Frugal Feeding

Well, Frugal Toddler is weaning. Not intentionally, but it is happening. She is 16 months, so we made and surpassed our 1 year goal.

Since we initially decided to breastfeed for economic reasons, I thought I'd do a post looking at how much money we saved by breastfeeding. (Granted, many moms choose not to breastfeed, or breastfeeding doesn't work out for them, but many mamas want to look at the financial aspects!)

Breastfeeding Costs:
For Me:
Nursing Pads - free, I made them out of old receiving blankets
Pump - received for free
Storage bags - about $40
Total: $40

On Average:
Nursing Pads - disposables - $80-$100
                        reusable - $18
Pump - $80-$150 (if you need it)
Storage bags - $40

Total: $18-$290 depending on your actual needs.

(These costs are based on internet searches and do not include sale prices!)

Low-End Formula Costs:
Baby's Only - $10 per can
At 8-10 cans per month, $80-$100 per month.
For 12 months, that is $960-$1200.

Average Formula Costs:
$20 per can
At 8-10 cans per month, $160-$200 per month.
For 12 months, that is $1920-$2400.

High-End Formula Costs:
Enfamil Nutramigen - $35 per can
At 8-10 cans per month, $280-$350 per month.
For 12 months, that is $3360-$4200.


So total yearly costs for Formula feeding could very easily be anywhere between $960 to $4200! Yikes!

I really feel for mamas who have to use high-end brands!

So if you are currently trying to decide between BFing and FFing, maybe this is a deciding factor for you? Hope my examination of costs helps you out!

-Frugal Mama


EDIT:
Had a friend with a daughter who is on high-end formula tell me about a formula called Elecare.
Elecare is about $58 a can.
At 8-10 cans per month, $464-$580.
For 12 months, $5568-$6960.
Yikes!