Now, I know breastfeeding is the ultimate frugal choice but it just didn't work out for me. That said, I've compared Similac powder, ready to feed liquid (RTF) and the use of the $5 checks. Please check my math. I have used average prices based on the few stores I have price compared.
Powder - 23.3 oz container makes 168 oz - at $23.00/container = $.137/oz (not counting the cost of water b/c that is negligible)
RTF = 32 oz container @ $6.00/container = $.188/oz
On the flip side....If I use the $5 off any Similac checks I believe the RTF to be the better deal.
RTF = 32 oz @ 6.00 minus $5.00 check = $1.00 for 32 oz - to make 168 oz you need 5.25 containers of RTF so $5.25 for 168 oz
Of course, the only problem is finding the checks in quantity! If I run out of checks and formula then the powder is the better deal per ounce. Am I right??
When not bf, I used the Walmart formula and it worked just fine. Generally speaking the powder is the more economical choice...simple price aside, there tends to be less waste with powder vs. ready to feed.
You can also use Sam's Club's brand. They have huge container for less than $20. (like double the amount of a large container of enfamil). I used the Enfamil when I had coupons, because I had a lot of them the first 6 months or so, but then started using Sam's. All formulas are regulated by the government. So the only thing I would be concerned about if you want to use a generic is if baby needs special type of formula.
It would be like talking to a brick wall to convince Vic it's ok to switch. He's a brand-name snob. I know, I know, I've told him a million times but he's not budging. Our ped. even recommended COSTCO brand. For now, I guess I need to rely on checks/coupons. I did manage to get 18 RTF's in the last 3 weeks for free and make $10 on baby bucks, not too shabby!
One thing to consider is whether your baby can tolerate powdered formula. When my DD was little she would spit up way more with the powdered formula. I'm not sure what the difference was, maybe the texture or something because chemically they would have the same nutrients.
We have given my daughter Wal-Mart brand powdered formula exclusively since day one. We have never had one single problem. It is MUCH easier to pack up in the diaper backpack, since tempurature is unimportant. I've made many bottles one handed while driving to plug the screaming hole in the back seat.
We started using BJ's formula- a 51 oz can is $19.99 but we have a coupon for $3 off. We are going to stock up! I had talked to our ped. about the generic and she said formula is so strictly regulated in the US that there is not an issue with using the generic- she said the Big 3 make all the generic (enfamil, similac, or nestle).
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Frugal Village Forums
1.8M posts
47.4K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to the frugal lifestyle and the enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about simple and green living, cost effective tips, life hacks, debt reduction, recycling, gardening, other homesteading techniques, and more!