how much does formula cost?

Jedidiah - posted on 06/28/2009

i think the best formula is the nastle good start. i use it for my baby sense she was 4 months and she never spits up.. i wouldnt suggest soy though i've heard some bad things about soy..

Melanie - posted on 06/27/2009

WIC is wonderful you should really apply for it and just see if you qualify. I don't know where you live but I live in Iowa and with my WIC my daughter just 10 cans of formula free a month.Not a bad program you really should try for it.It also gives juice and cereal for your baby.

Janelle - posted on 06/26/2009

I used the Wal-mart parent's choice gentle brand. It was about 100 a month. My advice is go generic. It will save you a ton of money, and the FDA regulates that they formula has to be the same.. so you're not missing out on anything. Formula digests slower so he may drink less often. I would talk to my doctor about it.

Nicole - posted on 06/26/2009

Just in case anyone wanted to know, I've abandoned the formula issue for now. I got off the pill and tried nursing more often (hard to do when babysitting a toddler!) and it seems like my supply is coming back. I couldn't bear to hear him cry like he did with that formula again, it broke my heart! He's much happier now that there's more milk.

Amanda - posted on 06/26/2009

This is a wonderful story Marisa!

Marisa - posted on 06/25/2009

Keep breastfeeding. When my son was 4 weeks old he went into the hospital for RSV and phenomena and I had to pump all his milk. My supply went down and at one point I was only able to get one to one and a half ounces from BOTH sides. This went on for almost two weeks. I thought I would have to put him on formula. I talked to the lactation consultant at the hospital and she gave me several tips.

• Pump every 3 hours

• Drink plenty of water

• Get plenty of sleep

• Put warm pads on your breast and rub (before nursing)

I am happy to say my milk supply came back and I am even donating my breast milk to infants in Africa.

Erin - posted on 06/25/2009

if you are really wanting to start adding formula, remember that it tastes really bad compared to breast milk. and if your son has never had a bottle that will feel weird to him too. what kind of pump are you using? most store bought or hand pumps just don't do very well. here is what i would suggest. rent a hospital grade pump from the hospital, continue your feedings like you have and try the pump in between, the more you "feed" the more your supply increases. You don't run out of milk by pumping. then i would buy a couple of bottles that feel more like the breast ( they have a really cool new one at babies r us) and mix the breast milk with the formula, 3/4 milk, 1/4 formula. then decrease the milk and increase the formula as the feedings continue. I had a lot of trouble breast feeding i ended up drying up around the second week because i had a severe infection and had to stay in the hospital on antibiotics that dried me up. before that, i was pumping between every feeding, and she was getting plenty of milk as long as she could latch on. hopefully you will find a great solution. there are a lot of great suggestions. :)

Lisa - posted on 06/24/2009

There a verrying prices for formula but what my Dr. told me is that there are goverment regulations about what exactly goes into formula and all the brands have to meet those regulations for the basic nutritional values. Keep that in mind because the big companies would like you to believe that you're doing better for your baby by buying the pricier brands. Look for Iron fortified or not, soy or milk based, those are the only basic differences.

Kristin - posted on 06/24/2009

I forgot to add that I use the Parents Choice formula from Walmart...super cheap...$9 can. My doc says it's all the same--it has to be because it's FDA-regulated and MUST meet all standards. So one can't be better than the other in terms of nutrition...of course, there are the special formulas from babies with digestive issues and I can't comment on that.

Kristin - posted on 06/24/2009

I'm not sure if you're wanting to try everything possible to continue to breastfeed, but I went through the SAME exact thing with my supply because my 6-month old daughter was just too distracted to nurse and it was messing with my supply. I actually saw a lactation consultant (she was awesome, let me know if you want her info) and ended up renting a hospital grade pump. It helped me keep up my supply, and then I could at least give her the breastmilk in a bottle when she was too distracted to nurse (she has an older brother that she loves to watch!).

