How to Save Money on Infant Formula

Just as most new parents get accustomed to digging deep in their pockets to pay for disposable diapers for their newborn, they are hit with an even uglier reality: the cost of infant formula. Many parents choose to supplement breastfeeding with formula feedings, and other parents opt to formula feed exclusively. Either way, the price of today's infant formula is daunting. However, there are different ways to save money on infant formula while still keeping your new baby with a full tummy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Coupons and Samples

1. Register online with the major infant formula manufacturers.

2. Log on to the Enfamil, Similac, and Nestle webpages.

3. Choose the option to register with each company and fill in the requested information. Periodically these infant formula manufacturers will send samples and coupons to your mailing address.

4. Use these infant formula coupons the next time you shop for formula and save dollars off the regular price.

Choose Powder

5. While ready-to-drink liquid infant formula and liquid concentrate infant formula are very convenient, you can save a lot of money by using powdered infant formula.

6. Read the back of a can of powdered infant formula and compare it to the pre-made versions. The savings will be obvious.

7. To prepare powdered infant formula, just follow the mixing instructions on the back of the can. These are very specific and should be followed by the letter to ensure the freshness and safety of what you give to your baby.

Consider Generic Brands

8. Most generic brands of infant formula have very similar ingredients and nutrional values as the name brands, but come with a much lower price tag that can help you save money on infant formula.

9. Discuss with your child's pediatrician if generic brands of infant formula are suitable for your baby. Most likely they will give a resounding yes.

10. If in doubt of the contents of generic infant formula, just compare the back of the can with a can of name brand infant formula. In most cases, you will see very little difference in nutritional value.

11. Switch to the generic brands of infant formula to save a lot of money. The name brand infant formulas can cost twice as much as the generic brands.

Tips & Warnings

• Register with infant formula companies before your baby arrives and you'll have samples and coupons waiting when your baby is born.
• Some stores have consistently cheaper prices on infant formula. Find the stores in your area with the lowest prices on infant formula and shop there.
• Some babies do not do well with constant changes in infant formula. Find a cheaper brand and form of infant formula that your baby does well with, or use coupons on the name brands and try to stick to it.
• Babies with reflux and other digestive problems might require a special type of infant formula. Talk with your pediatrician about what type is best for your baby.

Resources

• Enfamil
• Similac
• Nestle