It’s no secret that having a baby is expensive. There is a lot of gear to buy ahead of time and things to do to make sure your home is ready for a baby or another baby if you already have one. Then, there are the expenses once baby is here, like diapers, wipes, etc.
Feeding your baby can be really costly, especially when moms and dads feel it necessary to use the brand name formulas recommended by their doctor and hospital. Making the switch to Store Brand Baby Formula can save your family a great deal of money without sacrificing your baby’s nutrition.
Making the Switch to Store Brand Baby Formula
Nationally advertised brands of infant formula can cost up to twice as much as store brand infant formula, even though both are nutritionally comparable and regulated by the FDA. Even though your doctor or your hospital recommend a brand name, or send you home with samples, it doesn’t mean you have to stay loyal to those expensive brands. All infant formulas sold in the United States must meet the same FDA standards and offer complete nutrition for baby.
With three babies, three years in a row, formula was a huge expense and a huge worry for us. We were so grateful for the store brand formula options that were available to us. Nationally advertised brands (such as ones we received samples of when we had our little ones) would have cost us a fortune compared to what we spent on store brands that were comparable. Just quick math: 9 or so containers of formula per month, for 36 months, times a difference of about $10 per container… That is more than $3,000.00 in 3 years we were able to save while feeding our babies store brand formula, which provided them with everything they needed!
Today there are 12 store brand formulas at 68 retailers that are sold in more than 40,000 retail locations throughout the United States. Many stores you probably shop at regularly for your baby needs offer their own store brand formulas
Store Brand Formula, the largest supplier of store brand formula in the world, recently conducted a survey of 500 moms and found that nearly half (49%) of moms who used nationally advertised name-brand formula said if they could turn back time, they would make the switch to store brand formula. Making the switch from the brand name samples you received samples of can seem scary.
Dr. Lisa Thornton, pediatrician and spokesperson for Store Brand Infant Formula, offers her advice on how to making the switch to store brand baby formula can be as seamless as possible.
- As long as you stay with the same type of formula (cow’s milk formula or soy formula) parents can feel comfortable switching formula brands without difficulty.
- Research shows there is no benefit to easing the transition from one baby formula to another. So it’s ok to skip the transition stage all together, as long as you are using the same type of formula, and simply make the switch.
- If you want to switch from a lactose-based to a soy-based formula, or to another type formula, you should consult with your pediatrician.
Store brands offer a wide range of formulas depending on your child’s needs. These formulas can cost up to 50% less than nationally advertised brands and are nutritionally comparable. There are often coupons available for store brand formulas as well as special promotions for added savings.
With so many things that you can’t save money on when it comes to having a baby, why continue to spend extra money on products where you can save?
*This post has been sponsored by Store Brand Formula. All opinions are my own.
Wildish Jess says
Glad you were able to find something that works for you and yours.
Heather Pfingsten says
We don’t have a baby anymore but we are currently trying to get pregnant. This is a great resource for new parents and points out some important details. Thank you so much for sharing!
CourtneyLynne says
I was one of those clueless moms that assumed store brand had to be horrible! My brother in law just had a kid and he uses Store brand and I found out it’s pretty much identical and so much cheaper!
HilLesha O'Nan says
I have used store brand baby formula for my daughter when she was an infant. She had the most sensitive stomach and it was actually the best formula for her!
Sara says
This is a great post with many tips for new Moms. I miss the days when my kids were babies and easier to take care of! Your baby is adorable. I am so glad that there are so many options available to parents these days.
Amber Killmon says
This is a great resource for parents with babies. I’m sure it will help many people!
Heather says
I mostly nursed, but occasionally did formula. I see nothing wrong with store brand formula. I bet it has the exact same ingredients.
Shaney Maharaj says
I totally agree, I try to save where I can. My son recently went on formula and cows milk. There’s so many formula’s out there, it becomes overwhelming.
Terri Beavers says
I nursed my kids but my daughter wants to use formula if she conceives. I’ll have to send her your link.
Lynndee says
I am all for saving so if a store brand offers the same amount of benefits as other brands, why spent more, right?
lauren happel says
I am a nursing mom, but if store brand formula is the same as the name brands then it is a great way to save money.
Christy Garrett says
I never used infant formula for my kids. However, if I did, I would have used store brand in a heartbeat. It is regulated and has the same nutritional value as the brand name formula. Plus, it is a bit cheaper too.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I like to use the store brand products when I can. It is a great way to save some money. I would definitely use store brand formula if we had a baby.
Melissa says
This should help with all of the confusion as to which formula to choose. There are so many available it can be confusing.
Angela Harris says
This is a lot of great information to share. Especially for new parents. I never used store brand formula, but wish when mine were little I knew more about it.
Rebecca Swenor says
This is such a true post and great information for new parents. The store brands of formula are indeed the same as the brand names with much cheaper prices. I know I breast feed my son but used formula too and would get the cheaper store brands that were the same as name brands. Thanks for sharing the information.
R U S S says
I don’t have a kid so this is all new to me. I do know how important it is to pick the right formula for babies. Some babies react to certain formulas or something. This has been informative and I’m glad that there are FDA-approved store brand formulas that moms can trust.
Lisa Heath says
I remember when my son went to formula and everyone told me to stay away from store brands. Of course they weren’t footing the grocery bill, so I ignored it. My son didn’t mind one bit and he’s healthy as can be!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great tips. There are SO MANY formula brands out there. Thanks for the information.