How To Save Money on Infant Formula

When we were expecting Maya, our first baby, I was all gungho about breastfeeding 100%. Mother's milk is best. Unfortunately, my milk production was pathetic at best. So, formula it had to be. For those of you who have bought formula, you know how expensive it is. Both Enfamil and Similac run about $15-$17 per 12 oz. It's slightly cheaper if you get the bigger containers but it's still expensive!

Here are some ways to help save on formula:

- See if you qualify for WIC
This is a federal program funded by your local county. If you meet income requirements, they will offer checks to help you buy formula

- If you don't qualify for WIC, talk to your pediatrician. They often get samples. Mine has generously given us cases of formula each time.

- Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings and Similiac Strong Moms

If you're expecting Enfamil will even give you a coupon to redeem at your hospital. Mine didn't have the welcome packages but a quick email to Enfamil solved the problem: they kindly sent me: The diaper bag, insulated bottle carrier, a formula sample, a plastic Peter Rabbit bowl, a baby vibrating toy and some rebate checks with a $15 mail in rebate form.

I've just signed up for Similiac Strong Moms so I can't say what to expect yet but Enfamil regularly sends my $1-$5 rebate checks in the mail which you can use as coupons at your retailer.

From time to time, you can also print coupons off for either formula


- If you have a Costco membership, they have issued coupons for discounts off Enfamil as well. I'll keep you posted on them when they do appear.

- Remember, except for Costco and Sam's Club, you can always use one manufacturer + one store coupon per purchase (this applies to stores like Target and the drug stores) In addition to that, you can increase savings by using mail-in rebates (when available). Sometimes Target also offers $5 gift cards with purchase of two boxes of formula.

- Finally, you can consider stacking your formula purchase with grocery store promotions. For example, Safeway and King Scoopers are currently offering $0.10 off/gallon of gas for every $100 spent on your club card (up to $1 off). In addition, Safeway is currently offering $10 Catalina coupons (these spit out at the register) when  you buy $75 worth of goods.

If you have more tips on how to save on formula, I'll be happy to add it to this post!