9 Ways to Save Money on Baby Formula

Baby formula can be one of the biggest expenses during your baby’s first year—and with most babies needing formula for at least 12 months, those costs can add up fast. If you’re looking to save money overall on baby stuff, there’s good news: There are plenty of ways to save on formula without compromising on your little one’s nutrition or safety. Opting for store brands, utilizing a variety of discounts and applying for government programs can all help reduce the cost of formula and make feeding your baby more affordable.

Here are nine different ways to save money on baby formula.

Choose Cost-Effective Formula Options

Opt for Store Brands

One of the easiest ways to save money on baby formula is by choosing store-brand options, which can cost up to 50% less per ounce than name brands like Similac and Enfamil. Our favorite store-brand formulas include up&up at Target (our top pick for affordable baby formula), Parent’s Choice at Walmart and Kirkland at Costco (you need a Costco membership, which costs $65 per year). 

One 36-ounce can of Target’s up&up Advantage Premium formula costs just under $40, or $1.10 per ounce. That’s less than half the price of Enfamil’s Enspire Optimum formula, which costs $47 for a 20.5-ounce can, or $2.29 per ounce.

All infant formula sold in the US—including store brands—is regulated by the FDA, which means it must meet the same nutritional standards as name-brand options. So store brands make cost-effective alternatives that still provide the nutrients your baby needs. Many store brands even offer specialized formulas for sensitive tummies, colic, dairy allergies and other common feeding issues, so you don’t have to compromise on meeting your baby’s specific needs.

Up&up 
Advantage Premium Powder Infant Formula - 36oz

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Add to Babylist

target.com$39.49

Parent's Choice  
Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron - 33.2 oz

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Add to Babylist

walmart.com$26.98

Kirkland Signature 
ProCare with Dual HMO's, Non-GMO Infant Formula 42 oz, 2-...

Buy

Add to Babylist

costco.com$63.99

Choose Powdered Formula vs. Ready-to-Feed

Pre-mixed, ready-to-feed formula can be convenient since it doesn’t require any extra water, measuring or mixing, but it’s also more expensive than powdered formula. Here’s an example: a 30.8-ounce tub of Similac 360 Total Care powdered formula costs about $45 and will make about 54 four-ounce bottles; compare that to the ready-to-feed version of the same brand, which gets you about 29 four-ounce bottles for the same price.

While powdered formula requires a little more effort to prepare, following the instructions carefully and using the right water-to-powder ratio can help you avoid waste. Prepared bottles of powdered formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, so you can save yourself time by making a day’s supply all at once. A formula pitcher is a convenient way to prep a day’s worth of formula in advance (same with a formula maker, though they can be pretty costly upfront).

Consider Buying in Bulk

Buying formula in bulk is another way to bring down the cost per ounce. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club (which you need to pay membership fees to shop at) often offer larger tubs or multi-packs at a discount, both for store brands and name brands. For example, you can get 40 ounces of Enfamil NeuroPro Care Gentlease for $59 at Costco, whereas a 27.4-ounce can of the exact same formula will cost $52 at other retailers—that’s 46% more formula for only 13% more money.

You can also sometimes find bulk deals through online retailers like Amazon, especially when you buy multi-packs or family-size containers. Just be sure to check that it’s sold by a reputable retailer (be wary of third-party marketplace sellers), the expiration date hasn’t passed and that you can use all the formula before it expires.

Buy Online with Subscription Services

Buying baby formula through a subscription service can often include special subscription or loyalty discounts. Amazon, Walmart and even some formula brands like ByHeart and Bobbie offer discounts of anywhere from 5%-15% per auto-delivery order.

Not sure how often you’ll need your formula delivered? You can usually adjust delivery frequency as needed or use a “ship now” option if you run out faster than expected. Subscriptions are also a convenient way to avoid last-minute trips to the store or the stress of dealing with formula shortages.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Coupons

Sign Up for Formula Brand Rewards Programs

While they may not reduce the cost of formula immediately, rewards programs can help you save money over time. Major brands like Similac, Enfamil and Gerber offer things like free formula samples, coupons and discounts both when you sign up for their loyalty program and once you've bought a certain amount of formula from that brand (you may have to submit your store receipts, usually via an app, for proof of purchase). Similac, for example, frequently gives $5-off coupons for formula purchases, and Enfamil gives you 10 rewards points for every dollar you spend on Enfamil formula.

