For whatever reason your baby is either supplemented with formula or fully formula fed, it’s an expense that can quickly add up. One month's worth of formula can easily cost you $150+ paying out of pocket. The cost can be even higher if your baby requires a more specialized formula. Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources in Utah that can help with the expense.
- Womens, Infants, Children (WIC): WIC is a state program that provides supplemental food to moms and children under the age of 5. If you qualify for WIC (by meeting the income and other requirements) you receive a set amount of formula each month. WIC is intended to supplement a family’s diet, and as such, some parents find they need to purchase a couple extra cans each month
- Pediatrician’s Office: You can often get free formula samples upon request from your child’s pediatric office. Why not ask while you’re there for your baby’s next doctor’s appointment? After your baby is born the hospital can also give you a sample can
- Formula Companies: By signing up with formula companies, including Similac, Enfamil and Gerber, you will receive generous free samples of formula. These samples are sent in the mail periodically after your baby is born. They also send several $5 off coupons you can use at most any stores that sell formula
- Warehouse Stores: Stores like Cost Co and Sam’s Club sell certain types of formula in large containers for less. If your baby needs a more specialized formula then this option probably won’t work. They sell both brand and store names (follow the links to see what is available at your local store)
- Local Websites: Several people post formula for sale on websites such as KSL and Craigslist. You can find some good deals and purchase directly form people that live in Utah near you
- Calling 1.800 Baby 123: If you don’t qualify for WIC, 1.800 Baby 123 may be able to help. To find out more, call the number and ask about formula coupons
- Shop Around: Whether you have coupons or not, formula prices vary by brand and type at different stores. An easy way to research prices is online by looking up the specific brand you use and taking note of the price differences
- Kid to Kid stores: A children’s and babies resale store, Kid to Kid, will take unopened cans of formula and resell them at a lower cost. Kid to Kid has locations throughout Utah
- Buying Generic: Buying generic formula is a great way to save cost as well. By signing up for emails or mailers with different stores (Walmart, Target and so on) you may receive additional formula coupons
- Mixing Brands: Some babies do best sticking with one brand, but others don’t seem to have a problem switching between brands. For example if you receive name brand with WIC, but need to purchase more and go for the store brands to save on cost
- Mom Groups Online: Social networking with other moms can give you opportunities to trade or purchase formula. You may even find some giving away free samples they received but will not be using
Along with these resources, be aware that formula samples sent from companies or formula received through the WIC program should not be resold. Samples will let you know directly on the can/package that they are intended to be samples and not resold. If a person is caught selling formula they received from WIC they can be removed from the program. That said, with a little planning there are still several ways you can get formula affordably.
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