'd it yet. Wondering if I should sign up again! I've heard it does take a while to get though.

I ordered it after your post also. I received it the day I posted my reply. Good luck, I hope your book arrives.

[micronta]

out of curiosity, did you guys sign up for the book b/c of my post or did you hear about it from another source? Just wondering as I signed up MONTHS ago and still haven't rec'd it yet. Wondering if I should sign up again! I've heard it does take a while to get though.


I just signed up for the book, but here is what thay say if you have not got the book yet:
Please note that all orders are checked for address accuracy with postal records. If your address is not entered correctly or does not meet postal delivery codes, the item will not be sent to you. If you do not receive your item in 4-6 weeks, please call 1-888-SF-EVENT to review the status.

[specialfx3000]

Same thing for me, but copy and paste the URL in a new browser window works. The url is http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/events/birth/


Thanks Jakeoh!!

[[H]ackerK]

got mine on Thur

[tkl]

Thanks, I hope the book comes through.

[Frick156]

Took about 3 -4 weeks, but I received my book today. Now, to keep it hidden from the in-laws......

[Raff]

Thankz for the post got my book!!

[Camilo]

Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year

Received the book today.
Probably the best freebie we have received until today (better than the MS ones). 750+ pages of usefule information.
My wife is studying ECE and she just loved it.
Thanks a bunch for posting

[trevorb]

^

when did you sign up for this? I signed up a good month ago and haven't gotten mine yet

[Camilo]

^

when did you sign up for this? I signed up a good month ago and haven't gotten mine yet

I'd say about 6 weeks ago.
you should receive yours soon...

[micromv]

Received the Mayo book today. I signed up for the book when the thread re-surfaced in early August, and so it took less than three weeks for it to arrive (via expedited post!). Excellent book and very informative. Highly recommended.

[quanvon]

YIPPEE.....worked the 2nd time around. Surprised it took less than 2 weeks (guess they're making up for not sending it to me the first time around :D )!!!!

p.s. don't forget to PM me with any "parental" deals/freebies so I can keep updating this thread.

[trevorb]

I got mine yesterday also... wow :O That thing is amazing.

[GreedyGirl]

This is for a free issue of Today Parent. I think it's one of those deals were you have to send the invoice back with cancel on it to stop from recieving more though.

Free Todays Parent Mag (https://sslzone.net/cmgautosub/TDP_tdpnonsubs.htm)

Tried it any way here's the email I recieved.


"Dear Today's Parent Reader,

We're turning 20 this year! In celebration, we would like to invite you to consider this very special offer from Today's Parent - Winner North America's Best Parenting Magazine.

Get the next issue of Today's Parent Absolutely FREE! If you like it, pay only $16.95 for 11 more (12 in all) - that's more than 65% off the cover price!

And if you act now, your FREE issue will be our Special 20th Birthday Collector's Edition (October issue).

But hurry! Offer expires Monday, August 30th, 2004!

You won't want to miss out on this special issue featuring a look at the past 20 years, including honorary Top 20 lists... Top 20 Kids' Books of All Time, Top 20 Family Vacations in the Great Canadian Outdoors, and Top 20 Toys of All Time, to name just a few!

And, in every issue of Today's Parent, you get:

Expert advice on Health and Education
Useful tips on Behaviour and Discipline
Recipes you can make with your kids
Great craft ideas, book reviews and more...

You'll want to act now to ensure you receive your FREE copy of our Special 20th Birthday Collector's Edition (October issue). Remember - this offer expires Monday, August 30th, 2004!

Sincerely,

Marisa Latini
Group Director, Consumer Marketing

P.S. Enjoy your FREE issue! Your satisfaction is guaranteed: if at any time, for any reason, you decide to cancel your subscription to Today's Parent, you will receive a prompt, unquestioned refund for all unmailed issues"

[thevoice]

Regarding the Mayo book:
"If you do not receive your item in 4-6 weeks, please call 1-888-SF-EVENT to review the status."

[Frick156]

I found out last night that if your insurance company is State Farm, all you have to do is tell your agent that you are expecting and they will have the book sent to you.

At least, that's how my sister-in-law received hers...

[monkeybag$]

Thanks for the tip on the Mayo book. It is a great reference. Too bad I did not hear about this deal until after my daughter was born.