I was able to keep my supply up for 1.5 months this way, but now that she's so used to the ease of using a bottle, she seems to be less interested in the breast because it takes longer to let down the milk. So that's a warning too, if this is the route you take. Either way, I just knew that I wanted to prolong the breastfeeding as long as possible--so she would continue to get my immunities and so it would be free! Plus, it's a bonding experience that I just wasn't ready to let go of yet (this is our second, and possibly last child).

As long as your baby is growing and you are both at peace with your decision to nurse or bottle-feed, or both--that's all that matters. :)

Kathy - posted on 06/24/2009

You don't need to put the baby on formula. If you need more milk drink a beer on most women that will bring on more milk. You can also pump about 1/2 hour after you nurse and that will bring on more. There is also a something called fenagreek that will help.( I know i did not spell it right, don't give up nursing it is the best thing in the world. If you need any help e-mail me. cobra1102@comcast.net. I am 57 but I helped alot of women. I nursed both of my kids for 2 years.

Kim - posted on 06/24/2009

I used Parents Choice. It is HALF the cost of other formulas and they only sell it at Walmart. Worth a try. They are very expensive.

User - posted on 06/24/2009

That sounds frustrating. You do have other options. There's a great group called LLL that can help you keep breastfeeding and fix whatever issue is causing the nursing frustrations. They have a web site with lots of info and local chapters that meet for free for support and education.



LLL article about increasing milk supply: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/increase.html

LLL article about benefits of breastfeeding: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/advantages.html



I had some similar nursing experiences, where my baby seemed really frustrated when he nursed, and it made me feel terrible. I finally figured out that it was because I was supplimenting with formula (bad doctor advice), which completely through everything off. As soon as I quit, within a day or two, nursing became delightful for both of us (even with solid food the formula had made a difference). It might be something that simple for you.



I suggest reading some information about the benefits of nursing (and potential hazards of formula, of which there are many) before making this switch - it's really hard to change your mind later, and you may end up with regrets.

Keri - posted on 06/24/2009

There is a chance that he might drink less often since breast milk goes through them kind of fast. I know what kind of frustration you are going through. I nursed my son until he was 6 months. I started supplimenting when he was 3 months. I decided to stop because 1-my supply wasn't keeping up with what he needed and 2-he was starting to get teeth and had bit me more than once. OUCH!!!

I started him out on the powdered Similac formula but he had the hardest time with it (gas, constipation and spit up) I switched him to ready made Similac Senstive. We have tried to switch him back to powdered, but he will not drink it. I can actually tell a difference in just the smell of powdered versus ready made. Ready made smells more "milky". I personally think that using the ready made helped me transition him so easily from breast to bottle.

I get a case of 6-32 ounce bottles from BJ's for $29.99. That is the best deal that I have been able to find. Sometimes BJ's has $5 off coupons and you can also sign up for Similac and they will send you $5 off coupons.

We buy a case about once a week. My son is 7 months now and takes 4 bottles a day plus he gets solids for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. He probably drinks about 24 onces a day.


Hope this helped.

Gina - posted on 06/24/2009

At 6 month's your baby probably needs about 28 oz per day. you can kind of figure out from there how far a can will get you. BUT there are a ton of ways to save and never pay full or inflated prices! Once you find a formula that works for your son, you can always switch to a store brand version of it for about half the price. Both my kids had issues with cow's milk protein so I had one on Alimentum ($22 a can for a 1lb can, 4 yrs ago) and my son after 4 different formula's is now on toddler soy and they don't make either in a store version (but i never pay full price!). to save $$ you can plan for sales as stores like target put formula on sale about once a month revolving. sign up on the mfg websites for coupons (sign your friends up too, you can use anyones!). babiesrus is the lowest for formula in the chicago area, even better than walmart. they even have a rewards program so you can get free formula with certain brands. also you can buy in bulk on ebay, this works better for the super expensive formula's like alimentum. they use less formula as they start solids going down to about 24 oz by 9mo or so. that really helps. formula can be hard on their systems, our ped definitely recommended enfamil gentlease or nestle good start. everyone has a version of the gentle formula and sam's club version offers a huge can for a lot less. good luck!!

