Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Average cost of baby formula per month
Baby formula costs $40 to $300 per month or $550 to $3,600 total for the first year, depending on the formula type, can size, and brand. Most powdered formula brands cost $0.60 to $2.00 per ounce, although organic or hypoallergenic formula typically costs more. One ounce of powder makes 7 to 9 fluid ounces.
| Baby's age | Formula needed per day (fluid ounces, prepared) | Average formula cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 8 – 26 | $25 – $200 |
| 1 month | 17 – 32 | $40 – $240 |
| 2 months | 20 – 35 | $50 – $260 |
| 3 – 5 months | 20 – 40 | $50 – $300 |
| 6 – 8 months | 16 – 40 | $40 – $300 |
| 9 – 12 months | 16 – 32 | $40 – $240 |
During the first week, a newborn may only need 8 to 16 fluid ounces of milk per day. During the second or third week, that number increases to 14 to 26 fluid ounces as the baby's stomach grows.
Every baby is different, so as long as they seem relaxed after feeding and have multiple wet diapers every day, they should be getting enough.
Most babies don’t need more than 32 fluid ounces per day. If your baby is vomiting (not just spitting up) or in pain after every feeding, they may be getting too much formula.
Baby formula cost in the first year
Baby formula costs $550 to $3,600 total for the first year, depending on the brand, type, can size, and how much your baby eats. Bulk sizes cost less per ounce than small cans but cost more up front. Special dietary needs or organic formulas will increase costs.
After the first month, your baby will start drinking more at once and feed less often. Once you start introducing solid foods around 6 months, your baby will need a little less formula.
Low-income parents may qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help cover the cost of formula.
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Baby formula cost by brand & type
Powdered baby formula costs $0.60 to $2.00 per ounce, depending on the brand, type, and can size. Generic brands all meet the same FDA standards as name brands, which usually cost more because added features and marketing drive up their prices.
| Brand name | Formula cost per ounce |
|---|---|
| Similac | $1.05 – $1.60 |
| Enfamil | $1.50 – $2.00 |
| Bubs | $1.30 – $1.60 |
| Parent's Choice (Walmart) | $0.80 – $1.20 |
| Up & Up (Target) | $0.80 – $0.95 |
| Kirkland (Costco) | $0.60 – $0.65* |
*Requires a Costco membership.
If you make formula ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and use or discard it within 24 hours. Once your baby drinks from a bottle, use or discard the liquid within 2 hours.
Organic
Organic baby formula costs $1.00 to $1.80 per ounce, depending on the brand, retailer, and can size. Organic formula is made from cows raised on organic farms, so there's less risk of exposure to pesticides. Some parents claim organic formula is gentler on their baby's digestive system.
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic baby formula costs $1.50 to $4.25 per ounce, depending on the brand and size, and is made with pre-digested milk proteins. Pediatricians recommend hypoallergenic formula for babies who have a hard time digesting milk proteins.
If your baby has any of the following symptoms, talk to your pediatrician or consider switching formulas:
Eczema
Colic or extreme irritability
Discomfort after feeding
Vomiting
Wheezing
Persistent diarrhea
Soy
Soy baby formulas cost $0.80 to $1.85 per ounce on average. Doctors used to recommend soy formula for babies who are allergic to cow's milk, but these babies are usually also allergic to soy proteins.
Baby formula cost factors
These factors may affect your total costs:
Can size – Baby formula comes in cans and tubs of varying sizes, from 12.4 to 34 ounces. Larger can sizes cost less per ounce, so buying formula in bulk can save you money in the long run.
Ready-made formula – Premade formula costs about $0.20 to $0.55 per fluid ounce and is more expensive than powdered formula but much more convenient. Ready-made formula usually comes in 2-, 8-, and 32-ounce bottles.
Formula concentrate – Concentrated formula costs $0.40 to $0.50 per fluid ounce and is similar to ready-made formula, except you have to mix it with equal parts water. Once opened, concentrate containers and ready-made bottles must be stored in the fridge and used within 48 hours.
Combo feeding – Supplementing with breastfeeding, or combo feeding, is an easy way to save money on formula. Some people breastfeed during the day and use formula at night. Others breastfeed as much as possible and supplement with formula. Some parents use formula while they're working and breastfeed at home.
Rewards programs – If you find a formula that works for you, check to see if the brand has a rewards program. Some companies like Enfamil and Similac offer discounts for members.
Never try to save money by diluting formula with extra water. Your baby will not be able to get the nutrients they need.
Bottles and accessories
The following extra costs apply when bottle-feeding your baby:
Bottles cost $2 to $8 each, depending on the brand, size, and retail store. Some brands make bottles specifically to reduce colic or for certain age groups.
Bottle warmers cost $20 to $85 and make formula-feeding more convenient.
Bottle brushes cost $4 to $10 each and clean milk in hard-to-reach areas.
Baby formula FAQs
What is baby formula made of?
Most baby formula is made from powdered milk protein from cows, vegetable oils, lactose, and a blend of vitamins and minerals. Some formulas also contain human milk oligosaccharides, DHA, probiotics, lactoferrin, or soy protein.
Formula sold in the U.S. is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered safe. However, breastfeeding is ideal if the mother and baby are able to, especially during the first 6 months. Breastmilk is more easily digestible and strengthens babies' immune systems.
Check your formula periodically to make sure you don't use anything that has been recalled for safety reasons.
What kind of water do I use for baby formula?
Use distilled, purified, bottled, or clean tap water to make baby formula. If you're concerned about the purity of your local tap water, boil it and let it cool to room temperature before using it to make a bottle.
When do babies stop drinking formula?
Babies typically transition from formula to whole cow's milk at about 12 months, when most babies are able to digest cow's milk and receive other nutrients from solid foods.
When was baby formula invented?
Baby formula was invented in 1865 by a German chemist named Justus von Liebig. Back then, it was made with just powdered cow's milk, flour, and potassium bicarbonate.
Can babies drink cold formula?
Babies can drink cold or room temperature formula, although they may not like it at first. Babies typically prefer warm or lukewarm milk because it's closest to the temperature of breast milk.
Microwave ovens create uneven hot spots in milk that could burn your baby's mouth, so never use a microwave to heat up a bottle. Formula should only feel lukewarm on the inside of your wrist.
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
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