Guide To Free Baby Samples And Freebies Online 2017 Programs Processes And How To Request

Introduction

In 2017, a significant number of free baby samples, coupons, and trial offers were made available to U.S. consumers through brand websites, retailer programs, parent review platforms, and book distribution initiatives. The landscape included formula brands, diaper and wipes companies, baby gear manufacturers, personal care providers, and resource providers such as magazines and digital book platforms. Offers ranged from entirely free products with no obligation to low-cost trials that required shipping and handling (S&H), enrollment in a program, or completion of product reviews. Eligibility requirements varied by brand and program, and program availability changed throughout the year. The information below consolidates what was publicly reported in 2017 and how to navigate these offers responsibly.

Types of Offers and Categories Reported in 2017

Based on the source material, the following categories were commonly represented:

• Formula and feeding support: Brands offered samples and support materials through enrollment programs.
• Diapers and wipes: Diaper brands and retailers ran sample and trial offers, sometimes tied to registries or sign-ups.
• Baby gear and accessories: Strollers, carriers, toys, and related items were available through product testing and review programs.
• Personal care for infants: Bath products, lotions, and wipes were distributed via review panels and brand newsletters.
• Parenting information and subscriptions: Free magazine subscriptions and email programs sent coupons and informational content.
• Educational trials and digital resources: Access to early learning apps, library-style book programs, and free digital content.

Different companies used different access models, from direct sign-up pages to invite-only testing panels, requiring consumers to provide personal data in exchange for benefits.

Formula and Feeding Support

Enfamil Family

One of the most frequently referenced enrollment programs for formula in 2017 was the Enfamil Family program. The process typically involved signing up, waiting for communications, and then receiving ongoing updates and offers. The program was designed for new and expecting parents and often included samples, coupons, and educational materials. Timing and specific offer contents could vary based on availability. The information above reflects the general structure reported in 2017 sources.

Retailer-Based Programs and Registries

Retailers offered registry-linked freebies or events to attract and engage expecting parents.

Bloomingdales Baby Registry Gift

A notable retailer program in 2017 was the Bloomingdales baby registry gift. New registrants could receive a Lalo First Bites Starter Kit valued at $41.50 when they opened a Bloomingdales baby registry and added $1,500 worth of items. This offer functioned as an incentive for registry completion and was tied to minimum purchase thresholds, not a standalone free sample. Because the offer required a specific amount of items on the registry, its relevance varied by consumer and budget.

Target Baby Registry Samples

Target’s baby registry program included sample distribution via partner brands. Consumers needed to create a registry, then eligible items were shared via partner distribution channels. The available samples and timing were dependent on partner availability, and the program functioned as a pathway for brand distribution rather than a retail-specific sample itself.

Review Panel Programs and Consumer Testing Communities

Many baby brands used structured review panels to distribute free products to parents, who in return provided honest feedback or reviews. These programs typically required account creation, demographic qualification questions, and sometimes invitations.

Home Tester Club

Home Tester Club regularly offered free baby products, including strollers, Aveeno and Johnson’s Baby Bath Products, Baby Face & Body Cream, wipes, diapers, Leo toys, Baby Bottle Warmers/Sterilizers, baby swaddles, and Huggies diapers. Consumers needed to log in or register, answer qualifying questions, and if selected, they would receive a product in the mail at no cost.

Stellar (Weespring)

Stellar recruited new parents to test and keep a wide range of baby and kids products from brands such as Britax, DeLonghi, Graco, Philips, and Vtech. The program was invite-only, and those interested had a chance to be selected by writing a few reviews with Weespring. The model emphasized consumer feedback while providing product access.

Motherhood Maternity (PreggiePerks)

Motherhood Maternity’s PreggiePerks program provided baby items, samples, and coupons to expecting parents who signed up. The gift bag was described as loaded with maternity coupons, exclusive offers, giveaways, and samples. The content varied over time and availability.