Heather - posted on 06/24/2009

Your baby still looks young, I would drink more water and look up ways to increase your supply, such as pumping, teas, etc. I nursed my son till he was a little over 11 months old. I too had problems with my supply on and off, but the more I changed my diet, the better my supply was. Even after that, formula was about $28 a week, that was with tax. Very expensive.

Shannon - posted on 06/24/2009

I haven't read everyones replies... so sorry if this is redundant... but...

My son is 9 months, and like a few others, when my period comes, my supply is horrible!! So, what I have learned to do to is to pump atleast twice a day... usually about an hour or so after he has nursed himself. After a couple months of doing this, I can now get about 6 oz a day. Then, since my son gets 2 bottles a day while I am at work... I 3 oz in two bottles and blend it with Good Start Natural cultues. SO far so good.. he still only takes 6oz in each bottle. However doing it this way, my son still gets some of the benefits of my milk when I am not home, plus it has helped my supply greatly, and we only go through 1 of the large cans of formula about every 10 days. Of course that will be different depending on how many bottle syou give a day.. but it means that we do not usually spend more than $50 a month on formula... usually less thanks to coupons I buy off eBay when I can...

Kim - posted on 06/24/2009

My suggestion is use the Nestle Good start and the powder - that's the cheapest brand and it just as good as similac. If you know anyone that works at Wyeth, they can get it cheaper in their store. Also go on the websites and sign up for coupons! Good luck!

LaCi - posted on 06/24/2009

Mine goes through about 16 cans of powdered formula per month, about $16 each, for the enfamil, but he eats a lot more than 5 times per day. I just recently added hemp milk into his daily routine (hes turning a year old in a week) so now its fewer cans.

Amanda - posted on 06/24/2009

You're worried about nutrition and want to switch to formula? Whhhhhaat?? I think that's a slight contradiction!
If your baby is sleeping through and not losing weight I would say everything is going great and she is getting MUCH more than he would ever get from formula. But whatever... tis your choice... :) but well done on breastfeeding. :)

JoDee - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting Nicole:

Quoting Kelly:

Hi there, formula is NOT cheap. It's about $25 - 30 a can (that lasts about a week with your schedule). Honestly, if you are worried about your supply, try working to increase it rather then switch over. If your little one is losing weight or seems to be hungry more often, you may be right. If he is sleeping through the night, I'd guess you're supply is perfect for him and wouldn't worry too much.
With my 2nd baby, I got my period at 5 months still fully breastfeeding. I found my supply dropped big time but came back up a week later. Maybe it's just a hormonal change for you too.
Good luck and if you do switch, look online to the formula supplier website. They usually have coupons you can download and print to save you a few $$.

It's funny that you say that, I just switched birth control pills and started my period last week.  I've been bleeding for about 9 days now (!) and that's about the same time my supply started to dwindle.  I've been trying to increase my supply, I talked to a lactation consultant, but it doesn't seem to be working and I just don't want him to get dehydrated or anything like that.  I'm sore from him constantly sucking and not getting anything out.  But he's 6 months old now and I feel like I've done a pretty good job breastfeeding up till now.  I think switching to formula would be better for us both.

Hey there, I nursed my 1st son for only 6 months.  My 2nd son for a year.  I found drinking LOTS of WHOLE milk and water along with eating lots of protein helped my supply.  Birth control pills beware, make sure they have NO estrogen!!!!!!!!!!  That will dry up your milk fast, that's what happened with my 1st son.  If he is sleeping thru the night after nursing, he is getting plenty.  If he was waking up during the night hungry, then that is a light bulb going off.  But pump and put some in a bottle, not a whole lot, but enough to study it.  Shake it up and look at the color and clarity and if it has lots of fat that stick to the sides of the bottle.  If it is white like cows milk and sticks to the sides of the bottle, he is getting plenty and keep breastfeeding!!!  I wouldn't worry at this point if he's getting enough.  He won't dehydrate, don't worry about that.  And another sign if he's not getting enough and full, he would be nursing ALOT more than 5 times a day, he would be stuck to your breast, that was the sign from my 1st son.  I hope this has helped you.  Good luck.

