How To Get Free Formula for Your Baby (2024)

There are several ways for parents to get infant formula for free. In addition to baby formula, many of these programs offer other free baby gear and samples. Nabbing these offers might require making a phone call, signing up for emails, or clipping coupons, but the work will pay off when you realize how much money you've saved.

Read on to learn how to get free formula samples, how to save money on formula, and where to look for food assistance.

Request Free Formula Samples From Formula Companies

Several companies regularly give away free formula samples. These companies hope that you'll try the free samples, like them, and then purchase their products. For starters, you can request free baby formula samples from:

Enfamil

When you sign up for Enfamil's program, you'll be eligible for free formula samples. In addition to the free formula, you'll also get a free set of Belly Badges, expert tips, and other special offers.

Similac

When you join theMySimilac Rewards program, you'll get a bag full of free baby stuff, including formula coupons and expert nutrition guidance.

You can also go straight to the source by picking up the phone and calling the company. If they see you as a potential customer, they'll often be happy to send you some free samples. Sometimes, they will direct you to their website. Baby formula manufacturers usually give out formula samples and coupons after you sign up online.

Coupons, samples, and other offers usually come to your mailbox or email. Here are some additional infant formula companies that let parents register for coupons:

• Gerber
• Nature's One

Ask a Health Care Provider for Free Formula Samples

Formula companies often give free formula samples to hospitals and doctor's offices, hoping they'll pass them on to you. Call a health care provider's office and local hospital to see what they have on hand.

If they don't have any formula samples available, ask if they know of any local resources that do. Besides free baby formula, doctor's offices, clinics, and hospitals can sometimes provide free diapers.

Check WIC Eligibility for Low-Cost or Free Formula

The government program Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides assistance to low-income families with young children, including those who formula feed. You can often get low-cost or even free formula and other baby products if you meet the income eligibility requirements for WIC benefits.

Combine Formula Coupons and Sales

Newspaper inserts are great places to find coupons for baby formula. Check your paper for coupons and grocery store ads to find out when a sale is happening. Sometimes, combining coupons with a sale can get you inexpensive baby formula.

Don't forget about digital coupons. Sign up for the following with retailers like Target and other grocery stores:

• Loyalty programs
• Clubs
• Online programs

These programs may send coupons and other deals directly to your email or phone. Sometimes, the coupons can be printed; other times, you simply scan a code at checkout to get the deal.

Also, check with stores you frequent and any money-saving or cash-back apps you may use. Often, these programs provide savings on their own, and when coupled with manufacturer coupons, they can result in significant savings.

Contact Your Local Food Bank for Free Formula

Local food banks are a great place to get food. They also often carry an array of personal care products and baby items. The food pantries in your area may even have free formula. Call ahead and ask what they have on hand. They may be able to assist you.

Likewise, some local churches also offer free formula to families in need. Contact churches in your area to see if they provide this type of service or if they know another organization that could help.

Add Formula to a Baby Registry

Creating a baby gift registry (even if it's for your second child) can come with a number of perks. Big box stores and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon often provide free samples, ongoing discounts, and a welcome box when you use their registry services—even if you don't share the registry with anyone.

Create a registry to take advantage of these deals and savings. These companies may also consistently alert you of new sales and coupons.

If you plan to share your registry with friends and family, you may want to limit how much formula you add to your list. Although gifts like this might be nice, you want the freedom to experiment and try different baby formulas until you find the one that works best for your child, especially if you think your baby might have an allergy or an intolerance. You don't want to end up with a bunch of formula you cannot use.

You may also want to investigate Amazon's subscribe and save program after your baby is born. Sometimes, you can save as much as 15% on a purchase by signing up to have products sent to you regularly. When combined with coupons, you may save a good amount of money.

Find a Mutual Aid Formula Exchange

There are also mutual aid efforts, like Free Formula Exchange, that allow people to donate and request free formula. Sometimes, parents have a leftover formula that they can no longer use because their baby has an intolerance, or they switched brands, so they might just give it away.

These resources can be great places to find free formula, but you should always carefully check the expiration or use-by dates to ensure the products are safe. Even when using a trusted source, it's a good habit to carefully check for signs that the product could be counterfeit.

If you have concerns about the quality or safety of the infant formula you've been given or purchased, throw it away. You also can call the manufacturer directly to report a complaint or ask questions.