BzzAgent and Influenster

BzzAgent and Influenster were product review platforms that partnered with well-known brands to send free products in exchange for reviews. Many of these products were baby-related. Sign-up required entering information and waiting for email invitations to try products. These programs were designed to generate product feedback and community engagement.

Parent Tested – Parent Approved (PTPA)

PTPA was a free community that sent thousands of dollars in free baby items to parents each year in exchange for honest feedback. The program functioned as a gateway for multiple brands to reach consumers and receive reviews. Its model was reliant on availability and brand partnerships.

Kolcraft Mom Matters Panel

Kolcraft’s Mom Matters Panel sought new parents to test new products. Selected participants received products for free and were asked to keep them in exchange for their honest opinion. The program focused on furniture, strollers, and toys, aligning with Kolcraft’s product portfolio.

Infantino, Dr. Talbot’s, Tommee Tippee

Infantino regularly offered free baby products such as baby carriers and toys in exchange for a review. New offers were typically announced, and consumers could sign up to be alerted.

Dr. Talbot’s offered free baby products to new parents through its Facebook page, often requiring participation in a review process. Tommee Tippee sent out free baby products via a product review program that required membership. Once enrolled, consumers waited for email invitations to test products for free.

Direct-to-Consumer Sample Offers

Some brands provided direct access to free sample packs, typically via form submission and shipping address collection.

Free Pack of Baby Diapers (General Programs)

Based on 2017 sources, free diaper packs were available through select brand or retailer programs. Consumers typically needed to visit a website and complete a brief form to request free baby products mailed to them. The exact brands, eligibility, and distribution methods varied by offer. The model generally required a one-time request, though some programs operated as periodic distributions or in coordination with partner programs.

Books, Magazines, and Educational Resources

Educational resources and free publications were part of the 2017 free baby freebies ecosystem. These included subscriptions and digital platforms designed for children and parents.

American Baby Magazine and LEGO Life Magazine

American Baby magazine offered a free subscription. LEGO Life Magazine, for kids ages 5–9, was delivered quarterly and served as an educational and entertainment resource.

Children’s Books and Reading Programs

Loving2Read, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Storyline Online, FreeKidsBooks.org, Project Gutenberg, and library apps provided access to children’s books. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mailed high-quality, age-appropriate books to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the family. The program sent more than one million books per month globally and was available in select areas. If the program was available in a consumer’s area, they could register their child for free monthly books.

Free Trials (Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, ABCMouse, Homer)

A range of free trial programs was available to U.S. consumers in 2017, including Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, ABCMouse, and Homer. These offered trial access to digital content, early learning, and media services. The benefits and cancellation terms varied, so it was recommended to track trial start dates and cancellation deadlines to avoid unwanted charges.

How to Request Items: Step-by-Step Process (Examples)

While each program had its own process, the following examples illustrate the steps and considerations:

Enfamil Family

Enrollment began with signing up, followed by a waiting period for communications. Consumers received ongoing updates, including samples and information. The availability of specific offers could change over time.

Babyleggings.com

Consumers selected a cart, applied a code, and then paid shipping and handling. The total cost depended on S&H fees.

Nursing Pillow

Consumers applied a code and paid S&H. The offer was structured as a low-cost option rather than fully free.

Target Registry

Consumers created a Target baby registry account. Sample distribution occurred through partner brands, and the timing and content of samples were dependent on partner availability.

EverydayHappy

Consumers submitted a form to request a trial box. Once received, cancellation options were available depending on the specific trial terms.

Magazines and Children’s Books

Consumers used form-based subscriptions or online resource access to enroll in free magazines or book programs. The Imagination Library required area availability and registration for monthly book delivery.