Jeness - posted on 06/23/2009

I dont know were you are from, but we bought formula at Costco a case of 6 cans was $60? This is a very good deal and Compared to others the same nutritional value!

My Daughter is 3 now and very healthy, smart and active!
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...

Sarah - posted on 06/23/2009

As far as getting you supply back up (it sounds like that is what you are now asking)...the more you nurse, the more your supply will increase. You can also ask your Ob/GYN or lactation consultant about an herbal suppliment called Fenugreek. You can purchase it a vitamin store or healthfood store. It can help with milk production increase. I nursed my son for a year and I did notice a significant drop in my supply when he was eating solids on a regular basis. At about 9 months, he started to lose interest in the middle of the day nursings as he was too busy crawling around after his big brother! So, at that point, I started giving him a sippy cup with formula during the day (he never took very well to bottles) and nursed in early in the morning and before bed.
As for formula, I bought Nestle's Good start because I had coupons for that. If you go on their web site and sign up with them, they will send you awesome coupons. I only went through a total of 3 large cans because he only had 1-2 cups during the day and by 12 months, he drank whole milk.
Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 06/23/2009

Similac, Enfamil, Nestle Good Start.....

Kristi - posted on 06/23/2009

What (who) are the name brand companies to sign up with. This is my 2nd child & my daughter is 7 years old. I'm starting ALL over so I can not remember. I nursed my 1st child. Thanks

Jennifer - posted on 06/23/2009

Similac Advance is 13.99 for a 25 oz, Similac Isomil Advance is 14.99 and the price goes higher!

I have WIC and now my lil girl usually has can left over each month, this month we have 6 out of the 9 cans we get a month! She is 9 months old.

I am in Maryland! I know most prices cause i work in a grocery store!

Megan - posted on 06/23/2009

Formula is not cheap. I have to use Similac Alimentum, because my daughter has a sensitive stomach and it is $27 for the little can. I use about 9 cans a months, thank goodness we are on solids so we don't use that much formula now. But if you are worried about your milk supply there are things that you can do instead of switching to formula. You can used both breastmilk and formula so your little one gets all he needs, or I know you can pump your boobs more and that will produce more milk and if that does not work there is medicine that you can take that will increase your milk supply. I would recommend talking to a doctor before you switch. And if you do switch, the formula supplier do send samples and coupons and you can check into WIC, they cover formula and other stuff for your baby, but there is income restrictions. Good Luck!

Samantha - posted on 06/23/2009

we used the Similac in the blue container and it was about $25 and it lasted us about 5 days. Then we found that they had an even larger container at Sam's for about $30 and we got almost 3 more days out of it.

Rachael - posted on 06/23/2009

Enfamil and Nestle good start both have websites you can sign up for as well as similac. They send you coupons in the mail every couple weeks and it DEFINITELY helps offset the cost of formula. Pediatrician offices as well as OBGYN offices also have TONS of samples to give out.

Cynthia - posted on 06/22/2009

I used Similac and it was about $25 a can. We used one can a week; so $100 a month.

Cynthia - posted on 06/22/2009

I used Similac and it was about $25 a can. We used one can a week; so $100 a month.

Christina - posted on 06/22/2009

I recently started buying my formula at BJ's. A 51 oz can costs $20. I was using Similac and Enfamil as I was getting coupons for them, and have also used the Target brand. I'm pretty sure that the generic brands are just as good as the name brand, and if your baby is on the regular formula I would go with whatever fits your price range better. Good luck!

Diana - posted on 06/22/2009

I had to use soy and that was not cheep about $80 a month!!! and he is 2 and he is still on soy milk thats getting up thair also. but you have to do what you have to do!

Trina - posted on 06/22/2009

OMG formula is so high. I breastfed for a good while as well, then I switched to formula. I aslo went to the social service and got wic. That is another option for you if you would like to try it. Not everyone can get it, but if you do. Than that will save you hundreds of dollars.

