How to get free baby formula (11 practical ways)

Do you want to learn how to get a free baby formula? Baby formulas can be expensive and add up to a quick blast. If you are a parent looking for ways to save money and need to learn how to get free stuff to save money, otherwise you are going through hard times financially, I hope you…
Do you want to learn How to get a free baby formula?
Baby formulas can be expensive and add up to a quick blast. If you are a search for ways to save money and need to learn how to get free stuff to save money, or you have been through hard times financially, I hope you know there is a road there.
Whether you are preparing for your baby’s arrival or a new parent who has lived a sleepless night and feeding schedule, this post is for you. Today, I’m going to share the best real ways to get free baby formula, including how I find resources in my own area (I personally received a lot of free baby formula and encountered more!).
These tips are easy, and many of them can be done online or on your phone. The purpose is to help you relieve stress on your shoulders so that you can focus more on your baby and have a less budget.
11 Best Ways to Get Free Baby Formula
Here are the best ways to get free recipes for your baby.
Recommended reading: How to get free diapers: free diapers boxes, samples, coupons
1. Register for free baby formula samples
One of the easiest ways to start is to sign a contract with the baby formula brand directly. Many companies offer free welcome kits, including full-size cans, smaller sample packs, coupons, and even extra kits like baby bottles or bibs.
Here are some popular programs:
- The starting point of the Enfamil family: You can sign up on their website and get a free welcome box that usually includes formula, discount checks and helpful baby tips.
- Similarac Rewards: The program sends out a free welcome box with recipes, coupons and exclusive offers.
- The best and happy baby on earth: Organic brands also offer sample programs through their website.
Register only takes a few minutes and over time you may receive multiple shipments, not just one.
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I received several free formula samples from multiple brands. Each shipment usually has a free baby formula coupon to provide more baby formula.
2. Ask your pediatrician or hospital
This is something many parents forget to do, but your doctor and local hospital can be a great resource. Formula usually sends large samples directly to clinics and maternal wards, sometimes without using these additional samples.
My daughter’s doctor’s office actually has a big shelf filled with cans for parents to catch. It’s in the front door and you don’t even need to ask. I always thought it was so good for them, which made it easy for parents to get when they needed it.
Here’s how to deal with it:
- On your next pediatrician visit, ask them if they have any formula samples.
- If you give birth in the hospital, call the maternity ward and ask if they have any remaining samples.
- You can also ask your ob/gyn or midwife – they will also receive samples sometimes.
When I had a daughter, our nurse actually gave us a bunch of liquid recipes that were about to eat and took us home. We are not charging for this either (of course, we do have hospital bills!).
3. Contact your local health department
Your local health department may not issue formulas directly, but they usually work closely with community programs.
They can help you:
- Connect with local nonprofits that abandon formulas.
- Learn how to apply for WIC, SNAP (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program) or Emergency Assistance Program.
- Find information about local diapers and dispensing drives in your town.
Just give them a quick call or visit their website.
4. Apply for WIC (if you are eligible)
WIC (Women, Infant and Children Program) is one of the best resources for free recipes. It’s a federal program that allows you to purchase formula, baby food and other essentials every month.
Eligible for WIC:
- You must comply with certain income guidelines (the guidelines vary by state in which you live).
- You have to be pregnant, breastfeed, or have a child under 5 years of age.
This is how to apply:
- Search your state’s WIC office or visit your local health department.
- reserve.
- Carry documents with ID, income verification and proof of address (ask you what else you need).
Once approved, you will receive a benefit card or check to purchase formulas from the approved store.
5. Visit local food banks and charities
Many food banks stock infant formula, especially those focused on the needs of home and children.
Here are some tips:
- Use a website like Feedingamerica.org to find a food library near you.
- Call in advance to ask if they have a stock formula before traveling.
- Ask for regular distribution days, or if you need an appointment.

6. Free gifts using baby registration form
Create baby registry not only for baby showers. Many companies send free welcome boxes to thank you for signing up.
I signed up for some baby registries (I was excited about freebies and being a new mom!), and I received a lot of free baby items including many different types and brands of baby formula.
Here are some great things:
- Amazon Baby Registration Form: After creating a registry and completing some simple steps, you can ask for a free welcome box. It usually includes formulas, diapers, wipes, etc.
- For infant registry: Pick up a free registry in the store filled with samples and coupons.
