Free Formula

There are few things in life that give me more pleasure than free baby formula. I don't know why, but my heart just sings when I look at a full stash of milk for my babies. I have a 2 month old right now, and though I am exclusively breastfeeding, I wasn't able to breastfeed two of my four kids, and having a supply of formula ready made me feel just a little less terrible about it. I likely won't need all this formula with this baby, but my sister is having a baby in a few months and might need it. I also donated 6 cans to the food bank last week because they were going to expire in a few months. So far all my kids have been able to tolerate all brands of formula, which makes building a supply easier. So, here are my tips for acquiring free formula:

1. Sign up on all the formula websites for freebies and coupons. Sign up for Enfamil, Similac, and Good Start. Now, if you want more you can umm. . .stretch the truth. . .and say that you are having twins, it is your first kid, and that you plan on breastfeeding and they will send you more. They want to convince you to give up breastfeeding for the ease of formula. You could also sign up with the names and addresses of grandparents, etc. if they don't mind getting the junk mail and packages. 

2. They will send you formula checks. Some will be for the full cost of a can of formula ($10, $15), but some will be for as little as $5. To get the best savings, use the coupons for as close to the cost of the item as you can. For example, I buy the boxes of ready-to-feed 2 oz bottles of formula (great to supplement with or leave with a babysitter if you are out of pumped milk) which cost $6 with the $5 checks. It used to be that some places would let you use more than one check per item but I haven't found those lately. I also just throw away any checks for less than $4 because the savings isn't worth the cost of the item (i.e. $4 off a $14 can of formula is still too expensive).

3. The next tip is to request samples EVERY TIME you go to a pediatrician, your OB/GYN, or even a lactation consultant. I even started this when I was pregnant. With 4 kids we make quite a few trips to the pediatrician and each time he gives me at least 4 or 5 cans of formula. 

4. My final tip is to watch he expiration dates on formula checks and cans. Make sure that if they are going to expire before you can use them to give them to someone who needs them. I don't feel comfortable selling them on the internet, but a lot of people do. I think it is better to give them to another mom who can't breastfeed or to donate them.

It is helpful for me to remember that by getting free formula, the only person who is losing out is the gigantic formula companies who make a ridiculous about of money. At least that helps me not feel excessive and indulgent when admiring my stash of formula!