There’s no sugar coating it: Feeding your baby is expensive, regardless of your journey. Whether you’re shelling out hundreds upfront for a breast pump or spending thousands throughout the year on formula and baby food, there’s no such thing as a free meal for children. (Yes, even breastfeeding has a cost.) But knowing how to save money on baby food and other feeding expenses can help make this necessity a little more affordable. 

Here are 15 ways to save money on breastfeeding essentials, formula and baby food

Of course, some of these tips may feel like a moot point amid the nationwide formula shortage. Many families are struggling just to find formula, let alone find a deal on it. But knowing how to save money on formula will be useful when supply chain issues aren't as widespread.Depending on where you live, you might be able to take advantage of some of these tips now. 

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How to save on breastfeeding expenses

Use your insurance to cover breast pump rentals and purchases

According to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support — and that includes helping you secure a breast pump. That said, coverage can vary depending on your health plan. While some insurers may cover the cost of a hospital-grade pump, others may provide partial coverage or only cover rentals. To get your insurance to cover your breast pump expenses — or just find out what they offer — you’ll want to call your provider. You can also utilize third party sites, like Aeroflow Breastpumps, that allow you to check your eligibility and purchase breast pumps directly from the site. 

Use your FSA, HSA or HRA to pay for breastfeeding items

Some insurers and employers offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and/or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), which are designed to pay for or reimburse medical expenses that your health insurance doesn’t. In most cases, they can be used to purchase a number of breastfeeding-related expenses, from breastmilk storage bags, to extra breast pump parts, to pumping bras. Some retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart, have designated FSA and HSA shops to make it even easier for you to purchase supplies. 

Your specific coverage may be impacted by state laws, insurance companies or employer plans, so be sure to look into all three before making any purchases. 

Find a free breastfeeding support group

According to a What to Expect survey, support is crucial when it comes to extending your breastfeeding journey. Specifically, 23 percent of respondents said access to a lactation consultant would have lengthened their time nursing. But lactation consultants, like most things, come with a cost — one that may not be covered by your insurance. Although it’s not the same as having a personal consultant, La Leche League offers free in-person and virtual breastfeeding support groups throughout the United States. Your local hospital or birth center may also offer free support groups. You can also contact the National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline (1-800-994-9662) for help with specific issues, like increasing your milk supply. 

See if your insurance, FSA, HSA or HRA covers a lactation consultant

Some breastfeeding problems, like getting baby to latch or working through tongue thrust, require more one-on-one care. Fortunately, you may be able to receive full or partial coverage for a lactation consultant. According to 2011 guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), lactation aids, such as a lactation consultant, are eligible for reimbursement from FSAs, HRAs and HSAs. 

You can find a lactation consultant through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners or the International Lactation Consultant Association

As with breastfeeding supplies, your specific coverage may be impacted by state laws, insurance companies or employer plans, as well as the lactation consultant. Be sure to research before committing to any service. 

How to save on formula

Take advantage of registry welcome boxes 

Many retailers, inclduing Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and Target, will offer to send a welcome box when you create a registry. And you’d be doing yourself a disservice to pass on the opportunity. These boxes contain a treasure trove of baby essentials, including coupons and formula samples. Although the sample packs will only provide your baby with a meal or two, you can use them to build an emergency stash or test what your baby likes (for free) before going all in on bulk purchasing. 

Take a look at some of the best registry boxes, and sign up for yours today. Just be sure to read the fine print. Some may be free after creating a registry, signing up for a newsletter or enrolling in a rewards program, but others may require you to pay for the cost of shipping. 

Request samples from formula brands

It may feel a bit forward (and awkward for those who hate cold calling), but asking a company for formula samples could yield some results. Some companies may be willing to provide a one-time sample or discount code in the hopes that you’ll like the product and become a loyal customer. Some brands to reach out to include:

  • Enfamil: (800) 222-9123

  • Gerber: (800) 284-9488

  • Similac: (800) 986-8800

  • Nature’s One: (888)-227-7122

  • Happy Family Organics: (855)-644-2779

Opt for powdered formula over ready-to-use

No one form of formula is better than the other — but one is cheaper. Powdered formula, which you measure and mix yourself, tends to cost less than the ready-to-use variety. This option may be less convenient than its counterparts, but the savings overtime may be worth it. 

