Register with Formula Manufacturers

This is the single biggest way to save. All the major brands of formula offer programs that provide coupons, samples, and more. Before I had my first baby, I signed up for everything baby related I could find. As a result, I ended up with six full size cans of formula, two boxes of single-serve formula packets, a couple of diaper bags, a bottle, and a few other goodies. Aside from all the freebies, baby formula companies periodically send out checks or coupons for dollars off their products. The links below will take you to the formula manufacturers’ websites.

• Enfamil Savings Program
• Similac Savings Program
• Good Start Savings Program

Clip Coupons

You may not find a lot of formula coupons in the Sunday paper, but there are plenty of other places to find them. First, check online. Just do a Google search for “baby formula coupons” and start printing. Coupons can also be found for sale on Ebay and for free through Freecycle. In the real world, formula coupons often appear in parenting magazines and yes, occasionally in the Sunday paper. One more coupon tip: keep an eye out for dollars off coupons to stores like Target or Babies R Us that can be used when purchasing formula.

Buy Generic

Some of you may be appalled at the idea of feeding generic formula to your baby. Before you panic, consider this: the FDA regulates all baby formula that is sold in the United States and all formula brands must adhere to the same nutritional standards. With that in mind, consider this: most of the name brand formulas cost about $26 for 25.7 ounces while many store brands cost about half as much.

Buy in Bulk

I’m not a huge fan of wholesale clubs like Sam’s, Costco, or BJ’s but when it comes to infant formula, there are significant savings to be found. You can usually get both name brand and store brand formula at wholesale clubs. Depending on the brand, you can find them ranging in price from $0.40 per ounce to about $0.80 per ounce. You can save even more by using your formula checks or coupons at these stores.