I can't believe State Farm sends it out no strings attached (but it does seem to). I suppose this could be because it was published in 1994 and they have a stack of them to get rid of. But then Amazon is selling this book for $35 and the reviews are very positive.

Great find. Thank you.

[Babydoll]

I've had mine for quite a while - Thanks for the post!

[OverDriveAdamJ]

Thanks, I ordered the Mayo book. :)

[vtachy]

Kudos for quanvon for bringing this up. A quick bump for a good freebie.

[GreedyGirl]

Not sure if this has been posted before but it would be a good one for this thread. Sign up for the Avent newsletter and recieve a breastfeeding guide. Also comes with breast pad samples.

Avent Newsletter (http://www.aventamerica.com/boilerplate/boiler_brochures.asp)

[quanvon]

Not sure if this has been posted before but it would be a good one for this thread. Sign up for the Avent newsletter and recieve a breastfeeding guide. Also comes with breast pad samples.

Avent Newsletter (http://www.aventamerica.com/boilerplate/boiler_brochures.asp)

added to the main list. THX for the contribution.

FYI, for anyone out West who has a superstore was just there today and noticed the following on sale:

Mega Huggies Supremes first 4 for $16
Various Pampers/Swaddlers sizes: Mega $17, supermega $20
Enfamil formula 850g (reg or w/ iron) first one $15

even better if you have diaper and/or enfamil coupons to go with that!

[quanvon]

added some save.ca coupon finds for similac & pampers and an order form for a kit to make blind cords more safer for children

[quanvon]

Added FREE Dairyland Home Service & discounted Walmart portrait info

[quanvon]

added a link to a tonne of freebies and a coupon to attend Gymboree class for free

[quanvon]

bump

[JuNGleR72]

Thanks for bumping this back up.
I never saw this thread in the freebies b4.

I saw alot of usefull information that I can use.
THANKS!!!! :-0 :-0

[kocoman]

I have a friend who received milk forumlas from Nestle and Eimal, it include a CD of classical songs too, he had to go to the post office to get it because it was like a 300g can..

[TheBull]

I got my Mayo Clinic book yesterday. Price on the inside jacket: $49.50 CAD.
GREAT FREEBIE!
Thanks to original posted.

[tnsmayo]

Looks like the Similac coupon from save.ca is now only $2. Guess they caught on.
On a side note, anyone looking for deals on diapers should go to Food Basics. I can buy a box of stage 3 huggies which contains 144 diapers for $34.97. They have other stages too but I don't know how much they hold. Costco has the same boxes but I'm not sure if they're any cheaper.
Also, I was in A&P last week and similac stage 1 formula is $1 cheaper than anywhere else, $37.95.

[quanvon]

Looks like the Similac coupon from save.ca is now only $2. Guess they caught on.
On a side note, anyone looking for deals on diapers should go to Food Basics. I can buy a box of stage 3 huggies which contains 144 diapers for $34.97. They have other stages too but I don't know how much they hold. Costco has the same boxes but I'm not sure if they're any cheaper.
Also, I was in A&P last week and similac stage 1 formula is $1 cheaper than anywhere else, $37.95.just checked and you're right. I'm surprised it took them soo long to change it to $2 as they changed the other ones months ago! Oh well.

BTW, tnsmayo have you ever tried superstore (if you're out east I think it's Loblows, etc) Teddy's Choice diapers? I was using Huggies for the longest time, but they're not cheap AND don't like the fact that their sizing is smaller than other brands (ie. size 3 huggies = size 2 pampers) so you have to move up in size faster thus you also get less diapers. My sister has been using TC and so i decided to try it. I'm VERY happy with them. Haven't had a problem and they feel just like the huggies. You should try a sm pkg for yourself to try it out first as all babies are different. You can get a case of size 3's (160 ct) for $30.

[tnsmayo]

just checked and you're right. I'm surprised it took them soo long to change it to $2 as they changed the other ones months ago! Oh well.

BTW, tnsmayo have you ever tried superstore (if you're out east I think it's Loblows, etc) Teddy's Choice diapers? I was using Huggies for the longest time, but they're not cheap AND don't like the fact that their sizing is smaller than other brands (ie. size 3 huggies = size 2 pampers) so you have to move up in size faster thus you also get less diapers. My sister has been using TC and so i decided to try it. I'm VERY happy with them. Haven't had a problem and they feel just like the huggies. You should try a sm pkg for yourself to try it out first as all babies are different. You can get a case of size 3's (160 ct) for $30.


