How to Get Free Baby Formula Samples

There are several ways parents can get infant formula for free. Some of them require that you qualify as low-income, but others are available to anyone. In addition to baby formula, many of these programs also offer other free baby stuff and samples. Nabbing these offers might require making a phone call or two, signing up for emails, or clipping coupons, but the work will pay off in savings.

Request Samples From Formula Companies

Several companies give away free baby formula samples and other baby product samples on a regular basis. These companies hope that you'll try the free samples, like them, and go on to purchase their products. You can request free baby formula samples from:

• Enfamil: When you sign up for Enfamil's program, you'll get free samples of Enfamil Newborn Infant Formula, Enfamil Infant Formula, Enfagrow Toddler Transitions Formula, and Enfamil Newborn 2 fl. oz. Nursette Bottles. In addition to the free formula, you'll also get a free set of Belly Badges, formula checks, expert tips, and other special offers.
• Similac: When you join the Similac® StrongMoms® Rewards program, you'll get a bag full of free baby stuff, including several formula samples, coupons, and expert nutrition guidance.

You also can go straight to the source by picking up the phone and giving the company a call. 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 often give out formula samples and coupons after you can sign up online.

Coupons, samples, and other offers will usually come right to your mailbox or email. Here are some additional infant formula companies you can register with:

• Gerber
• Member's Mark
• Nature's One

Ask Your Doctor's Office

Formula companies often give free formula to hospitals and doctor's offices hoping they'll pass on the samples to you. Call your doctor'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 often connect you with free baby magazines and free diapers. 

Check WIC Eligibility

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

Combine Coupons and Sales

Newspaper inserts are great places to find coupons for baby formula. Check your paper for coupons for baby formula and grocery store ads to find out when a sale is happening. Combining coupons with a sale can get you cheap or even free baby formula.

And, don't forget about digital coupons. Sign up for loyalty programs, clubs, and online programs so that you get coupons and other deals sent directly to your email or through text message. Sometimes the coupons can be printed, and other times you simply scan a code at checkout to get the deal.

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

Contact Your Local Food Bank

Local food banks aren't only 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 have infant formula they will provide for free. 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 offer this type of service or if they know another organization that could help.

Create a Baby Registry

Creating a 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 and ongoing discounts and a welcome box when you use their registries. So, be sure to create a registry in order to take advantage of these deals and savings. These companies also will alert you of new sales and coupons on a consistent basis.

When creating your registry, though, you may not want to register for formula. 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 that you cannot use.

You also may 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 on a recurring basis. Plus, when combined with coupons, you may end up saving a good amount of money.

Look for Local Giveaways

You also could check online for people giving formula away. Check Freecycle, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace for opportunities. Sometimes parents will have left over formula that they can no longer use because their baby has an intolerance or they switched brands so they often just give it away.

However, be sure that if you're meeting someone to pick up the formula that you don't go alone and that you meet them in a public place. And, you should never buy formula from a re-seller.

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

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