We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.
Baby formula can be expensive, and it’s a necessary expense for parents.
Parents typically spend between $50 to $100 on formula in the first month of their baby’s life. This often leads parents to seek alternatives and ways to obtain free baby essentials, such as formula.
Good news! There are numerous ways you can get free formula. Access free baby formula through the resources below, ranging from small sample sizes to full, retail-sized cans.
Here’s a guide on how to do it:
Register with formula manufacturers
Sign up for online accounts with formula manufacturers to get free baby formula. Many companies offer this option on their websites. By registering, you can access various benefits, including free formula.
Here are some manufacturers to sign up with:
1. Similac
- Sign up at: https://similac.com/strongmoms.
When you join the Similac Strong Moms program, you’ll unlock a range of rewards, including coupons and free samples of Similac formula. Plus, you can enjoy savings and benefits worth up to $400.
Signing up for a Similac account is completely free, so don’t miss out on the chance to join the Strong Moms program and receive a free formula!
2. Enfamil
Enfamil, another formula manufacturer, provides free samples through its Family Beginnings program. By joining, you can receive benefits such as complimentary formula samples delivered by mail, complimentary baby bottle samples, and coupons for formula.
The program offers up to $325 in free gifts for both you and your baby. Coupons and savings are delivered either by email or regular mail.
3. Gerber
- Sign up at: https://www.gerber.com/registration.
To receive Gerber formula samples, join the MyGerber program. This program offers useful tools for parenting advice and tips. Additionally, members gain access to exclusive offers and coupons.
Some claim you can receive free baby samples, such as full-sized Gerber formula and a Gerber bib. Sign up for a MyGerber account and reach out to the company to request free samples of baby formula.
4. Nature’s One
Nature’s One offers a free baby formula program for registered customers. Through this program, you can request a free sample of nearly any product available.
To get your free sample, visit the product page of the item you’re interested in and click the “try it for free” button. After that, complete a quick and easy survey. Once done, the product will be added to your shopping cart automatically.
One fantastic aspect of this program is that the samples are full-sized, providing you with a substantial trial experience. However, you will need to cover the shipping costs.
To take advantage of this offer, simply visit the website and register for an account.
5. Nestle
- Sign up at: https://www.nestle-baby.ca/en/register/begin.
Are you looking for free baby formula? Consider joining the Nestlé Baby Program.
As a member, you can receive up to $130 in free gifts.
Signing up is simple – just register on their website and answer a few questions.
Once registered, you’ll get access to benefits, including infant formula samples, nutrition samples, exclusive savings, special offers from partners, coupons, and parenting tips and guides.
Free baby formula for low-income families
If your family has a low income, you could qualify for free samples from some organizations. Here are two options to explore:
6. Check out WIC
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a government initiative to assist low-income mothers.
WIC offers federal grants to states, enabling them to provide supplemental foods and support to eligible women through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program.
State agencies supply free baby formula to mothers who aren’t breastfeeding.
If you have a low income, you may qualify for free formula through WIC.
- Learn more about WIC: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/frequently-asked-questions-about-wic
- Check your eligibility: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-eligibility-requirements
7. Contact local food banks
Many people aren’t aware that local food banks offer free baby formula.
While not all food banks provide it, many do. Reach out to food banks in your area and inquire if they have any free baby formula available.
- To find local food banks, visit this website: http://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/
Other ways to get baby formula for free
Below are additional resources where you might find free baby formula occasionally.
8. Talk to your doctor
You can get free baby formula and other samples by talking to medical professionals. Hospitals often give new parents a free diaper bag when they have a baby. Your doctor or pediatrician may also have free formula available.
Simply contact your local hospital and doctor’s office to inquire about any free samples they offer. It’s worth asking, as doctors often receive samples to distribute to patients, but may forget. Just ask politely – they might say no, but it never hurts to try.
9. Target Baby Registry
If you’re having a baby, think about setting up a registry.
At Target, if you make a baby registry, you’ll receive a welcome kit with $50 worth of coupons and samples.
This could be a great way to score some free infant formula samples.
10. Amazon Baby Registry
If you are expecting, think about creating a baby registry with Amazon.
Prime members who sign up for Amazon’s Baby Registry receive a 15% completion discount and other exclusive savings.
You’ll also receive a welcome box valued at $35. The contents of the box vary, but you might receive samples such as baby bottles and formula.
- Sign up at: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/homepage
How do I get emergency baby formula?
If you need free baby formula quickly, reach out to your child’s doctor or nearby hospital. They may provide you with free samples until you can apply for formula through WIC.
Even if you’re not currently getting WIC benefits, contact your local WIC office to learn about nearby resources for free formula until you can apply.
Does EBT cover formula?
If you get SNAP benefits (previously known as food stamps), you can use your EBT card to buy baby formula from certain stores. You can also buy baby food and cereal as your child gets older.
If you qualify for SNAP benefits, you’re also eligible for WIC. You can sign up for both programs at the same time. This lets you save your EBT money to buy food for you and other family members.
To find out if you’re eligible for SNAP, look into your state’s rules and how to apply.
The bottom line
As a new parent, you know that feeding your baby is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their health and well-being. While baby formula can be quite expensive, you should never compromise on your child’s nutrition. However, as a smart and savvy parent, you should also explore all the options available to you to save some money on baby formula so that you can allocate those funds towards other expenses like diapers, clothes, and toys.
One way to save money on baby formula is to look for coupons, discounts, and promotions from manufacturers or retailers. You can check their websites and social media pages or sign up for their email newsletters to stay updated on the latest deals and offers. Many stores also offer loyalty programs or reward points you can accumulate and redeem for discounts or free products, including baby formula.
Another way to save money on baby formula is to buy in bulk or larger sizes. This can be especially beneficial if you find a brand or type of formula that your baby likes and tolerates well. You can also consider buying generic or store-brand formulas, which can be significantly cheaper than the big-name brands. However, always read the labels and ingredients carefully to ensure that the formula meets your baby’s nutritional needs and does not contain harmful additives or allergens.
Remember, while saving money on baby formula can be helpful, you should never compromise your baby’s health or nutrition. Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about feeding your baby.