I haven't tried TC diapers yet although I tried some other cheap kind from Food Basics. I found they were too short (my son is really long, going to be a tall boy!). I'll have to see if I can find them and give them a try. As long as they don't leak I'll be happy!

[jodypellerin]

If you get to Walmart, they have their own brand 'Parent's Choice' which is excellant. Not to be mistaken with Equate (which I heard is really bad) but Parent's Choice diapers are super stretchy and very obsorbant. I love them. I was using Huggies at first, they leaked. Went to Pampers for the longest time but found my daughter going through their sizes way too fast (like one a month. 9 months old is size 5 and was at like 6 months) and they started leaking quite a bit. So I decided to try the Walmart brand and only had leaking accidents a few times since I started using them. They're cheap and work very well.

[rockyman]

Thanks for da deal.. ;)

[micronta]

We have saved lots of money using TC diapers with our 2 kids. I do find TC diapers to be a better value since they're larger than Huggies and more flexible. I have tried Pampers and Huggies and found them to be more appealing in appearance only. A tip for parents. I noticed that size 1 and 2's are more expensive compared to 3's since you can't buy them in bulk (160's). So even though my child is only 13 pounds I am already using size 3's instead of size 2's. It's great, I'm saving more and there's more surface area to absorb; and there's no problems with leakage.

[major]

I have three $5.00 coupons for Similac Advance (Stage 2) formula. Since our baby is now on regular homo milk, we've stopped buying formula.

If you're interested in the coupons, send me a PM.

major

[quanvon]

updated

[quanvon]

anyone have any $5/$10 similac/isomil advance formula cheques (step 1 or 2) you're not using? If so, would you be willing to trade for some other baby (or adult) coupons or a self addressed envelope?

PM me if you're interested.

THX
yvonne

[Shaf]

http://www.save.ca/gerber/

[quanvon]

added free diaper sample and $10 gift certificate

[vincevoltaire]

bump

[quanvon]

updated

[rayesyn]

thanks, now all i need to do is to find a wife/g.f./woman to have kids with :D so that I can use these freebies

[quanvon]

bump

[Camilo]

Bump

[FAQ]

great post !

anyone knows where to buy formula ( enflanc A + ) and Huggies New born diaper in bulk ( at wholesale price ) ? The best deal I found is from zeller with 20% GC card but the price is still steep :-(

TIA

[MaryMary]

There are lots of links to free online recipes and recipe booklet offers at Only Things Canadian (http://www.designandcopy.ca/thingscanadian/recipes.html)

[quanvon]

great post !

anyone knows where to buy formula ( enflanc A + ) and Huggies New born diaper in bulk ( at wholesale price ) ? The best deal I found is from zeller with 20% GC card but the price is still steep :-(

TIAhaven't come across anything in Vancouver. Closest thing is Costco, but it's not really all that cheap.

Tip though, if you live somewhere where there's a London Drugs, you can stack coupons. This means you can use multiple coupons for the purchase of one item as long as the coupons are all different. There are tonnes of coupons out there, you just need to know where to find them!
1) sign up on the websites
2) within the coupon flyers distributed in newpapers (usually you can get lots of Pampers and sometimes Huggies coupons)
3) in store (Safeways and Shoppers tend to display lots of coupons, esp for diapers)
although a bit tedious (trying to explain to cashiers who aren't aware of LD's stacking program, the for them to have to check with a supervisor if what you've told them is true) and embarassing (bringing out your stack of coupons) or frustrating (if people comment on how come it's taking so long), you can save TONNE! Sometime's i luck out and get a great cashier who gives you no hassles since they're veterans and know the program.

I've walked out with 5 pkgs of diapers and some bonus freebies for about $30 (and that's only b/c $12 was for taxes!!!) I've bought packages of diapers for ridiculous prices by stacking coupons:

* 29 count Huggies pull-ups for $2.50 (and that doesn't include the bonus Huggies "just for kids" wipes i've gotten free b/c LD had a coupon for a free pkg with pull up purchase!)
* 60 count (size 4) diapers for $6.

