Things to do with Kids: Product Samples for Babies

Having a Baby is overwhelming, to say the least: the medical procedures involved, having to sift through an impossibly large volume of baby products and advice available when trying to find out what exactly is needed when the baby arrives and, of course, the seemingly never-ending costs. Getting product samples not only helps financially, it helps the parents figure out which products are best suited to their baby and family and, my favourite reason, sample sizes are perfect for nappy bags or overnight bags (because let’s be honest, packing for a baby can feel like you are moving house).

Having recently had a little munchkin of my own, I have put together a list of where free samples can be acquired from.

Where to get Free Product Samples for Babies

Bennetts for Babies 

Bennetts offers free samples (delivered to you) to anybody who asks - simply email [email protected]. My favourite Bennetts products include the saline nose spray and their newest cream (which is ideal for sensitive baby skin): Cetoderm.

Bennetts also has a Mommies Club (which offers its members discounts, advice and updates on childhood development and milestones).

Dis-Chem Baby Bag

The most well-known of the free baby sample gifts is the popular Dis-Chem Baby Bag. It comes with a large variety of really useful samples, as well as a super handy baby bag. When I was expecting my first son, I bought a fancy branded baby bag and I never use it as the Dis-Chem bag is simply the perfect size and weight. And when you are a mom, convenience and practicality is your number one priority (after your baby’s health of course).

In order to receive the bag, simply follow these easy steps:

• Register for the Dis-Chem Baby Programme in store or phone their careline
• Register your pregnancy and due date
• Shop at Dis-Chem and earn a minimum of 975 benefit points
• Visit the baby wellness clinic once for a check-up once your pregnancy has progressed past 20 weeks

For further information: https://dischem.co.za/dis-chem-baby-bag

Clicks BabyClub

Although Clicks does not offer a free baby bag with samples, they do offer their BabyClub member a variety of benefits:

• Earn double Clicks ClubCard points on selected baby products
• PeadIQ website access for advice
• Vaccination reminder service
• Free baby clinic services

In order to become a member, you will have to first register for a Clicks ClubCard and then link it to the BabyClub.

For further information: https://clicks.co.za/babyClubLandingPage

Discovery Vitality Baby Programme

Most medical aids in South Africa offer a mother and baby programme but seeing as I am a Discovery member, I thought I would write from personal experience:

The Vitality Baby Programme offers a variety of benefits:

• 10% discount vouchers on selected products at Toys R Us, takelot.com, A-Zee Baby and Born Fabulous
• Up to 25% cash back on baby check-ups and selected products at Dis-Chem or Clicks.
• Earning double vitality points with certain purchases and activities
• Gift pack which includes a really useful and interesting parenting book, a blanket, a taglet and some samples.

In order to qualify for these benefits, become a Vitality member and register for the Baby Programme online.

For further information: https://www.discovery.co.za/portal/individual/vitality-baby

Your Hospital

I delivered at a Netcare hospital and received a large (and again, very useful) baby bag filled with a variety of samples (including a Netcare emergency and safety guide).

In order to receive the gift bag, simply purchase a Maternity passport at the hospital reception while doing your bed booking and receive these added benefits:

• Free 4D scan
• First baby immunisations while still at the hospital
• First baby check-up at the Storks Nest clinic
• Antenatal classes
• Netcare 911 registration

Our passport also included a reduced-price parking ticket which could be used by my husband while baby and I were in hospital.

For further information: http://www.netcarehospitals.co.za/Specialised-services/Women-mother-and-baby-services/Maternity-facilities-and-services

Mediclinic also offers a free programme (Mediclinic baby) available to all parents of babies born at a Mediclinic hospital. One of the benefits is their mother and baby bag which includes a nappy bag filled with essential items, including products samples, nappies and information.

For further information: http://www.mediclinic.co.za/mediclinicbaby/Home/mother-and-baby-bag

Doctors Offices & Baby Clinics

Companies often leave a variety of baby product samples (I have even received a discount voucher in the past) at Doctors rooms (your gynaecologist and paediatrician) and baby clinics and they are usually available either on the reception counter or near the nappy changing facility. 

Photo Credit: Photos sourced from individual company websites