Babies are awesome little humans that require so much love and attention! But let’s be honest, that’s the fun part, right? Those cheeks are so squeezable! However, those cheeks and the adorable baby they belong to can squeeze your wallet, too.
One of the most expensive items babies go through (besides diapers) would be formula. Not every child needs formula, and there are a variety of reasons families depend on formula, ranging from issues with lactation, to convenience, or to supplement nutritionally in the toddler years.
A can of formula can cost upwards of $25, and depending on whether it’s the primary source of food for the baby, or if it is for sensitive tummies, it can be much more. And, that can sometimes only last you 3-4 days. Wowzas!
That means some families are spending a few hundred dollars each month! Whether you find yourself in this situation, or you are having a baby soon, I’m here to tell you there are ways to save money on formula!
Let’s take a look at 17 Ways to Save Money on Baby Formula!
1. Register for Gift Cards to buy Formula
If you’re having a baby, there will be women coming out of the woodworks to throw you a baby shower. This is a great time for you to plan your registry wisely! While you may not necessarily need to ask for formula right away, you can ask for gift cards.
Hold on to those gift cards like they’re gold, and you may be able to save significantly on any formula needs for your baby. You’ll burn through most of them in the first year, but it’s money well spent. Save your money by utilizing baby shower gift cards for formula!
2. Sign up for Rewards Programs
Infant formula brands are competing for your business, and they want you to be a customer for years to come! Check out Rewards Programs with your favorite formula brand to receive gifts, coupons, and discounts.
The Enfamil Family Beginnings program offers up to $400 in free gifts, as well as formula samples, and even a chance to win free formula for a year. On each purchase, you can earn one point per dollar, then use those points to redeem coupons off formula in the future.
Similac offers StrongMoms Rewards, which also includes up to $400 in free gifts, as well as samples and nutritional guidance and the ability to save on scheduled orders.
If you’re unsure of which formula brand your baby prefers, go ahead and sign up for multiples so you can use those samples to see what works the best for you.
QUICK TIP: Check out our Free Baby Boxes page for tons of baby freebies!
3. Buy Formula in Bulk
I would only recommend doing this if you know for a fact what your baby prefers and you have a good history with that particular formula, but buying in bulk is a great way to save money on formula.
It’s important to remember that the formula has a limited shelf life once opened, so also confirm that you can use all of the formula once it’s opened. Costco offers a variety of brands of formula, as does BJ’s Warehouse. Check out your local warehouse club for bulk savings on formula!
Also, keep in mind, depending on if you purchase with one of their in-house credit cards, you can also get points, rewards, or cash back for future purchases! That’s saving money on top of saving money, and a great way to make the most of your formula purchase.
4. Take Advantage of Professional Discounts
It has been a rough few years and companies are bending over backwards to reward essential workers like those in healthcare, first responders, and even the military. If you work in one of these positions, make the most of it!
Take advantage of discounts, such as Enfamil’s 10% off discount. Those savings add up and help you keep money in your pocket when buying formula!
5. Ask for Coupons
Manufacturer’s coupons are a great way to save money on formula, simply for a few minutes of your time. Contact customer support, telling them how much you love their product and hope they can send you a coupon. You can also check the packaging for attached coupons.
Oftentimes, companies that make formula will place coupons for future purchases somewhere on the packaging. Check the package and under the lid for any coupons that can be used for your next canister or bottle!
6. Check out Coupon Sites
Coupon sites are a must-see before you shop! They are a great way to save for online purchases, and you can usually find an in-store coupon, as well. They do all of the hard work for you, so make it a habit to check out coupon sites before you shop!
Coupon sites are a great way to save money on formula!
7. Use Gift Card or Cash Back Sites
There are numerous sites out there that provide gift cards, discounts, or even cash back just for spending a few minutes on their site. Sites like Swagbucks offer gift cards for taking surveys or using their search engine. Ibotta offers cash back just for uploading your grocery receipt.
Even a retailer like Target offers gift cards based on how much you purchase. You can then use their gift cards or cash back offers to purchase baby formula! A few minutes here and there really add up to money back in your pocket.
8. Shop Amazon Subscribe and Save
It can be overwhelming to load up your infant or toddler for a day of errands, so it’s no surprise that online shopping has taken off like a child’s growth spurt these past few years. Amazon sells darn near everything, and formula is no exception.
Utilizing Amazon’s Subscribe and Save can not only have formula delivered to you on a schedule, but you can get significant savings on the formula, as well. Save money by using subscribe and save!
9. Ask for Samples from your Pediatrician
Your pediatrician gets the inside scoop (ha, no pun intended) on supplements and products that affect your baby, so why not take advantage of it? Companies want doctors to recommend their products, so they send samples out the wazoo for you to try.
