Discounts and Freebies for Twin or Multiple Families

Many people assume that families with twins and other multiples are inundated with free stuff and goodies. This is not true. The increase in multiple births means that discounts and special offers are often harder to come by. However, some companies continue to provide special considerations.

To take advantage of discounts and freebies, be prepared with multiple copies the birth certificates and hospital discharge papers of your twins. Here are some of the offerings, which can change without notice.

1

Coupons for Diapers and Wipes

Twins Tip - Don't Buy Two of Everything
Ruth Jenkinson / Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images

Diapers for twins can cost a small fortune in the first year of life. Diaper companies like Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs have historically been very generous to parents of twins in providing special savings on diapers and wipes. They will send you one-time gifts of coupons in the hope that you will commit to using their products for the next few years—times two.

To maximize your discounts, be sure to investigate and take advantage of each company's reward programs and follow them on social media.

2

Discounted Baby Products from Baby Retailers

Several chain stores such as buybuyBaby, Babies R Us, and Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory may offer multiple birth discounts on baby products purchased in-store if parents of twins buy or two or more of the same products at the same time and request a discount. These items may include car seats, strollers, play yards, high chairs, swings, gates, exersaucers and walkers, as well as backpacks and carriers.

Check Store Policies

Check with your local store for specific policies. Generally, the discount does not apply to online orders, but you can usually order from the company's website by placing an order in the store.

For example, buybuyBaby offers a 10% discount when buying two identical items. A company representative said: "Yes, we do offer a discount for twins, but it is only in-store at a buybuyBaby (store locator). Parents need to bring proof that they are having twins, like an ultrasound or a note from the doctor. The 10% discount is only good if they buy two identical items. It has to be the same color and everything."

3

Discounts on Formula for Twins

If you are bottle-feeding your twins using formula, it can be a big expense to buy the formula products. Major brands of formula products, like Similac, Gerber (U.S.) or Nestle (Canada), and Enfamil don't exactly offer multiple birth programs, but they do offer incentives to sign up for special offers including coupons and samples to help you save money.

Your best approach is to talk to your pediatrician, who can provide certification of your status as a multiple birth family, and may have connections with the company's sales reps.

Join the company's reward programs, engage with them in social media, and call each company directly to request special offers. Also, check out the store-brand formula, which offers a very similar product at a lower price.

4

Coupons for Baby Food

To save money on jarred baby food, get coupons from companies like Beech-Nut, Earth's Best, and Gerber. Note that policies regarding these companies' multiple birth programs continue to evolve over the years, and some will require you sign up for a newsletter to gain access to special offers. Like with diapers, these companies are probably happy to collect your information for marketing purposes so as to build brand loyalty. Be sure to investigate their social media outlets for further discounts, and combine coupons with specials and discounts at local stores to maximize savings. 

5

Discounts on Portrait Photography

You want to preserve every moment of your multiples' precious childhood. But professional photographs of your multiples can be an expensive prospect. The cost of multiple sitting fees with a photographer and the purchase of combination packages quickly adds up.

The photography studios in J.C. Penney department stores, including the Birthday Club program, are known to offer many special offers and discounts. Be sure to check the website in advance or call ahead and ask if your twins are eligible to receive one.

By Pamela Prindle Fierro
 Pamela Prindle Fierro is the author of several parenting books and the mother of twin girls.