Dee - posted on 06/22/2009

Are you in the states? If you are, sign up for every online coupon out there. You will get freebie stuff and coupons like crazy. With my first born, I had to switch to formula at 3 months and it got expensive quick (my latest little one isn't as greedy and is happy with my milk flow). I can also suggest signing up for Sams, Costco, or BJ's type place because you get it in a bigger containers which last longer (think less trips) and are usually cheaper (diapers too). They sometimes have their own brand too which helps, but you might night get the same coupon as the bigger names. Though I think Parents Choices offers some because I have freebies in my car now I keep forgetting to give to my friend.

BTW, I have a fast flow milk supply (I have to wear pads because I have been know to leak) and I have a hard time with the pumps too (I am not trying to make you feel bad, but letting you know it isn't just you). I have more luck with the hand express type but it can get painful quick (I use my milk to mix with cereal). My son is 7 months and the doc said it is ok to give him water (I use distilled) if I think he is getting dehydrated (we are in FL and it gets hot quick). I mainly use it to help thin the cereal so I don't have to use as much expressed milk (like I said, it get painful). You can always try mixing formula with breast milk. I mix it with my sons veggies so he will eat them better. Be sure you are getting lots of water too. You have a beautiful baby boy!

Eva - posted on 06/22/2009

They are about $10-$15 a can depending on brand. Try your local WIC, it's a great program and will save you tons of money. They give formula, cereal, juice, milk, eggs and a few other things. They are great and will except most people.

Alison - posted on 06/22/2009

CONTINUING TO BREASTFEED:

Your supply should come back if you need it providing you don't stop nursing completely even if on solids. I would also say that 5 feeds each day sounds like quite a lot of milk feeds if the baby is also eating some food. Even with no food this does not sound like a low amount. You also have to take into account of how long each feed lasts and other stuff.



SWITCHING TO FORMULA:

If your baby is already eating solids he will start wanting less milk soon so the formula will not cost as much as you think. You can make up some formula by following the manufactures instructions and then add breast milk to it. This might make it easier for your baby to take to it if he can taste your milk.



PARTIAL SWITCH:

You could also do a partial switch by giving him some breast and some formula feeds. I did this when my son was eating 3 small portions of food each day and it made a container of formula last for nearly a whole month so cost was not as much of an issue.

Mel - posted on 06/22/2009

Quoting Amanda:

our formula costs 400 a month because my daughter is on a special kind
if your child is normal you can expect to spend between 80 and 120 a month

you should be getting it cheap since your child is FTT. we had to her her formula from the chemist once when we run out and it cost a hell of alot of money for just a few days worth. they asked us why we were getting it tehre and not cheaper from the hospital. maybe they dont do that over there not sure

Debbie - posted on 06/21/2009

Yes, Amanda is correct! I forgot to mention that. I buy mine in a plastic container here in the U.S.

Amanda - posted on 06/21/2009

Quoting Debbie:

It all depends what type you want to get. I feed my son only Organic Similac premixed formula (liquid kind) and it cost $6.49 at Target. WalMart might have it less but I don't know...I do know that it is $0.30 less than the local store (BelAir supermarket) where I live. Others brands and non organic might be less but I never pay attention to the others since I would only get organic.

I do want to warn you about the powder formula. A couple of months ago there was an article on CNN that researchers have recently found traces of rocket fuel chemical in the powder kind. It passed FDA because it says that it's not enough to hurt human consumption but I wouldn't trust it if I were you. Who knows how much consumption is bad or not bad. Play it safe and don't touch it. Just pick up the liquid kind. It's also so much easier to deal with since you don't have to mix it yourself when you need to feed.

be careful about the tins of formula (liquid in a can) the cans contain BPA which is harmful to infants and children. BPA in baby bottles are now banned from canada.

