"How does that saying go? Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. Or, in this case, our homes 😂. Between burp clothes, bottles, and tiny socks, it can feel like babies need a lot of stuff! The good news is that if you have access to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use those funds toward some of your baby gear needs. Since this money is set aside pre-tax, it helps save you a little cash, which is awesome because babies can take up a big portion of our bank accounts too.
The only catch is that you need to make sure you are using up your FSA money before the end of the year (or a grace period, depending on your plan) and are purchasing FSA/HSA qualified items. To help get you started, we’ve broken down some commonly-covered categories and products below. However, every plan is a little different, so make sure you check with yours before making a purchase. Most have a full list of qualifying items you can easily reference—just ask!
What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Have you ever shopped online or in the store and noticed an item with the disclaimer, “FSA or HSA eligible”? This disclaimer is something you don’t want to overlook because using your FSA or HSA account—if you have one—may financially benefit you in some cases. But what exactly is an FSA or HSA?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-free spending account that is usually offered through your employer. Having one allows you to put money into it to help you pay for some certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Reach out to your employer for information on their guidelines regarding an FSA. An important thing to note about this account is that if you don’t use the money within the plan year, you lose it—and only a portion rolls over to the following year.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a savings account that you can contribute to on a pre-tax basis. You can use the money in your account towards eligible medical expenses. However, you must have an HSA-eligible insurance plan or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) in order to have one. Unlike an FSA account, the money in an HSA account stays there until you use it.
When deciding which plan is best for you and your family, consider the current state of your family’s health and how often you spend money on your healthcare needs. Depending on the plan, there may be a limit to how much money you can hold in your account.
The Benefits of Buying Baby Gear with Your FSA or HSA
Having a baby can be an exciting time, but it can also be expensive, too. The good news? The biggest benefit to using an FSA or HSA towards eligible baby gear is that you’ll be stretching your dollar. This is because you don’t pay taxes on the money you contribute to your account. Using an FSA or HSA comes in handy when there is a big-ticket item you need to purchase, like a baby monitor or other baby essentials that require constant restocking, like breastmilk storage bags.
Baby Gear You Can Buy With Your FSA or HSA Account
Baby Monitors
If you’re looking for a baby monitor with all the bells and whistles, your HSA or FSA could help cover the cost.
This smart baby monitor offers insight into your baby’s sleep, breathing, and overall growth. It stores all milestones into a digital baby book, too.
This baby monitoring system includes a high-quality digital camera and a wearable sock that tracks baby’s sleep quality with data including heart rate, oxygen levels, wakings, and more.
Breastfeeding Supplies
Using your HSA or FSA to stock up on breastfeeding supplies is key, especially if you will be pumping at any point.
Medela is a top-rated and trusted name in breastfeeding supplies and many moms swear by their pumps. This set comes with everything you need to pump at home or at work.
Storing breast milk in bags makes it easy to freeze and thaw milk as your baby needs it. These bags have a double zipper to help prevent leaks.
Not all bottles qualify, but these ones do. They are designed to reduce nipple confusion and are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
These nursing pads are made of highly absorbent, plant-based materials for maximum leak protection.
Pain & Fever Care
No one wants to think about their little one getting sick, but you’ll be grateful to have supplies on hand when it happens.
This instant-read thermometer gives an accurate reading in one second—perfect for wiggly little ones.
Tylenol is pediatrician-recommended to treat fevers and teething pain. Try the dye-free version to avoid stains in case it spills or baby spits it back out.
Runny Nose & Cold Care
Babies aren’t exactly expert nose blowers, so give their runny noses extra care with these supplies.
Clearing a baby’s stuffy or runny nose can be difficult, but the NoseFrida makes it easy. Give it a try and see why so many parents rave about it.
These gentle wet wipes help clean little noses and dissolve snot quickly. They come in a resealable pack and are unscented for sensitive noses.
Specialty Skincare
Take care of baby’s sensitive skin with products designed just for their specific needs.
Care for irritated skin with this gentle baby ointment. Apply to skin to heal or prevent diaper rash and chapped lips from teething or drooling.
Almost all diaper rash creams qualify for HSA or FSA purchase, so stock up on your favorites. This one contains all-natural hypoallergenic and non-toxic ingredients.
Sunscreen
Most baby sunscreens should be eligible for HSA or FSA purchase. Discuss with your pediatrician the best age to start applying sunscreen.
This sunscreen is easy to apply without leaving a white cast on the skin and it’s reef-friendly. Plus, even though it’s labeled baby sunscreen, it can be used on the whole family.
Make applying sunscreen as easy as a swipe. These sticks are especially good for little faces and for keeping in your diaper bag.
How to Check FSA or HSA Product Eligibility
When browsing for all your baby needs, it’s not always clear-cut if an item is FSA or HSA eligible. To confirm if a product is considered a qualified medical expense under an FSA account, you can review the IRS Publication 502 or scan through the FSA eligibility list. For an HSA account, you can look for your item under the HSA Eligibility List. Another option is to call your plan to see if your baby product falls under the category of eligible items to buy with your account.
Dana Peters, R.D.
Dana is a writer and registered dietitian specializing in family and kids nutrition living in the Chicago suburbs. From healthy family eating to reliable baby gear to wellness for moms, she has covered it all. She is mom to Charlie and Eva, a wannabe baker, and a farmer’s market enthusiast.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Intern
As the editorial intern, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.