12 Easy Ways to Save Money on Baby Formula

Babies–particularly feeding them–can get really expensive, really fast. According to a statement released by the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General, American families spend around $1200-$1500 on formula in their little one’s first year alone. For many young parents, that’s a staggering number. If you’re looking for easy ways to save money on baby formula without compromising on nutrition, the tips below can help.  

Use Powdered Formula

 

  Liquid formula is pretty convenient. Instead of tediously measuring water and powder (and praying you don’t drop a single granule), you just attach the nipple and serve. However, ready-made liquid formula is usually more expensive. The price difference varies by brand, but usually, you can expect to spend roughly $.10 more per oz. For example, a $20 tub of Enfamil’s Neuropro Gentlesse powder formula equates to about 90fl oz. of prepared formula. In comparison, a $20 6-pack of the ready-made liquid serves only 48fl oz. That’s quite the price difference! If you regularly use liquid formula for traveling and public outings, try a travel dispenser instead. This is a BPA-free plastic container that allows you to store multiple servings of powder. Simply pour the formula in your baby’s bottle, mix in some water, and go.  

Shop at Non-Grocery Retailers

 

  Walgreens and CVS are a frugal mom’s best-kept secret. Not only do these two retailers offer fantastic reward programs, their weekly ad often rotates sales between diapers and baby formula. For example, Walgreens sometimes hosts a sale where you can save 20% when you make a formula purchase of $40 or more.  

Get a Free Sample Box

 

  Are you expecting? Retailers like Amazon and Target offer a free “welcome box” for expecting moms. Sometimes, you’ll find free baby formula samples and coupons inside. Almost always, they include a free bottle. You can also get a free sample box from Enfamil and Similac. These boxes actually offer generous savings. For example, Enfamil’s Family Beginnings box contains up to $400 in free gifts and coupons. Typically, the box includes three tubs of varying baby formula lines and two ready-made liquid bottles.  

Sign Up for Reward Programs

 

  If you’re not collecting free rewards from your favorite retailers, you’re essentially missing out on free cash. Keep in mind that you can double-dip and accumulate points from the baby formula manufacturer as well. Gerber, Similac, and Enfamil are the most popular loyalty programs to sign up for, but if you’re into organic, Nature’s One has a pretty fantastic program as well. Basically, the manufacturer sends you coupons. Once you purchase the formula with that coupon, your reward points are automatically credited to your account. After so many points, you can earn a free tub of formula.  

Coupons

 

  Yes, coupons are still a thing! Keep an eye out for printable coupons in newspapers, magazines, and coupon websites. Many formula manufacturers offer their own coupons or have rebate programs that can offer massive savings. If clipping coupons just isn’t your thing, Flipp is a fantastic app to try out. Once you’ve downloaded the app, turn on your location services and search for “baby formula.” Flipp will instantly list deals from the retailers in your area, both online and in-store. The process is incredibly easy, and no scissors are required.  You can also ask Flipp to notify you when future deals become available.  

Search Local Mom Groups on Facebook

 

  Invariably, parents will bulk-buy baby formula that it will simply sit on the shelf. Joining local mom groups or Buy Nothing Groups can give you access to box-fulls of unopened baby formula. Just make sure it’s within the expiration date. Also, keep an eye out for posts offering free coupon checks from Similac and Enfamil, which can save between $5-$20.  

Consider Store Brands

 

  If your baby hasn’t developed a strong brand preference yet, consider using a store-brand formula. A lot of parents shy away from this option because they’re concerned about compromising nutritional value, but that’s just not the case. Every formula brand in the US is required to meet the same nutritional standards. Once, I wrote an analysis on Enfamil and Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand. Do you know what I found? Enfamil’s formula offered slightly higher DHA, but other than that, and the ingredients were virtually the same as Kirkland Signature. Having said that, babies can be picky. Avoid buying formula in bulk until you’re sure it agrees with your baby.

 

Use Affiliate Cashback Apps

 

  In case you’re new to the concept, Ibotta and Rakuten are cashback apps. With Ibotta, you simply log into the app, mark the deals you want from the retailer you’re shopping with, and then use the app to go to the retailer’s website. From there, you make your purchases as usual. Rakuten is similar, except instead of selecting specific deals, you “activate” the app while you shop at qualifying stores. Rakuten offers the biggest payouts, but Ibotta is great for saving money on your weekly groceries. Sometimes, Ibotta hosts deals on baby formula. They almost always have a cashback incentive for shopping at major retailers.

 

Sign up for Formula Subscriptions

 

  Amazon’s subscribe-and-save is an excellent way to snag a discount and plan your spending. On powder formula, you can save around $.9 per oz. Best of all, if you require less or more formula, you can adjust your delivery date.

 

Sales on Amazon

 

  Amazon offers fantastic sales where you can get an additional 10% off on formula when purchased in bulk. Keep an eye out for them because Amazon’s regular prices stack up to Walmart’s. To be notified of a future deal, add the formula to your cart and hit the “save for later” button. If your deal notifications are turned on, Amazon will let you know if it goes on sale.

 

Buy in Bulk

 

  Let’s say that store brands aren’t for you. Don’t discount Sam’s Club and Costco yet. Costco offers massive savings on the Enfamil formula when you buy in bulk. This tip comes with a couple of caveats, though; make sure that your baby is well-established on that particular formula before purchasing. There’s no bigger waste than purchasing a bunch of formula only to discover that it gives your baby unbearable reflux. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the expiration date. Typically, unopened baby formula expires within a year.

 

Ask For Help

 

  Let’s say you’re not just trying to find ways to save money on baby formula. You’re desperate. If that’s the reality you’re looking at, there are organizations that can help. Check out the local organizations first. Food pantries, family crisis centers, and pregnancy centers often stock baby formula. United Way offers an in-depth resource page that can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, you can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a community resource specialist. Don’t be afraid to give your pediatrician a call. Manufacturers often send medical practices tons of formula samples. Your doctor will probably be more than happy to help a family in need. One final thing: never dilute or reuse formula, or feed your baby the homemade variety. A few saved bucks just isn’t worth it.

 

A Final Word on Saving Money on Baby Formula

 

  Remember, infant formula is just one essential that you can save money on. If you’re struggling to make, ends meet or simply preparing for your little one’s arrival, try listing all of your basic needs on a baby budgeting worksheet. At the end of the month, compare the variable costs and see where you can save. The idea is to hone your spending on each item until you have a little more breathing room in your budget. I hope this article gave you some good ideas on how to save money on baby formula. Share it with a friend to pass along the savings!    

Author Bio

 

  Erin is passionate about helping new and expecting moms overcome the challenges of early motherhood. Check out her website, Blunders in Babyland, for more practical baby, pregnancy, and motherhood tips.

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