How to save on baby food

Buy in bulk 

It may be a larger upfront expense, but buying baby food in large quantities will save you money over time because the price per unit is lower. (Not to mention it can save you time by reducing the number of trips you take to the grocery store.) In fact, some research has found that when looking at the average price of grocery products, a 10 percent larger package can cut the unit price by 5 percent. Before clearing room in the pantry, test the food with your baby to make sure they like it and don’t have any adverse reactions. And remember this strategy can be used for all forms of baby food, including formula. 

Opt for store or generic brands

Another tip that helps you save money on baby food and formula: skip the name brand. According to Consumer Reports, store- or generic-brand items can cost up to 25 percent less than their name-brand counterparts. Although it may not look like a major saving when comparing prices ($1.49 for a Plum Organics Stage 2 pouch versus $1.25 for the Stop and Shop counterpart, for example), those little differences can add up over time. 

Again, you should make sure your baby likes the product and doesn’t have any adverse reactions to it before committing to it as your go-to. 

See if you qualify for WIC, SNAP or TANF

There are a number of government programs that provide assistance to low-income families and individuals, including:

  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk 

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which provides grants to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance

Through these programs, you can receive low-cost or even free baby food and formula for your child. Some companies, like Gerber, have designated WIC sections on their website to make it easier for moms to purchase items. Keep in mind, eligible items may vary state to state. So, once you are approved, you will want to do a little research before shopping. 

Make your own baby food if you have the time and resources

It may surprise you to hear that homemade baby food is less expensive than the store bought variety — even the organic kind. That said, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding to make your own baby food. Steaming, mashing and storing your own baby food requires time and space. Homemade baby food also spoils quicker than store-bought jars, which could lead to unwanted food waste. But if you are a master meal prepper and can stay on top of expiration dates, then this may be a logical, money-saving option. 

How to find more deals on feeding your baby

Join rewards programs 

Many popular formula and feeding brands have rewards programs that send you free product samples, coupons, points for purchases and more — all of which can help you save money. Some brand programs include:

  • Enfamil Rewards, which awards you 10 points per $1 spent on Enfamil products. You’ll also receive discount checks to use at most major retailers and digital cash back rebates via the rewards app, and be eligible for free formula samples. 

  • Similac Rewards, which sends you baby formula coupons and samples. 

  • My Gerber Baby, which provides you with exclusive discounts and a host of other perks. For example, when buying from Gerber.com, members can receive $10 off every fifth qualifying purchase and a free gift on orders over $150. 

  • Nature’s One Discount Program, although not a rewards program, offers special discounts to U.S. Military families, families with multiple birth children (i.e. twins, triplets, etc.), and families of children with specific chronic conditions. 

But don’t limit yourself to feeding-specific rewards programs. Diaper-related rewards programs, such as Pampers Club and Huggies Rewards+, may award you with points that can be turned into gift cards, which you can then use to buy feeding essentials. 

While you're signing up for savings, don’t forget to look into rewards programs at frequented retailers. Target, Walmart and Stop and Shop all have point-earning programs. 

As with any membership, be sure to read the fine print. Some programs merely need your name and contact information, but others require an annual fee. 

Download store apps for coupons and sales

If you don’t want to enroll in a store’s reward program, you should still consider downloading the accompanying app. Why? Because you can use it to check for sales and coupons on specific items. Even if there isn’t a sale happening, you can use the stores’ apps to check and compare prices, making your dollar go further. 

Sign up for brands’ and stores’ email lists

A cluttered inbox can be a nightmare, but it’s less scary when it’s filled with discounts. Brands and stores will often send email subscribers coupons that can be used online or in-person. They will also send you notifications when big sales are happening, and may even give you early access to the deals. 

Get a cash back credit card

This may not be a direct link to your go-to formula or baby food brand, or even the stores you buy them from, but it could be a saving opportunity that you’re overlooking. As the name suggests, cash back credit cards offer users a percentage of “cash” back when they buy something like groceries or gas. Depending on the company, you may receive actual cash back in the form of a check or prepaid debit, or the cash will be points that you can redeem through the company or a retailer. You can then use thos “cash” to purchase pump parts, bottles, puree pouches and more. The percentages and rewards vary between companies, and many of them require an annual fee. Make sure to do your research to find the card that will best suit your needs.