Tricks of the Trade: Saving on Formula

I am officially done with the Formula stage with my second child (and have been for a month or so now). We do plan to have more kids one day so I can’t say that I am officially done in life but I tell you – FORMULA IS EXPENSIVE! I know, I’m most likely preaching to the choir if you’re reading this but the sticker shock doesn’t really seem to go away for me!

A friend of mine emailed me a while back – before I started this blog – and asked me how to save on formula. Below is what I told her. Theses are my tricks that I used to save on formula.  (Obviously nursing is the most cost effective way of feeding a baby but that’s not always practical for everyone).

1. When comparing formula you’ll want to figure out the cost per ounce and compare based on that number – not can to can. Since containers come in different sizes at different stores  you’ll want to use cost per ounce vs. cost of the jar/can. (You figure this by dividing the cost of the can/jar by the number of ounces)
2. Sign up for EVERY free sample you can find! Free is the cheapest you can get! Even Sam’s Club (Members Mark) has a free sample on their website (you don’t have to be a member to get the sample).  Good Start, Enfamil, Similac, Walmart brand (Parent’s Choice)…they all have samples. There maybe more companies out there but I can’t think of any more off the top of my head. When you sign up for the big brands (Enfamil, Similac, Good Start) they’ll add you to their database and mail you “checks” and coupons for their products. These are great to match up with sales to get the most for your money.  If you have friends with babies that don’t use the brand of formula you use why not ask them for their coupons? (You can click here to sign up with Enfamil – I do make a few cents when you sign up through my link).
3. Keep your eyes out for sales everywhere formula is sold…including Babies R Us, Walmart, Target, Drugstores (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens) and all the grocery stores.
4. Buy Generic when you don’t get good deals on brand names. If you don’t mind generic then this will be the best value for your dollar. I used generic with both of my girls. I bought my generic at Sam’s Club. It is “equivalent” to Enfamil but cost is 1/3 less!  I haven’t bought it for a while but it was $20 for GIANT can – I think the cost is still the same. I also bought generic brands at Walmart and Target – these 2 stores offer a generic for the “Next Step” variety.  I think Costco has a generic variety as well but I don’t shop there so I don’t know for sure.
5. Stock up! When you find a good deal…take advantage and stock up! In my head I don’t stock up because I think I don’t want to spend that much at one time but I am THANKFUL when I do because I know I got the best deal and I don’t have to shop as often for it. (This principal is true for everything you buy!)
6. Look into the rewards program at Babies R Us.  Their program buy 9 cans and you’ll get the 10^th free (through a coupon in the mail I think). I don’t know a lot about this program but if you use your checks and buy the formula when it goes on sale there then you’ll probably get the best deal out there. You can click here to read more about it.

Now that you know how to save some $$ when you buy formula let me remind you that it is NEVER a good idea to water down formula. This is dangerous for babies as they can end up with too much water in their system and not enough nutrients.

So those are my tips for getting good deals on formula – How about you? How did you or do you save when it comes to buying formula?

(In case you missed it you can click here to see my tips on saving on diapers)

Related posts:

1. Tricks of the Trade – Saving on Diapers!
2. Store Brand Formula
3. Tricks of the Trade: Get the Most Grocery Shopping!

Aimee   |  Tricks of the Trade   |  08/11/09    |    Print This Post