NOTE: you can also stack formula coupons of course

As an alternative, if you're not into Coupons you should try the Teddy's Choice Diapers that the Loblaw Group of stores carries. THey're not too bad and they're a lot cheaper than huggies/pampers! I also hear that costco kirkland diapers and wipes aren't bad neither....but it all depends on your child. ie. some diapers fit chubbier babies better and some fit skinnier babies better.


There are lots of links to free online recipes and recipe booklet offers at Only Things Canadian (http://www.designandcopy.ca/thingscanadian/recipes.html)NOTE: this thread is more for baby related freebies, may come in handy for others, so you may want to start a new thread for the link. But thanks for sharing anyways....we do all need to eat :D

[FAQ]

I've walked out with 5 pkgs of diapers and some bonus freebies for aobut $30 (and that's only b/c $12 was for taxes!!!) I've bought packages of diapers for ridiculous prices by stacking coupons:

* 29 count Huggies pull-ups for $2.50 (and that doesn't include the bonus Huggies "just for kids" wipes i've gotten free b/c LD had a coupon for a free pkg with pull up purchase!)
* 60 count (size 4) diapers for $6.[/COLOR]



OMG, this must be the Diaper deal of year :-) I bet you the store is losing money on it !

just wonder which newspaper has Huggies/Enflanc coupon ? I registered all the online thing already .

TIA

[quanvon]

OMG, this must be the Diaper deal of year :-) I bet you the store is losing money on it !

just wonder which newspaper has Huggies/Enflanc coupon ? I registered all the online thing already .

TIAactually, the store doesn't lose any money what-so-ever as the coupons are all issued by the manufacturer, so they get reimbursed by Pampers/Huggies, etc.

You should be able to find them in all the papers (your local paper and any neighbourhood paper that distributes flyers, etc. ie. The Vancouver Sun, Burnaby Now, Vancouver Courier, etc or something similar where ever you live) The one that just came out this past weekend had Pampers coupons in them. As well, every so often you can request them at www.save.ca when Proctor & Gamble's got a bunch of item's they've got coupons for. You should subscribe to this thread (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132833) as suziecute's really good at updating this when new links come out!

btw, you can also check out www.frugalshopper.ca as there's good forum there if you're interested in trading coupons. There's never a shortage of diaper coupons there. If you don't collect coupons to trade with others, a lot of people will offer to give them to you for free and/or you could trade them unused stamps in exchange. check it out.

[slothy@cutey]

bump

[Babydoll]

This is a great list thanks a bunch. As for the diapers from Walmart the Parent's Choice, I HATE them, I'msticking with Pampers, I found that like Huggies after one pee they STINK, I was going through them super quickly cause I couldn't stand the smell of them at all. Just my thoughts.

[scoop]

bump

[quanvon]

this post is too long, so click here (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/tons-baby-kids-freebies-deals-tips-parents-updated-apr-19-08-a-86264/2/#post9496916) for more updates.

added July 24/08: Thrift Foods (BC deal only) is offering a free 8"x12" First Birthday, birthday cake (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7151472#post7151472) for your one year old

added Apr 30/08:
Free Avent BPA free Via feeding system (baby bottle) or sippy cup (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=583500&highlight=avent) and $20 MIR

Free PULL-UPS® Interactive Potty Training Success DVD (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572343&highlight=potty+training) - posted by ladybug193

added Apr 19/08:
Tips for new parent's thread (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432461&highlight=playtex) in case you have something to contribute or would like some useful info

Get a free Playtex drop-ins bottle (http://www.playtexbaby.com/bpafree/info.html)

Need/want to rent a kids movie/cd? Check out your local library as the one's in vancouver seem to carry a vast selection of kids movies/dvd's, which you can borrow for free (just make sure you return them on time as it usually costs about $1/per day due. Only recently discovered this when my mom borrowed a bunch for my daughter. Also a grea place to find some DVD's for parent's ie. sign language, infant massage, happiest baby/toddler on the block, etc. They also carry a bunch of music cd's and cd games for kids (ie. reader rabbit, math blaster, etc, etc).

If you have any BPA baby bottles you can return them to London Drugs/Zellers for a store credit. Details posted here. (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6723951#post6723951)

added Feb 15/08:
Chapman's Kids Club (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550522): Free 2008 Calendar & Games for Free Prizes for Kids from Chapman's Ice Cream - posted by AndrewRFD

added Feb 4/08:
This (buying generic/store name brands) pertains to lots of things, but in regards to Materna and Vitamin D supplement for breastfeeding moms, just a reminder to consider buying store or no name brands.

