Baby on a Budget: Shoppers Drug Mart v.i.b. Program

Sorry, this one is for my Canadian friends only.

There are many different baby programs offered by different companies. These usually result in coupons or a package of samples. While this may seem insignificant to many, every little bit counts when you are trying to save up for baby.

Shopper's Drug Mart has a program called v.i.b. (very important baby). Anyone expectant mother (or mother with a child under 3 months) with a Shopper's Optimum card can sign up. Once you sign up you will receive a package. The site claims you will receive the package four weeks to three months after your due date.

When I initially signed up for the program I had a due date in December. I miscarried this pregnancy, but received the package about a week ago, so approximately 3 months before the due date I had entered. Luckily I am once again expecting and was quite pleased to receive my package in the mail.

Contents of the package.

What you get for baby:

• v.i.b. bib
• Huggies Pure & Natural diapers
• 3 pack
• newborn size (up to 10 lbs)
• organic cotton, hypoallergenic
• Huggies Natural Care Wipes
• 8 pack
• hypoallergenic, fragrance free, alcohol free
• Travel size Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash
• Travel size Aveeno Baby Daily Lotion
• fragrance free
• Nuk Orthodontic Pacifier
• 0-6 month
• silicone

What you get for Mom:

• One time use sample of Bio-Oil
• Travel size Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash

Optimum Points Coupon Book including:

• 500 bonus points when you purchase a Bio-Oil product
• 2000 bonus points when you purchase Life brand formula
• 1000 bonus points when you purchase Mother Hen organic & natural frozen baby food
• 800  bonus points when you purchase Heinz baby cereal
• 500 bonus points when you purchase any Nuk product
• 1000 bonus points when you purchase any Aveeno baby product
• 1000 bonus points when you purchase any Johnson's baby product
• 800 bonus points when you purchase Baby Life Daily Protection Diaper Ointment
• 1500 bonus points when you purchase any Pampers wipes
• 1500 bonus points when you purchase any Huggies wipes
• 3000  bonus points when you purchase Pampers Swaddlers
• 2000 bonus points when you purchase Huggies diapers
• 500  bonus points when you purchase any Children's Tylenol product
• 500 bonus points when you purchase Life brand gripe water
• 2 bonus coupons, one for you and one for a friend, 1500 bonus points when you purchase $15 dollars worth of baby items

If you use all of your bonus points coupons, you will earn a total of 18,100 Shopper's Optimum points. In addition with the regular points you earn purchasing these products (10 points per $1) you will be close to the second redemption tier of 22,000 points, which is good for a $30 credit.

Even if you don't use all of your bonus point coupons, you will probably reach the first redemption tier, giving you a $10 credit. For those looking to save a buck, not to shabby.

I plan on hanging on to my bonus point coupons and waiting for the featured items to go on sale, at which point I will use the coupon if the item is something I feel I may need.

I should note that some people have mentioned that they did not receive their kits. Apparently if you contact Shopper's Drug Mart through their website or facebook page, they will rectify this problem.

For more information, visit the v.i.b. site by clicking here.

For more Baby on a Budget tips:
Baby on a Budget: Starting a Budget
Baby on a Budget: Planning ahead for non-planners