In the excitement of welcoming a new baby into the world, you may be shocked to discover just how much everything your baby needs will cost. If you are planning to feed your new infant a type of baby formula, finding at a price that fits your budget can be a struggle. Here are five tips for getting the formula you need without going broke.
- Don't buy large quantities at first.
Many new parents make the mistake of rushing out and buying in bulk right away. After all, bulk purchases can save you a lot of money. However, infants and their digestive systems do not always agree with our plans. The last thing you need is to purchase a large tub or have huge cans given to you only to discover the baby will not drink it or is allergic to the ingredients.
Buy your formula in small increments at first. If you have to throw away the rest, the financial hit will be smaller. If you end up with open tubs you can't use, offer them to other mothers you know before you pitch it in the trash.
- Try out comparable store brands.
Once you're confident of your baby's ability to digest a certain formula, try out a store brand. Some store brands list the same percentages and ingredients as national brands, but at a fraction of the cost. Moving to a store brand can save you a ton of money, and some mothers find their infants don't seem to know the difference at all.
- Sign up for coupons and samples.
Once you're sure of your brand, do a search online and find the manufacturer's official website. Sign up for their newsletter or other perks and you will likely be showered with coupons and, possibly, free samples. Many companies that make formula also make baby food, clothing, diapers and other items all new parents need, so sign up early to get the most deals.
- Find the best price per ounce.
Armed with your coupons, take some time while your baby naps to ferret out the best price in town. If you're confident shopping online, check retailers there as well. While large retailers such as Walmart or Target may offer the best price, some smaller retailers such as RiteAid or CVS may offer more attractive coupon doubling policies that makes their prices more attractive. Also check out the local grocery stores.
- Sign up for rewards programs and stack your savings.
Once you've found the cheapest formula in town for your needs, sign up for any of the frequent shopper rewards programs that particular store offers. Some programs may offer you cents off of gas purchases, while others may offer you a discount on future purchases. If you have a rewards credit card, pay with it and accrue rewards there as well!