Materna (100 pill count) costs about $16 on average:
Zellers - Truly brand about $10
Costco - Health Balance brand $7
London Drugs brand $12
Walmart Equate brand $9.44 for 100 count, $13 for 140 count

D-Vi-Sol (50 ml) $15-16
walmart equate brand $6.14
Costco - alternate brand (don't remember the name) $10; di-vi-sol….currently out of stock but I think I remember it being sold for about $12 (only carried at costco's that have pharmacies though)
Zellers - actual D-Vi-Sol only $11

I'm sure all stores carry alternates or their own brand for both of the above, but I didn't get prices as I wasn't looking for those things at the time, just happen to remember the prices of what I was looking for before, so check out the pharmacy section. Some things you have to ask a pharmacist for as some things they keep behind the counter at some stores and other stores stock them on the shelf.

added Jan 28/08:
Afterschool Kit (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=547119) for kids in grade 6-9 - post by ladybug193

added Jan 22/08:
Whole Foods - sign up for the kids club and everytime you visit and make a purchase of $10 or more your child can choose one of the following treats:
* Liberty Organic Yogurt 175ml
* Sunspire Sundrops 34G
* Roberts All American Snacks 39g
* Whole Foods Self Serve Cookie
* Organic Banana
* Baby Bell Regular

Print Free Potty Training Sticker Chart (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487691&highlight=baby) - posted by cowandchicken

Save on Foods Baby Program (http://www.saveonfoods.com/saveonmore/baby_program.htm)- get samples, coupons, etc.

**updated the formula links on the first post as they seemed to have changed.

added Jan 23/08:
now that i've turned this into a "tip" thread too now, thought i'd add a few things:

KIDS SWAP MEETS - If you live in Vancouver and you don't mind used items (some items are brand new too), you may want to check out the kids swap meets that are held through out the year. Here's a site (http://kidsvancouver.com/index_swapmeets.htm)that usually lists most of the one's being held. NOTE: to get the best stuff you should get there right when it opens. But if you go at the end you can also sometimes get some good deals as some people significantly mark down their stuff as they don't want to bring it home. Some of the better swap meets are Bonsor (held Mar/Oct....but you have to get there about 40 mins before it opens to get in when they open the doors as they only let 200 people in at a time) and Poirier in coquitlam.

NOTE: I'm sure other provinces also hold something similar so do a search.

Thrift stores (i.e. value village, salvation army, etc) - just discovered these recently. Had never thought of going before as i had a negative image of wearing used clothes, etc. But thought i'd check it out once since my mom loves going. Anyhow, you can find maternity clothes for under $10, kids clothes, shoes, etc and tons of other stuff....you just have to have the patience to look! I've found baby bjorn's for $7, leap pad systems for $5, etc, etc.

Craigslist - www.craigslist.org a simple, but effective place to find used stuff and/or sell your stuff. obviously doesn't have to be baby related, but you can find lots of stuff there as it's fairly high traffic (well vancouver is, but other cities really depends)

Scanning Code of Practice (http://http://www.frugalshopper.ca/links/article.php?n=5) - not necessary kid/baby related, but something to consider when you're shopping for stuff!!!

added Aug 1/07:
I made my own reward chart a few weeks ago after a few weeks of daily hair pulling behaviour from my 3 year old daughter. I had 2 columns, one for good behaviour and one for sleeping by herself. When she wakes up in the morning she always asks if she can get a stamp. When she's not behaving i start drawing parts of an unhappy face and that starts getting her attention.

Found a site that has some great Free printable Rewards Chart (http://www.latitudes.org/behavioral_charts.html). They've even got cute Affirmation Notes & Coupons for Young Children. Here's another site (http://www.childavenue.com/pages/family_corner_pages/printables.html) with more charts and coupons.

I'm thinking i'll make some different coupons for rewards treats, which my daughter can earn and redeeem. Might be a good idea to laminate it so it can be reused (coupons and chart)

added July 30/07:
Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/guide_e.html) - thx to Gorf

Free K'nex building bricks (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=464478&highlight=kids) - thx patriot

Free DQ cone (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318502&highlight=kids) for joining their kids club - thx to Suziecute.