Amanda - posted on 06/21/2009

our formula costs 400 a month because my daughter is on a special kind

if your child is normal you can expect to spend between 80 and 120 a month

Debbie - posted on 06/21/2009

It all depends what type you want to get. I feed my son only Organic Similac premixed formula (liquid kind) and it cost $6.49 at Target. WalMart might have it less but I don't know...I do know that it is $0.30 less than the local store (BelAir supermarket) where I live. Others brands and non organic might be less but I never pay attention to the others since I would only get organic.



I do want to warn you about the powder formula. A couple of months ago there was an article on CNN that researchers have recently found traces of rocket fuel chemical in the powder kind. It passed FDA because it says that it's not enough to hurt human consumption but I wouldn't trust it if I were you. Who knows how much consumption is bad or not bad. Play it safe and don't touch it. Just pick up the liquid kind. It's also so much easier to deal with since you don't have to mix it yourself when you need to feed.

Jessica - posted on 06/21/2009

i go through 2 tins of formula a week i use karicare it is allwayse on special for $17.00 but if its not on special it is $24.00

Sara - posted on 06/21/2009

Depends what brand you want I used Enfamil A+plus and it's almost 40 for powdered and it lasted a week. My other children I used Nestle Good Start and it 22 for powdered, and it last a week. Then at 12 months I switched them to Nestle Follow Up. Enfamil A+is more expensive but better for them, it's supposedly as close as you cang et to breast milk.

Nicole - posted on 06/21/2009

Ok, so I tried giving DS formula today and he wanted nothing to do with it. He cried and cried until I nursed him, then I cried too! This is horrible! So if I get off the pill, will my supply come back, even though he's eating solids?

Geralyn - posted on 06/21/2009

Nicole, the birth control, even the mini-pill which is supposed to not affect breast supply, can affect your supply. I started the mini-pill when my son was about 3 months, and right away his behavior at the breast changed. I learned very quickly that my supply had gone down. I immediately stopped taking the pill, and my supply came rushing back. [Of course, it came back so quickly that I got a blocked duct, so just be careful.] I strongly suggest stopping the pill.

Tamara - posted on 06/21/2009

Quoting Nicole:

In the mornings it's ok, because I'm a little full so he nurses from one side for breakfast and the other for lunch 3 hours later. But after that I have nothing. I've tried pumping and nothing comes out. For the rest of the day there's hardly anything, and he gets upset because he's sucking really hard and it hurts and nothing comes out. He does have wet and dirty diapers, but that's because he's eating solids. His diapers aren't as wet as they used to be and I notice at the end of the day his pee is a little darker than usual. If I can nurse him in the morning and then at night and pump throughout the day while giving him 1 or 2 bottles of formula I think we'll be fine.

First, not all moms respond well to the pump.  Keep putting your little guy to the breast as much as possible.  As far as the solids, are you offering them before or after you nurse?  What are you doing to improve your supply?  Beware that for every nursing session you replace with formula, your supply will take a hit and cause a downward spiral of dwindling supply.

Nicole - posted on 06/21/2009

In the mornings it's ok, because I'm a little full so he nurses from one side for breakfast and the other for lunch 3 hours later. But after that I have nothing. I've tried pumping and nothing comes out. For the rest of the day there's hardly anything, and he gets upset because he's sucking really hard and it hurts and nothing comes out. He does have wet and dirty diapers, but that's because he's eating solids. His diapers aren't as wet as they used to be and I notice at the end of the day his pee is a little darker than usual. If I can nurse him in the morning and then at night and pump throughout the day while giving him 1 or 2 bottles of formula I think we'll be fine.

Tamara - posted on 06/21/2009

How do you know your supply is low? Is your baby having enough wet and dirty diapers? Are they meeting milestones? If the answer to the previous 2 questions is "yes." than you're fine. :)

Mel - posted on 06/21/2009

depends which formula you use some cost 20-30$ a can others cost $14, we pay $5 a month. we were lucky when ours was younger to have a huge supply of the neocate in the bathroom the hospital didnt want her on it but we used it because it was so cheap and were able to get the docs to write another script. its up to you which one you use but i would stay away from the s26 everyone i know has had problems with their babies on it. the cheaper ones are generally the better ones for some reason