How to Get Free Baby Formula

If you’re formula-feeding your baby, you may find yourself struggling with the extra expense. Many parents end up spending more than $1,400 in their baby’s first year on formula alone!^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source} Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get formula for free or at low cost. If you’re still trying to figure out what works for your baby, it’s easy to score free samples from formula companies. Depending on your income, you might also qualify for free formula from government assistance programs or charities.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Government or Charity Programs

1
Apply for WIC to get free formula vouchers if you’re in the U.S. If you live in the U.S. and meet the income requirements, you may qualify for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. This is a good option if you need a little help getting formula and other supplies to feed your growing family. If you qualify, you can get checks or vouchers for free formula from participating stores and companies. Visit your state government’s website to find out how to apply, or call the local toll-free number to apply for benefits in your state. You may also be able to get help applying from a representative at your hospital.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Find your local WIC website here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B1%5D=program%3A32. This directory also lists the phone numbers and email contacts for state WIC offices.
- You’ll need to provide documents such as proof of income (e.g., recent paystubs or bank statements) and state residency (such as a state ID or a utility bill addressed to you).
- The income requirements are based on the size of your family. For example, for 2019-2020, a family of 3 would need to make no more than $39,461 per year, while a family of 4 would have a maximum income limit of $47,638 per year.
2
Check the resources at a nearby women’s clinic or pregnancy center. Sometimes clinics or health centers for low-income women and families can provide free formula and other baby products to their patients. If you’re in a pinch and need some help getting formula for your baby, do a search for “women’s clinic near me” or “pregnancy center in my area.” Contact the clinic to find out what kinds of resources they can provide.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You might need to provide income information in order to qualify for assistance or get free supplies.
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3
Request formula from your local food pantry. Food pantries, soup kitchens, and organizations such as churches, temples, and community centers are also good places to look for formula and other baby care products when you’re struggling financially. Reach out to one of these organizations in your area and ask if they can help you get the formula you need.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Some national charities like Feeding America partner with local food pantries and other organizations to help people get food for their families, including baby formula. Visit the Feeding America website to search for a food bank or pantry near you.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Free Samples

1
Ask for free samples at the hospital when your baby is born. Many hospitals give out samples of various baby products to new parents, including formula. If you don’t get a formula sample, ask if they have any on hand.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source} You might also be able to get samples from your OB/GYN or pediatrician.^{[6]XExpert SourceRebecca Nguyen, MA
International Board Certified Lactation ConsultantExpert Interview. 10 June 2019.}
- This is a good opportunity to ask your doctor or pediatrician for guidance on what kind of formula might work best for your little one. Discuss your baby’s dietary needs and whether you plan to use formula exclusively or as a supplement to breastfeeding.
- Some hospitals and healthcare providers no longer give out formula samples due to the World Health Organization’s recommendations against marketing formula to new parents.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceWorld Health OrganizationHealth information and news provided by the World Health OrganizationGo to source} In other cases, you might have to sign a waiver or get a prescription before the hospital will offer you formula.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you get free formula samples from your hospital or doctor’s office, there’s a good chance that they will be more expensive, brand-name products. Just keep in mind that if you choose to stick with these brands, you may not save money in the long run.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
Sign up for rewards programs with formula companies to get freebies. Many companies that make baby formula will send out free samples if you sign up for their mailing lists or rewards programs. If you want to try different brands of formula before you buy them, this is a great option! Visit the company’s website and see if you can sign up for free samples and other perks.^{[10]XResearch source}
- A few companies that offer free samples include Enfamil, Similac, Gerber, and Nestle.
- Other companies, like Nature’s One and Parent’s Choice, offer samples at discounted prices or for only the cost of shipping. As of May 2020, the Nature’s One free sample program is temporarily suspended due to high demand for their products.^{[11]XResearch source}
3
Visit free sample websites to check for formula deals. There lots of websites that can help you find freebies online. While you’re not always guaranteed to find what you’re looking for, there’s a chance you might stumble across formula samples or other baby products. Try websites like:
- WomenFreebies.com, which features a baby products category
- FreeStuff.com, which is also helpfully divided up by category
- InternetStealsandDeals.net
- SampleADay.com, which features samples from companies in the U.K., Australia, and Canada as well as the U.S.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Coupons and Savings

1
Buy powdered formula to get more product for your money. Powdered formulas cost less than pre-mixed or liquid options. They also have a longer shelf-life, so you’re less likely to end up throwing them away before you use them up. If possible, stick to powdered formulas that you can mix yourself.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
- You can usually save money by buying a big can instead of a smaller one. Once you know what kind of formula works best for your baby, buy it in bulk to get a better deal.
2
Experiment with store-brand formulas to avoid brand-name prices. Generic or store-brand options are usually cheaper than well-known brands. They’re also required by law to meet the same standards for quality and nutritional value as brand-name formulas, so you can rest assured that you’re still giving your baby the nutrients they need. Look for a generic or store-brand formula that’s similar to the brand-name version you like best.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Check the label for comparisons to brand-name products to help you find the closest match.
3
Get formula from discount stores for better deals. Discount and big-box stores such as Walmart, Costco, and Target often sell formula at lower prices than other retailers. If your usual grocery store is charging outrageous prices for your baby’s formula, check stores like these to see what kinds of deals you can find.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
- You may also be able to get better prices by ordering from online retailers.
- Do an online search for the product you’re interested in so you can compare prices for the same formula at several different stores.
4
Look for formula coupons online, in magazines, and in stores to cut costs. Coupons are a quick and easy way to save a lot of money on formula. Check weekly store ads, flip through parenting magazines, or go online to look for deals. The next time you go shopping for formula, remember to bring your coupons with you.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
- You can also get coupons directly from the manufacturer. Check your favorite formula company’s website or look on any cans you recently purchased to find coupons.
- You can also try coupon websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com to find discounts and deals.
5
Sign up for discounts from formula companies for special deals. In addition to offering free samples, many formula companies offer coupons and discounts to loyal customers. Visit your favorite formula brand’s website and see if you can join a rewards club or mailing list to get deals.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- You might also be able to get discounts through a store membership. For instance, many drug stores offer reduced prices or special deals to customers who have membership cards.
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Tips

If you’re having a baby, prepare ahead by requesting formula on your baby registry. Ask for small containers, though, since you won’t know what type of formula is best for your baby until after they’re born.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceConsumer ReportsNonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testingGo to source}
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Some babies need special or prescription formula to meet their dietary needs. In these cases, your insurance might cover some or all of the cost of the formula.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
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If your pediatrician says it’s okay, stick to feeding your baby formulas that are made from cow’s milk. These tend to be less expensive than other options.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
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Warnings

You may have seen posts going around on social media saying that you can get free formula by calling the number on the formula container if stores run out. Unfortunately, this is not true. While formula companies will sometimes send free samples to customers, they won’t ship you free full-sized containers.^{[20]XResearch source}
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Never use expired infant formula, formula that smells spoiled, formula that looks contaminated, or formula that was opened or damaged before you got it.
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