With the average baby drinking around 28 ounces of milk every day, it’s easy to see how it can cost as much as $1,500 for formula in the first year of your child’s life. For families on a tight budget and single parents, purchasing name-brand formula can be a struggle, and many turn to store brand formula, whilst feeling guilty that they can’t provide the best for their baby.
No Nutritional Difference
It’s a little-known fact that nutritionally, there’s no difference between most store brand formula and leading name-brand formula. Whilst there are some formulas which boast added DHA, all formula has to pass rigorous testing and approval with the FDA, so you can be sure it contains all the nutrients necessary for a healthy, happy baby.
Shop Smart
Even if you decide to buy store brand formula, it can still be a drain on your finances. With all the other things your baby needs, such as wipes, diapers and clothes, you might find yourself scrimping and saving every penny! But by being a smart shopper, you can save money whilst buying the best for your baby.
Get Clipping
Look in parenting magazines and the local paper for baby formula coupons – everyone knows that formula is expensive, so these magazines frequently offer money-off coupons or special deals on name-brand infant formula. Ask friends and family to keep an eye out for coupons and clip them for you; it’s easy to soon build up a stash which could see you saving hundreds of dollars through the course of the year! Many websites will offer a money-off coupon if you order formula, and some even offer a baby formula coupon just for registering for their mailing letter.
Buy Sensibly
Whilst it makes sense to buy in bulk, you should never buy more than what you need (and what your baby can consume), particularly if buying ready-to-feed formula. Formula will be wasted once the expiry dates are exceeded, so only buy as much as you think your baby will drink. With most websites offering next day delivery, you can easily order more if you run out. By choosing to shop online, not only can you make significant savings on baby formula, but many websites also run promotional events for customers, such as a sweepstake offering several months’ supply of free formula!
Try Before you Buy
Hospitals will often give out free formula samples, usually from leading name-brand formula manufacturers, and if you have twins or multiples then you can ask for samples from your pediatrician. It can take a while to determine which formula is best for your baby, and by using a baby formula coupon or free samples, you can ensure you’re not wasting money. Many websites will also offer free samples to new customers; or you could even ring the manufacturers directly to enquire.
Baby formula is expensive, but by following the above tips, it’s easy to save money whilst ensuring your baby grows into a happy, healthy toddler!
Walmart’s exclusive brand Parent’s Choice Formula was introduced in 1998, and is one of the leading baby formula brands in the USA today. The brand also offers a range of infant food including toddler formula, pediatric nutritional beverages and snacks including cereal bars and yogurt bites. Nutritionally comparable to leading brands, Parent’s Choice Formula meets FDA standards and could save parents $600 a year compared to purchasing name-brand formula. Look out for a baby formula coupon to save even more money on Parent’s Choice Formula.