Free Packy PlayFair™ Sportsmanship Patches (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450285&highlight=kids) - thx ladybug193

added July 10/07:The Baby CD - for newly expectant mothers (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=458127) - thx to ladybug193

added May 17/07:
Fit for Kids DVD to teach childhood obesity prevention (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443089) - thx to basurahyo

added Mar 7/07:
Pfizer sample pack (http://www.frugalshopper.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=57065&highlight=always)

Free Kids Packs from kids shows (http://www.frugalshopper.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=74801&highlight=baby) - to request autographs, activity books, stickers, etc. from your favourite kids shows

Amber Alert Kid Identification Kit (http://www.amberalert.com/amber-alert-child-id-kit.php)- not free, but you may be interested in purchasing

Free Parents Canada Magazine (http://www.parentscanada.com/277/Join_Now.htm)

[gorf]

Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
(call in verified) (1 800 622-6232)

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/guide_e.html


The Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy captures key information about certain lifestyle choices you can make to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. It also contains a handy ten-month pregnancy calendar that you can personalize to help you keep track of what week of pregnancy you are in. Each month includes interesting facts, useful information and tips on a variety of pregnancy-related topics.

[quanvon]

updated

[quanvon]

added more freebies

[sportmiester]

Thanks

[quanvon]

updated, including info on returning BPA baby bottles for store credit to London Drugs/Zellers.

[quanvon]

Ok, so i haven't updated this in over a year, but thought i should add a bunch of useful tips/info that might come in handy.

Here's page #3 with more updates....

added Sept 28/09:

Sigg - older bottles contain BPA (http://www.zrecommends.com/detail/siggs-bpa-confession-you-arent-going-to-like-it-any-more-than-we-do). Although newer ones may not be any better (http://www.zrecommends.com/detail/two-new-bpa-free-problems-that-could-drive-away-sigg-users/), neither. Some retailers like Whole Foods and London Drugs are offering returns and/or exchanges.

Baby sign language - had posted eon ago various sites with information about baby signing. Anyhow, after my 2nd child, discovered a great dvd series calledSigning Time (http://www.signingtime.com/). What i love about these dvd's are they're entertaining for everyone (even older children and adults). There's lots of singing and the person teaching gives you lots of tips and descriptions on how to remember the signs. There at least 15+ videos and I was able to borrow them all from my local library.

Infant Potty Training (also known as elimination communication) is something i decided to try the 2nd time around as i had heard about it after my eldest was potty trained. I was entrigued (and in disbelief of course) that young infants i.e. 6 months or so, could be trained to go "potty". I was somewhat successful as my son started going potty around 7 months (and still does at 1.5 year old, although a bit more resistant the past few months).

Things to keep your kids busy and educated at the same time:

Starfall online games for children. Found out about this site from a teacher friend. Has lots of games to help children with reading. My daughter enjoys playing games on the site. Nice that it's educational.

Leapfrog Leapstergame system - this is something that i would highly recommend to parents who want to buy some sort of game system for their youngster. The leapster is geared towards kids up to about 7 years old (they've got other systems such as DIDJ for older kids). My daughter has been playing with hers since she was 3 (she' 5 now). What i like is that ALL the games are educational in one way or another (unlike the Nintendo DS we also have). Google "leapster" and you'll get lots of great reviews. I don't ever mind her playing with her leapster unit as i know she's always learning something rather than playing some mindless game that isn't educational. NOTE: i own a number of leapfrog products (leappad, twist and shout, learning table, shopping cart, etc) and in my opinion they make lots of great products!!!!

** i've got lots of other tips i've been meaning to add to this post, but can't seem to remember them at the moment, so i'll update this post again soon.

added Sept 29/09:

Check out All the Baby Names (www.allthebabynames.com) which is a simple but cool site to help you choose a name for your soon to be new arrival.

A dvd I'd highly recommend for parents is The Safe Side - Stranger Safety (http://www.thesafeside.com). It's a great dvd that my daughter (and I) love to watch over and over again and it teaches kids an important lesson in dealing with strangers and how to keep safe. It's very entertaining and engages the kids. I borrowed mine from my local library.

Check out your local library for dvds (and books of course) for kids. They've got tons of titles and can save you money from renting movies for your kids. Don't know why i didn't think of checking out library's for dvd's until my daughter was about 3. They've also got lots of cd books which my daughter likes to borrow and read over and over again. I usually borrow a few for car rides. Keeps kids occupied!