Being a mother, especially for the first time, is already an overwhelming experience. In addition to love and care, newborn babies require a lot of essentials that can sometimes be financially burdening. Luckily, several organizations within the U.S. provide necessities such as free diapers, clothing, and formula for babies in need.
This article will answer the following questions about resources for newborn babies:
- Where can I find free or low-cost diapers?
- Where can I find clothes for my newborn baby?
- Where can I find free or low-cost formula?
- What do newborn babies need besides diapers, clothes, and formula?
- Are there organizations that can help me as a mother?
- What else can I do to prepare for the arrival of my baby?
Where can I find free or low-cost diapers?
For the most reliable and accessible resources for free or low-cost diapers, use one of the following:
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org. This organization will be able to connect you to the National Diaper Bank Network or other local free programs, including faith-based organizations or food banks.
- Go to findhelp.org. This site will lead you to resources in your zip code.
Our article, Obtén pañales para tu bebé sin cargo alguno (Get diapers for your baby at no charge), provides more information on the organizations listed above, as well as local resources for free diapers in cities in Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, and New York.
Where can I find clothes for my newborn baby?
Resources like 211 and findhelp.org can also point you in the right direction for free clothes for newborn babies. You may also find resources through local churches and religious organizations.
A great place to find free items for your baby (and generally) is local “buy nothing” groups on Facebook. These groups usually cater to specific cities and neighborhoods and are a place to offer or receive items for free. Our article, Consigue ropa en buen estado y sin cargo, explains more about “buy nothing” groups and other resources to find free clothes for the whole family.
Where can I find free or low-cost formula?
In addition to pantry staples, food banks often provide free baby formula to those in need. Feeding America has a food bank locator tool where you can search for locations in your state and zip code.
If you need breast milk, you can similarly look at milk banks in your area using the following tools:
- Human Milk Banking Association of North America (map + list)
- The Milk Bank (intake form)
- Mother’s Milk Bank (intake form)
What do newborn babies need besides diapers, clothes, and formula?
The American Pregnancy Association lists these items as more essential for newborn babies:
- Car seat and baby neck brace
- Bassinet or crib and linens
- Bottles/breast pump
- First aid kit
- Maternity leave
- Childcare
This site includes additional items that are considered less necessary but helpful. Check them out here. Most organizations listed in this article can also help with these items.
Are there organizations that can help me as a mother?
If you are a single mother or just a mother who needs extra help, our article, Lista de recursos para madres solteras en Estados Unidos (List of resources for single mothers in the United States) includes information about:
- Free diapers
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Head Start Program
- Affordable housing and utility resources
- Free winter clothes
This article is beneficial if you already have children.
What else can I do to prepare for the arrival of my baby?
If you are currently pregnant, our article, Ayuda para mujeres embarazadas y beneficios para madres (Help for pregnant women and benefits for mothers) includes resources for:
- Medical services (including free clinics, abortion care, breast and cervical cancer screenings)
- Food assistance (SNAP and WIC program information)
- Miscellaneous resources such as the Child Care and Development Fund
In addition to the baby checklist, the American Pregnancy Association website provides additional resources for expecting mothers.