While some babies will end up sticking to just one formula brand for their entire first year, signing up for more than one rewards program can increase your chances of getting a variety of good deals and give you more flexibility if you ever need to switch between formula brands.

Look for Manufacturer & Retailer Coupons

This pro tip takes a little more research than others, but some formula brands and retailers offer coupons and rebates directly on their websites or on their apps. Deal websites and shopping platforms like Ibotta and Rakuten often have cashback offers on formula purchases. You’ll have to check back often, or you can sign up for automatic text or email alerts when deals are available.

You can also check your local Sunday paper for additional coupons—some brands still offer paper coupons that can be used in stores. Parenting websites and social media may also be a good resource for sales and deal alerts, especially if you’re part of a parenting group or deal-hunting group (so others can do the researching for you).

Use Government and Community Resources

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program

Government programs like WIC can make a big difference for families who qualify. WIC provides designated funds for free formula (about one can per week per baby) to qualifying families based on income. You can use WIC funds at major grocery stores and retailers, and several major brands of baby formula are eligible, including Similac, Enfamil, Nutramigen and Nestle—availability depends on your location and what specific WIC food program you qualify for. The program also covers specialized formulas for babies with allergies or feeding issues as long as you have a prescription from your pediatrician. 

You can quickly check to see if you’re eligible for WIC, and you can apply for benefits through your local WIC location. If you do qualify, WIC benefits can significantly reduce your formula costs and your overall grocery bills. WIC also provides free breastfeeding education and other nutrition resources for both babies and adults.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, can also be used to buy baby formula based on your income. SNAP benefits are distributed through EBT debit cards, which are accepted at most major grocery stores and retailers, and some stores allow you to combine SNAP benefits with manufacturer coupons for additional savings. SNAP benefits/EBT cards work for all brands of infant formula, and you don’t need a prescription for specialty formulas like with WIC.

Check on the USDA website to see if you qualify for SNAP benefits, and you can apply at your local SNAP office.

Local Food Banks and Charities

Local food banks and charities may also have free formula available for families in need. Checking with your local food bank, community health center or even your pediatrician’s office can help you find resources. Pediatricians often have connections with formula manufacturers and may have samples or know of programs that can help you get formula at a reduced cost or for free.

How NOT to Save Money on Formula

While there are plenty of ways to save money on formula, some strategies can be dangerous for your baby’s health. Here’s how to make sure you’re not cutting unnecessary corners to keep costs down.

Be Cautious with Secondhand Formula

While it might be tempting to accept an extra can of formula from a friend or buy it secondhand to save money, there can be risks with secondhand formula, so it’s important to be cautious. Only accept formula from trusted sources—as mentioned above, be wary of third-party sellers online in places like Facebook Marketplace, Amazon and Walmart—and make sure it’s sealed and not expired. 

Expired or improperly stored formula can pose health risks, including bacterial contamination. If you’re ever unsure about the safety of a particular formula, it’s better to skip it.

Don’t Water Down Formula

One of the most important rules of formula feeding is to ensure you’re measuring the manufacturer-recommended water-to-formula ratio. Never water down formula to make it last longer—diluting formula reduces the concentration of nutrients, which the American Pediatrics Association says can lead to serious health issues like malnutrition, developmental delays and seizures. Only adjust your baby’s formula ratio if you’re specifically advised to do so by your baby’s pediatrician.

If you’re struggling to afford formula, even with any of the nine safe strategies above, don’t risk your baby’s nutrition by adjusting their formula consistency or feeding schedule. Instead, reach out to your pediatrician for help. Your baby’s health is the highest priority, and their doctor will have resources and advice to ensure baby’s needs are met without breaking the bank.