10 Ways to Save Money on Formula

Formula feeding in the first year can cost thousands per child, depending on the brand of formula you choose (Costco Kirkland Signature costs as little as $1,365 per child, for example, while Bobbie formula can cost as much as $3,180 per child). The cost per prepared ounce may also shift depending on whether you’re combining formula with any amount of breastmilk (though it’s worth noting that breastfeeding is also not free!). 

Shopping at a wholesale club like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s can come with big savings, especially on infant formula. The price per ounce of infant formula at these outlets is often significantly lower than the cost at other stores—even with the required membership cost. That’s even more true of store-brand formulas like Kirkland (Costco) and Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club), both of which were highly rated in CR’s recent infant formula contaminant tests.

Looking for infant formula deals? Sign up for your preferred formula brand’s rewards or loyalty program, which can land you discounts on future purchases. Joining Enfamil’s Family Beginnings Program, for example, can get you cash back on purchases, rewards points, free samples and even access to a nurse for questions about feeding. Baby’s Only offers a referral program, where you can share a unique link with a friend and you get $10 off a future purchase on the site and they get $10 off their first purchase. 

When you’re shopping around for your go-to formula, be sure to check out the unit cost. Generally speaking, the larger the container, the cheaper the cost per ounce, and so it follows that buying the biggest size container will actually save you money in the long run, provided that you’re able to use it all up before the “use by” date printed on the bottom of the can. For that reason, we also don’t recommend buying in bulk (more on the dangers of stockpiling formula below), but picking up the largest can you can find is a smart way to save.

If your infant is under 2 months of age, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system, or if you live in an area where tap water is not considered safe to drink or mix with powdered formula, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a ready-to-feed liquid formula, as it is considered sterile compared with powdered infant formula. However, ready-to-feed formulas are more expensive than powdered options. If your pediatrician considers powdered formula safe for your child, it can be a good way to save on formula. 

A simple way to score infant formula deals is to commit to a monthly subscription. Signing up for auto-delivery through a formula company’s website or through a store program like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save could help you save 5 to 15 percent on formula orders. Many subscription services also offer free shipping— which means fewer trips to the store for you.

Your pediatrician may have formula samples in the office for you to try out with your baby—testing a sample is a good way to see whether your baby tolerates a new formula before buying a full-sized can. In general, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician about ways you can save money on formula. Not only can they help you find a formula that’s right for your baby and your family’s budget, your provider may be able to suggest helpful resources in your community.

Joining your grocery store’s loyalty program can also pay off when it comes to saving cash on formula. Saving store rewards points to use for buying formula can help lower your costs. Also check local parenting groups’ websites for retailer coupons, in addition to your local paper for physical coupons you can clip and bring into the store. 

Generally, infant formula is not eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement unless you’re using a specialty infant formula that’s considered medically necessary. If your healthcare provider is able to prove that the infant formula your baby needs is a result of a medical condition, you may be able to get reimbursement for the difference in cost of that formula from standard infant formulas.

Wondering how to save money with a newborn? Government programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can go a long way toward making both formula and baby food more budget-friendly for families and caregivers who qualify. SNAP benefits are distributed through EBT debit cards and can be used to buy baby formula and other baby food. Some retailers allow you to combine SNAP benefits with other coupons so you can stack up the savings. 

In many cases, if you’re already eligible for SNAP, you can also apply for WIC, which provides participants with free formula (up to 14 cans per month per infant). While certain formulas from brands like Enfamil and Similac are eligible, not all brands are covered. Some specialty formulas may be eligible with a prescription from your pediatrician. WIC benefits can support pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum parents and children up to age 5. 

Check to see if you’re eligible for WIC or SNAP on the U.S. Department of Agriculture site.

Unfortunately, because baby formula is considered food, insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost, according to the e-commerce platform HSA store. Though if you’re using a specialty formula for medical purposes, you may be able to get your plan to cover it with a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider. Still, insurance plans are not always required to cover nutritional products like formula. 

They are required to cover breast pumps and some breastfeeding supplies, however, if breastfeeding is part of your feeding plan. Check in with your insurance provider for specific details. 

While formula is expensive and parents are understandably anxious to cut costs, it’s important to know that some money-saving measures are dangerous for your baby’s health and safety. Here’s what to avoid. 

Adding more water to powdered formula to make it last for extra feedings is dangerous for several reasons, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians: 

• Diluting formula can reduce its nutrient levels and affect your child’s growth
• It could cause an electrolyte imbalance that may lead to seizures

Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), FDA, and CDC all warn against making your own formula. Infant formula must meet precise nutritional requirements to support a baby’s healthy development, and too much or too little of those nutrients could have dangerous effects on your baby’s health. In addition, homemade formula may contain foodborne bacteria or other contaminants that could lead to baby getting sick or getting an infection.

The risk with buying large amounts of formula at once is that the quantity you purchase is likely to expire around the same time, and you may not be able to use it all before that point. Using infant formula past its “use by” date means that the nutritional value isn’t guaranteed, which may negatively affect your baby’s growth and development. 

Purchasing infant formula from a friend, acquaintance, or online from third-party websites also comes with risks: You can’t be certain how the formula was stored. Formula cans need to be kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature or nutrients may degrade. It also can be difficult to tell if a secondhand formula can has been opened, unsealed, or otherwise contaminated. It’s best to buy new cans from a verified retailer (though always be sure to check the expiration date and look for signs of damage on the can, even when new) and rely on the tips above to help you save money.