Don’t be shy about asking your pediatrician for samples every time you visit. It’s a great way to try new types of formula, as well, so you can see what your baby prefers. Save money on baby formula by racking up free samples!
10. Find out if you’re Eligible for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a great resource for those that qualify. If you are struggling on a low-income, you may be eligible to get your formula through WIC.
Each WIC program differs from state to state, and you may have a limited variety to choose from, but there is no harm in utilizing services that are available for your needs. Find out if you’re eligible for WIC in your area if you need to save money on formula!
11. Join Social Media Groups in your Area
Social media is a powerful tool, my friend. Joining mom’s groups in your area (or even just keeping your eyes peeled) is a great way to see what’s going on with other parents in town. It’s a great way to ask for feedback from your neighbors on formula.
That includes finding out when someone has extra formula or a brand that just didn’t work for them. This means free or reduced cost baby formula for you (if you play your cards right!). Check out Facebook Mom’s Groups or join Nextdoor in your area to stay in the loop!
12. Try the Store Brand of Formula
There are big, brand names of formula, and then there are the store brands. Keep in mind that formula must meet certain regulations to be sold in the US (meaning, it’s safe), and store brands can be cheaper due to different marketing tactics.
To save even more, you can usually pair store brands with store rewards, whether it be a grocery store or other retailer. Don’t write off store brands — try store or generic brands to save money on baby formula!
13. Use Powdered Formula instead of Liquid
Formula comes in powdered and liquid form, and in some cases, liquid concentrate may work better for your baby. It’s fast and pre-made, so you literally open, pour and refrigerate. However, cost is a major downside to liquid formula…as in, it’s twice as expensive!
Powdered formula is significantly cheaper than liquid. If you’re worried about needing something fast (because a hungry baby doesn’t wait for anyone!) you can pre-portion the powder in a container that you can mix with water when you’re ready. Save money on formula by sticking with the powder!
14. Return any Unused Formula
Maybe you found a sale, or you had some generous donations for baby formula. Either way, sometimes you have more on your hands than you can use. The good news is, you can actually return any unopened containers of formula to most retailers.
It does have to be unopened and you usually have to show proof of purchase, like a receipt. You will usually get a refund or store credit, so make sure they have the kind you need if you are changing it up.
15. Take Advantage of an FSA or HSA
If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), take advantage of those as soon as possible! Basically, you can deposit pre-tax dollars into these accounts, saving more of your paycheck and using that money specifically for medical or health needs.
It may require a doctor’s note to use an FSA or HSA for baby formula, but look into this option and take advantage of stretching your pre-tax dollars further.
16. Start Saving Sooner
If you find out pretty early on that a little one will be joining you soon, why not start squirreling away that money months in advance? Creating a savings account for baby needs like formula months in advance can help when your income is reduced or can buffer monthly expenses.
Even if you’re just putting away $10-$20 per month, it can really help by saving money for when you’ll need it most. You may find you’re able to lean on this for a “free” canister of formula each month or other needs for your baby.
There are many ways to start saving money for your baby!
17. Don’t Mix Baby Formula Too Soon
Formula has a short shelf life, both once the canister is opened, and after you mix it. An opened can may last a month, if that, however, once it’s been mixed and poured into a bottle, it must be consumed within an hour. This can create a tricky situation.
Mixing formula too soon means you may have to dump it if it’s not consumed within the recommended timeline. That’s literally pouring money down the drain! Have powdered milk pre-measured, but hold off on mixing until it’s feeding time.
FAQs for How to Save Money on Baby Formula
How can I get free baby formula samples?
There are numerous ways to get free baby formula, and all you have to do is ask! Check with your pediatrician and look for rewards programs that provide free samples.
How can I build a formula stockpile?
Buying formula ahead of time and stocking up is a great way to save money, especially when they are on sale. You can also share coupons to friends and family and ask them to purchase on your behalf (with a reimbursement, of course).
Can I dilute baby formula to save money?
Absolutely not! Never dilute baby formula! Doing so can cause harmful effects to your child (such as water poisoning). Always mix the formula exactly how the package describes.
Can you tell me how to save money on Gerber formula?
Explore Gerber Deals on their site and keep an eye out for discounts on coupon sites as a way to save money on Gerber formula.
Conclusion
There is no reason to overspend on baby formula! Using coupons, signing up for rewards programs and using cash back or gift cards wisely, you can save more money on baby formula! Remember, store brand powdered formula is the cheapest option, and always follow instructions on the package!
While you’re here, check out our other awesome ways to save money on diapers and save money on baby stuff!
