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We all want the best for our children and we all want the best for our wallets. Having a baby is really expensive but there are ways to save on the necessities like clothes, diapers, and even how to save on baby formula.
While I breastfed for 18 months, we supplemented for roughly 5 weeks. Formula isn’t cheap and we researched how we could save money on it when we needed to.
And if your first response to “How can I save on baby formula?” is to breastfeed please slowly back away from your keyboard. Breastfeeding isn’t easy. It’s not for everyone and it just might not work for a family.
If you’re here to find out ways to save on baby formula, I have five amazing tips that helped us save that will also help you save money on formula.
How To Save On Baby Formula
Sign Up For Deals With The Brand
Sign up for brand name formula checks and coupons online while you’re pregnant. Think Gerber, Similac, and Enfamil to name a few. These brands will send you coupons, formula checks, and even samples of formula.
Formula checks we received were often for $5. Some coupons were as large as $7.
Coupons and Store Rewards
In addition to the savings directly from the brands, check sales and weekly circulars from stores in your area. Check coupon websites for printable coupons often. Call your friends and family to see if they get the weekly coupons or can print off coupons using their IP address. They say it takes a village so reach out to the village!
Coupons.com is my go-to for savings. It lets you filter by baby items making it easier to filter out unnecessary products.
You can also participate in coupon swaps with friends and family or look on your local Buy, Sell, Trade pages for coupons for the formula you need. If you’re using Enfamil but have a Similac coupon or check, post in your public group what you have and that you want to trade. Everyone saves. Everyone’s fed.
In addition to coupons, store rewards are a great way to save a little extra money. You can also use coupons when purchasing with your rewards points unless otherwise stated in the fine print.
Free Baby Formula Samples
Your pediatrician will have samples of formula ready to give out but often it’s forgotten about! In the doctor’s office when my son was a month old we needed formula and, rookie mistake, we didn’t have any to feed him.
Our doctor whips open her drawer and hands us an entire box of ready to eat Enfamil bottles. He gulped down one bottle while we discussed our son’s well being.
Ask.
They have it.
And it might go to waste.
When we left the hospital after I had given birth to my son, we were given diapers, wipes, cream, and formula to go home with. Ask. I was so happy we had that formula when we got home knowing my son’s blood sugar had been low.
Amazon Prime and Amazon Family
Joining Amazon Family was one of the best decisions we made. We still check our local circulars for sales, but more often than not we’re saving more by having certain items on Subscribe and Save. Everything is delivered to our door on a set day of the month with an extra discount for signing up for Subscribe and Save!
Click my affiliate link in the banner below to learn about Amazon Family and sign up for savings!
Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk is tricky, but can work if you’ve found the right formula for your child and the store carries it.
You can also buy in bulk online from Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. You can even check Amazon Family for your bulk order! We price things out monthly prior to ordering and make savings decisions as needed.
You might not get the biggest savings from shopping in bulk so it’s always best to price items out before making a purchase.
If you haven’t found the one formula, do not buy in bulk!
Additional Tips
If you can switch to store brand for an additional savings, do so! One of the biggest pieces of advice I always give is if you find something that works stick with it. This goes from diaper choices, feeding choices, whatever parenting decision you make. If it works and everyone is happy, keep at it.
You might be able to check with your insurance company to see if your insurance will cover a prescribed formula. This won’t work for everyone, but if your baby has a special need it never hurts to call and look into it.
You can always check to see if you qualify for WIC in your area.
Additionally, pass on your savings tips. We all like a little extra money in our wallets. If you found a little pot of gold, share with a mom friend who might need it!
How did you save money on formula?
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I just want to say I love this! I “combo” feed my baby. I have a very low milk supply so I’ve had to supplement with formula. On top of that, she has a milk protein allergy so it is hypoallergenic formula (SUPER EXPENSIVE!). Our pediatrician hooked us up, which was great. I also hit Target deals, when you spend a certain amount and get gift cards, which then go back on formula or diapers! 🙂 Breastfeeding is super hard and sometimes are bodies work against us. Thank you for the awesome post! I will be sharing!
Thanks for your comment! My son also has a milk protein allergy! I hope they both outgrow it!
Costco’s Kirkland brand is the best price I’ve been able to find on formula. $16.99 for the big 32oz. container. And, it’s the exact same formula as Similac Advanced which is $34.99. Winning!
What a great tip! That’s such a huge savings!