I get emails from people all the time who are pregnant and find themselves couponing for the first time to try to make it work. So for all you lovely moms and moms-to-be, my Tuesday Tip for the next three weeks will be how you can save money on baby stuff.
Baby Formula
One of the most expensive things out there is baby formula. A year’s worth can cost close to $2,000. Most women have the intention of breast feeding and would just dismiss the formula option all together. But, my dad always told me to be prepared. You may want to breast feed but in the end it might not be possible. Or you may need to supplement with formula.
To prepare yourself for the high costs of formula, I recommend signing up for all the formula savings clubs while you are still pregnant. They will send you formula samples and will regularly mail you coupons for $1-$5 off any can of formula. Pairing these coupons with a sale, you could score some cheap formula. A few months ago, I was even able to score FREE formula using a sale at CVS. There are 3 major formula programs:
- Enfamil Family Beginnings Program HERE
- Similac Welcome Addition Program HERE
- Nestle Good Start Very Best Baby Program HERE
Now the time comes and you are able to breastfeed, what do you do with the samples and coupons? You have several options. You can donate the samples to a food bank or women’s shelter. You can give them to another mom you know. They usually have fairly long expiration dates so you’ll have time to figure it out. The coupons, however, can come in really handy! There are tons of moms out there who do formula feed and are in desperate need of these coupons. You can register with one of the coupon forums and trade them for other coupons that you need. My favorite forum is A Full Cup. Or if you can’t work out a good trade, you can always sell them on eBay. They usually fetch a pretty good price. To see current listings, go HERE.
Baby Toiletries
It’s never too soon to start stocking up on these items. Once you find yourself pregnant, start checking sale prices of these items. Any good couponer will tell you it can take 6-9 months to build up a good stockpile. If you start early, you’ll be prepared. You can usually get name brand products at CVS and Walgreens using coupons and pairing with a sale. Also check clearance sections. Several weeks ago Target had clearance baby items and pairing that with a manufacturer coupon and a Target coupon made for some really cheap products.
Also, be sure to register for these items. Babies R Us gives you a discount on items from your registry that you didn’t receive. They also take coupons, have sales and offer store coupons as well. If you time it right, you can score some sweet deals on everyday items. Also check websites like Diapers.com. They sell things other than diapers and they also take manufacturer coupons. (You mail the coupons in advance) Pairing coupons with a sale and discount codes from RetailMeNot could not only get cheap items but also have them delivered straight to your door!
Tune in next week for Part 2. It’s all about Baby Gear!
Shellie loves to share her frugal living tips as well as deals and bargains to help you get more with less. A spender at heart, she balances her frugal lifestyle with the occassional splurge. 
For baby toiletries — my babies have dry, sensitive skin so we were advised to use plain old Dove soap on them… which you can often get with a great sale. Just a more inexpensive option.
Some formula advise-
If you use formula ask you pediatrician for samples every time you go into their office. They have TONS. Some OBs offices also have it. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
You never know when you will need it. I have 3 children and each one has do something different. My first child nursed for 10 months and then I supplemented for the last 2 months b/c at that time I was 5 months pregnant with my 2nd child. My 2nd child nursed for 17 months. And my baby just up an quit on his own at 8 1/2 months so I have been using formula for the last 2 months. So if I would have been smart I would have never stopped buying it when you can get it for next to free.
When signing up for the formula clubs, always say that you plan to breastfeed. They will send you more/better samples and coupons, trying to reel you in. =)
About formula!!! With my 1st baby, she had reflux really bad and needed a special Good Start formula and it got VERY expensive. My 2nd baby also had reflux and I wanted to try everything before using the super expensive formula. I am using the Kirkland Brand formula from CostCo and I LOVE IT! It is $19.00 for 2 cans (It comes in a double pack). Honestly, it works better for her than any of the expensive stuff did. Her peditrician actually recommended it. It is just as good as the name brand stuff!!! Anyhow, in my opinion, if you plan to formula feed, it’s worth a try. The store brands must obey the same regulations as any other brand!!! Plus, it’s so much cheaper!!!
I’m sending the link to this post to my daughter. Just the perfect info for someone 3mo pregnant. Can’t wait for little Jellybean to be born.
Ginger/Jellybean’s Granny
Thank you SO MUCH for not only suggesting to breastfeed to save money. I get so tired of reading that because you are right, it is not always possible.
As for formula coupons, I often get really good ones at HEB that print out at the checkout. If anyone uses Enfamil, I’d be happy to send them my coupons next time I receive some.
You can just TELL that Wal-Mart’s brand, Target’s brand, and the Member’s Mark brand at Sam’s ARE Enfamil. They have all of the same packaging. (Same gold lid, same scoop, same everything.) Obviously, I have never been told this by one of the companies, but you really can tell. Also, and this is the most important thing–the nutrition information for those brands are EXACTLY the same as for Enfamil.
Buying it from Sam’s makes the most sense because you buy a giant can for $19. My son is 10 months old and goes through two cans a month, which means I spend $38 a month on formula. Granted, a true couponer could do better than that with name brands and all the hard-core couponing, but if that’s not going to work for you because you’re too busy or tired to do the work, Sam’s is a fabulous option.
Again, nobody has ever told me this and I don’t want to be responsible for the health of your baby.
But buy a can of each, compare, talk to your doctor, and I bet you’ll go with one of those off-brands if you choose not to go the couponing route.
Making your own baby formula is also an option. Combine 6 tablespoons of nonfat dry milk, 2 teaspoons of quality vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (ONLY REAL SUGAR—no alternatives) in one cup of purified water (boiled, pasteurized, etc.). Thoroughly mix all the ingredients and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before serving to your child. There’s some easy homemade baby food recipes here: http://tinyurl.com/pth9n9
I agree with the other comment thanking you for being open minded about women who CAN’T breastfeed. So many forums say breastfeed and it is so frustrating to those of us that have lactation problems. I’d breastfeed if I could!
I’ve been working out cost per oz. Kirkland formula is 38 cents per oz vs name brands at around 81 cents per oz. I’ve found the name brands at Costco to be no cheaper than at Target, and at Target you can use coupons and vendor checks!
I have to comment on your statement that “even nursing mothers may need to supplement with formula”.
When you supplement, the quality of your breast milk goes down. This is well documented (I strongly suggest Dr. Greene’s web sites & books for additional information).
The most recent study (Journal of American Pediatrics Association) demonstrates that regular/consistent breast feeding is the primary influence of high quality/high nutrient breast milk. Even if you eat all organic, take vitamins/supplements, etc … doesn’t matter unless you are consistent with breast feeding.
EVEN IF you don’t think you’re not producing enough milk – studies show, it’s better not to supplement with formula. Your baby’s body will wait & adapt. Even in 3rd world countries, where the mothers only eat rice & water, their breast milk is still higher in nutrients than formula.
Every study ever done (without exception) says breast milk is healthier than formula. If you need to use formula for some reason, I’m not judging. But make the decision – one or the other. Read the studies, & make your baby’s health your first priority. Don’t supplement.