- Walmart baby registration form: Register online and receive a free box that ships to your home.
- Babylist: This is my favorite baby registry and it comes with a great free baby box!
Even if you don’t have a shower, these freebies are totally worth signing up for.
7. Visit Women’s Shelter and Parenting Nonprofits
Women’s shelter often helps families in need formulas, diapers and wipes, especially in emergencies. You don’t always need to be a resident of a women’s shelter to seek help.
you can:
- Call your local shelter and ask if they have any community outreach or baby supply programs.
- Ask them if they know any formula drives or donation plans.
8. Contact local mom-centric government programs
Many cities and counties offer only health alliances or programs for moms and babies.
For example, in my area, there is the beginning of Florida Key Health, which can help families get baby supplies (yes, even free baby formula), health care and even game groups. I went to the competition group many times and it is a great resource for young children’s parents.
Find these programs near you:
- Quickly search with your city name + “Baby Resources” or “Maternity Health Plan”.
- Ask your health department for recommendations.
- Join your local parent company in your area and just ask in the group.
9. Join the freebie and sample website
There are websites that track free samples, sometimes including infant formula. These samples are quick, but are easy to register.
A popular website is Pinchme.
Tips for success:
- Create a dedicated email for free gifts only.
- Register early when the sample is online.
- Watch social media or Reddit freebies groups for alerts.
Recommended reading: 9 practical ways to get free samples (yes, these actually work!)
10. Use cashback and rewards apps
You can earn bonus points for free gift cards through the rewards apps and then use these apps to buy formulas at places like Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
The application I suggest:
- Get Rewards: Scan your grocery income to earn points on your gift card. I use this app for all grocery receipts and earn free gift cards regularly!
- Ibotta: Get back the cash to buy specific baby items (sometimes including formula milk). I also use this app for all grocery receipts and earn free gift cards regularly!
- Swagbucks: Earn points in surveys, web searches, etc., and then cash out gift cards. I’ve been using the website for years and have received over 110 free gift cards from Swagbucks.
You can even stack your rewards with sales or coupons to expand them further.
11. Watch nothing on Facebook
When their baby switch brand, many parents end up with unopened buttercream cans, which many are happy to give up.
Here’s how to find them:
- Join your local Nothing Group or Parenting Facebook Group. Search for articles or make a new thread asking for any formula that someone might not need.
- Always check the expiration date and make sure the container is sealed.
This is one of the fastest ways I’ve ever seen parents help each other.
I have also seen many times when parents post transactions among local parent groups. For example, recently, I took photos of recipe racks at a local grocery store at a mother in a local town group and how they enjoyed a 90% discount. So, this may be a great way to know when formulas are also low-cost!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions on how to get a free baby formula.
How can I get baby formula without money?
I recommend you start with local resources like WIC, food banks, women’s shelters and parenting nonprofits. Ask your pediatrician and join the Facebook group in your area. Most people realize that there are many resources.
If I can’t afford the recipe, what can I give to my kids?
If you are out of date, you may need to contact your doctor, hospital, or WIC office immediately for emergency help. They may have samples or guide you to the right location.
How do I get free samples?
You can sign up for the Similac rewards on their website, and you may get a welcome kit in emails with free recipes, coupons, and more.
How do I get free baby formula from the government?
WIC is a federal program that provides eligible family monthly benefits for purchasing infant formula and other foods. You can apply through the state’s WIC office or through the local health department.
Can I use expired baby formula?
No, expired formulas may not be safe and may not provide the nutrients the baby needs. I always recommend that you check the expiration date and avoid damaged packaging – preferably safe.
Can I switch the formula brand?
By getting free baby formula, you may end up with many different formula brands, so I understand why you might be wondering about this question. Many babies have good conversion brands, but contact your pediatrician first, especially if your baby has allergies or sensitivity. Sometimes, it can be difficult to switch, so you need to do your research.
Is there a formula plan for low-income families?
Yes, WIC programs, food banks, local charities, women’s shelters and government-sponsored programs like Healthy Start can all help you.
How to get a free baby formula – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on how to get free baby formula.
The formula can be costly and it can be difficult to fit it into your budget. With some time and energy, you can find real ways to get baby formula for free.
I hope this list helps you feel overwhelmed and more capable. If you have used any of these tips or have other suggestions to share, I would love to hear it in the comments below.
Have you tried any of the above methods to get a free baby formula? What works for you?
Recommended reading: