For some mothers, using formula is the only or best option they have for their babies. Unfortunately, it can also be the most expensive option. But just like anything, there are still some great ways to save on formula. Check out the ideas listed below!
I was lucky enough to be able to breastfeed all four boys without any major difficulties, but neither of my sisters were able to exclusively breastfeed. Formula can be so expensive so I hunted for ways to help them save & snagged their brands whenever I found them on sale. Here are some of the ways we found to save money on infant formula!
How to Save Money on Baby Formula
Ask your doctor
Most doctors have a “sample room” somewhere in their medical building that generally has samples of all the brands of formula. The next time you are in for a check-up, ask your doctor if she has any samples of a certain formula on hand that you can have. Occasionally a doctor might also have special coupons, even if they don’t have samples, given to them by the manufacturer that they can pass on to you.
Don’t be above help
If you truly cannot afford formula, you can always have a talk with your local WIC office. If you fit the income guidelines you should be able to receive most, if not all, of the formula you need for a month from WIC.
Consider your formula
Can you use a store brand instead of a national brand? (Most have the same ingredients) Can you use a powder instead of a liquid?
Look for coupons
One of the best ways to save money on formula is to search out coupons. Almost all formula manufacturers create coupons for their products; it’s just finding them that is the trouble! One easy way to get the coupons is to simply sign up for news from the formula company you plan to buy from. Most of them send out coupons in the mail frequently. If the amount of coupons isn’t quite enough for your needs, you can always ask friends that aren’t using formula if they received any of the coupons.
Buy it somewhere else
Formula seems to be the most expensive at the grocery store. Before you buy it there, check the prices at your local discount stores. You can even buy it in bulk at stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club and occasionally find great deals on bulk packages on Amazon.
Stick with what your doctor recommends
Unless your baby has some kind of intolerance or allergy, there is no need to buy the more expensive formulas such as soy or sensitive. Save money on formula by purchasing the most inexpensive kind that you need to use.
Ask the company
It never hurts to ask! Find the contact information for the formula company that you use and send them an email asking them for formula or samples of their formula. You never know what you might receive in the mail!
What are your best tips on how to save money on formula? Have you been able to get formula for free?
Brandi
I use enfamil formula and if you sign up on their website they’ll send you two $5 coupons every month. I buy my formula at target because they often put it on sale if you buy two boxes you get a $10 gift card and a lot of times you’ll get another $5 coupon at the register. I save the gift cards and use both the coupons from enfamil and the ones target gives me and I end up getting one of the boxes for like $6. It’s a great deal.
Savanah
That is a great deal! We don’t have a local Target, so I had no clue they did that.