Best Practices for Requesting Free Items

Based on 2017 sources, the following practices helped consumers navigate offers responsibly:

• Confirm offer availability before entering personal information. Offers could change, end, or vary by region.
• Use promo codes exactly as specified. Examples cited included 4MYBABY, MYSAVINGS, FREE4MOM, and PJBABY.
• Calculate the true cost of “free” items by adding S&H and comparing to typical retail or consignment prices. Low-cost trials and sample offers sometimes had hidden costs in shipping.
• Keep track of trial start dates and cancellation deadlines to avoid unwanted charges. Digital trials and subscription programs required attention to terms.
• Verify eligibility for regional programs such as the Imagination Library. Availability was not universal.
• Maintain a list of requested items, codes used, and expected delivery timelines. This organization helped manage multiple offers and avoid duplicates.

Proven Value vs. Cost: Evaluating Offers

The value of free baby items in 2017 depended on the nature of the offer:

• Truly free items required no payment, but often came with conditions such as review requirements, newsletter sign-ups, or demographic qualification.
• Low-cost trials required S&H or minimal fees. The total cost could rival or exceed retail pricing if shipping was high or if cancellation was missed.
• Invite-only panels offered high-value products but required time and effort, including writing reviews and engaging in the community.

To determine the “proven value,” consumers compared the item’s retail price, the scope of the offer (single sample vs. multi-item kit), and any associated obligations. Free books programs like the Imagination Library represented a consistent value model with ongoing delivery at no charge, provided availability. Review programs required a commitment of time for feedback but often delivered higher-value products than simple samples. Retailer registry gifts offered tangible value if the consumer intended to use the registry, but the $1,500 threshold for the Bloomingdales offer limited its relevance for many users.

Themes and Trends in 2017

Several themes emerged in 2017:

• Review-for-product models: Many brands shifted toward structured review programs, using platforms like BzzAgent, Influenster, Home Tester Club, and PTPA to reach parents while collecting feedback.
• Registry incentives: Retailers tied freebies to registry activity and purchase thresholds, creating value for parents already planning purchases.
• Regional variability: Availability of programs like the Imagination Library was not universal, requiring consumers to verify local participation.
• Mixed access models: Offers ranged from open sign-ups to invite-only panels. Demographics and community participation (e.g., Weespring reviews) could influence selection.
• Trial fatigue: Consumers were advised to track trial dates to avoid unwanted charges, a reminder of the importance of understanding terms.

Navigating Eligibility and Availability

Eligibility criteria varied widely:

• Some programs targeted new and expecting parents specifically, while others were open to the general public.
• Invite-only panels required participation in a community (e.g., writing reviews with Weespring) to be considered for selection.
• Regional programs (e.g., Imagination Library) required registration in areas where the service operated.
• Retailer-based gifts required specific actions (e.g., adding items to a registry) rather than simply signing up.

Consumers needed to read program details, verify eligibility, and confirm current availability before entering personal data. The nature of these programs in 2017 meant that offers and requirements could shift, and some required longer-term engagement (e.g., writing reviews over time).

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• There were multiple pathways to obtain free baby products in 2017, but the access models differed significantly across brands and platforms.
• Review panels, retailer registries, regional book programs, and direct form-based requests each offered distinct benefits and obligations.
• Responsible participation required attention to codes, eligibility, shipping costs, trial cancellation, and documentation of requests.
• The highest consistent value for many families came from free book programs like the Imagination Library where available, while review-based programs offered higher-value products in exchange for feedback.

Conclusion

In 2017, the free baby freebies ecosystem comprised a diverse set of programs spanning formula and feeding, diapers and wipes, baby gear, personal care, and educational resources. Access models ranged from direct sign-ups to invite-only panels and retailer registry incentives, often requiring demographic qualification, review submissions, or specific registry activity. Responsible engagement with these offers meant tracking eligibility and availability, understanding the true cost of “free” items including S&H and trial obligations, and documenting requests and timelines. Consumers who navigated these programs carefully could reduce expenses, try a variety of products, and access resources such as free magazines and books, provided they verified current availability and adhered to program terms.

Sources

1. Comprehensive Guide To Free Baby Samples And Freebies Online 2017
2. Free Baby Samples and Baby Freebies
3. Top 10 Companies That Offer Baby Freebies