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Tip Store: Babies: Formula Bottles and Dummies
Ask About Generic Formula
Approximate $ Savings: $5
I saved $5 on infant baby formula when I asked Amcal about their brand of formula. They said it is S26 formula, but packaged in their tin, with their brand name, instead of S26, and therefore the $19.95 I was spending in the supermarket was due to the label, and not the product alone. Now I buy the exact same formula, packaged in Amcal labelled tins, for $14.95. Sometimes they even have specials for $11.95 per tin, saving of $8 per week. Buying in bulk at this time means I save $32 a month on the exact same formula, only packaged by a different company.
Contributed by Rebecca, Bridgewater, 26th April 2009
Approximate $ Savings: $5
I saved $5 on infant baby formula when I asked Amcal about their brand of formula. They said it is S26 formula, but packaged in their tin, with their brand name, instead of S26, and therefore the $19.95 I was spending in the supermarket was due to the label, and not the product alone. Now I buy the exact same formula, packaged in Amcal labelled tins, for $14.95. Sometimes they even have specials for $11.95 per tin, saving of $8 per week. Buying in bulk at this time means I save $32 a month on the exact same formula, only packaged by a different company.
Contributed by Rebecca, Bridgewater, 26th April 2009
Save Money on Breast Pads Whilst Breastfeeding!
Approximate $ Savings: $7 every 10 days
Tissues weren't cutting it for me as a breast pad replacement, so I took some of my old softly padded bras which I've outgrown (thank you breastfeeding!), and cut out the bra cup. I just sewed around the cup by hand, and now have some washable breast pads that I wear when I'm home. A much better alternative than paying $7 for a pack of 20!
Contributed by Laura, Berwick, 15th April 2009
Approximate $ Savings: $7 every 10 days
Tissues weren't cutting it for me as a breast pad replacement, so I took some of my old softly padded bras which I've outgrown (thank you breastfeeding!), and cut out the bra cup. I just sewed around the cup by hand, and now have some washable breast pads that I wear when I'm home. A much better alternative than paying $7 for a pack of 20!
Contributed by Laura, Berwick, 15th April 2009
Ask for Free Trials When Seeking Formulas
Approximate $ Savings: $20 - $100
I am trying some different types of baby formula as my son has had some reactions to certain brands. At $18 - $25 per tin, this can add up if I have to trial 5 different types of formula. Instead of buying a tin, only to find he can't tolerate it, I rang some baby formula companies and they sent me a tin to trial free of charge.
Contributed by Anne, Preston, 16th November 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $20 - $100
I am trying some different types of baby formula as my son has had some reactions to certain brands. At $18 - $25 per tin, this can add up if I have to trial 5 different types of formula. Instead of buying a tin, only to find he can't tolerate it, I rang some baby formula companies and they sent me a tin to trial free of charge.
Contributed by Anne, Preston, 16th November 2008
Toddler Milk for Less
Approximate $ Savings: $20/month over $200/year
My daughter aged 2 years loves toddler milk, will drink normal milk but prefers the latter. All formula milk is expensive and soon adds up, so I cut costs by buying full cream milk powder and remove 1/2 formula powder into spare container and replace with full cream milk powder. A normal tin of toddler formula would last approximately 2 weeks, this way I get 2 tins for the price of one. You can get no name full cream milk powder from most stores for around $4. My girl loves the creamy taste, and I save money.
Contributed by Kim, Toowoomba, 13th September 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $20/month over $200/year
My daughter aged 2 years loves toddler milk, will drink normal milk but prefers the latter. All formula milk is expensive and soon adds up, so I cut costs by buying full cream milk powder and remove 1/2 formula powder into spare container and replace with full cream milk powder. A normal tin of toddler formula would last approximately 2 weeks, this way I get 2 tins for the price of one. You can get no name full cream milk powder from most stores for around $4. My girl loves the creamy taste, and I save money.
Contributed by Kim, Toowoomba, 13th September 2008
The Versatile Cloth Nappy
Approximate $ Savings: $10
Instead of using expensive burping towels for babies, use cloth nappies. They are almost four times the size, super absorbent and are easily washed with the other nappies. As a bonus when your babies have finished with them they make great wipes for cleaning up messy play and can then be re-invented as floor rags, dusters, dish clothes etc before finally being put in the bin.
Contributed by Eloise, Trtt Park,5th September 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $10
Instead of using expensive burping towels for babies, use cloth nappies. They are almost four times the size, super absorbent and are easily washed with the other nappies. As a bonus when your babies have finished with them they make great wipes for cleaning up messy play and can then be re-invented as floor rags, dusters, dish clothes etc before finally being put in the bin.
Contributed by Eloise, Trtt Park,5th September 2008
Easy Clean Baby Bottles
Approximate $ Savings: $20
When washing my babies bottles, I use very hot water and leave them to soak for about 15-20 minutes. It makes it a lot easier to clean the milk out of them before sterilizing.
Contributed by Laura, Gladstone Park, 14th March 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $20
When washing my babies bottles, I use very hot water and leave them to soak for about 15-20 minutes. It makes it a lot easier to clean the milk out of them before sterilizing.
Contributed by Laura, Gladstone Park, 14th March 2008
Two Simple Savings With Baby
Approximate $ Savings : At least $2000
After being one of the first of our friends to have a baby, we have been asked what our best tips are for saving money. My 2 best tips are for 'both ends' - feeding and nappies!
Feeding: the cheapest milk for baby is breast milk, plus it has many other benefits for baby and mum. It is well worth trying to breastfeed if you can, and don't forget there are many free resources you can use if you are having difficulties - the hospitals usually have a breastfeeding clinic you can attend for free, as do most councils, and don't forget your maternal and child health nurse. Even if you had to pay for a private lactation consultant, you would still be in front. And if you can't breastfeed you can save money with feeding too - shop around for formula and bottles. Supermarkets usually are not the cheapest - pharmacies often sell formula a couple of dollars cheaper and usually have a loyalty club too. Big W is excellent for the main brands of formula and bottles/teats.
Nappies: it doesn't matter whether you buy Huggies or Aldi's nappies - cloth is still the cheapest by far! When you consider you'll go through around 5500 nappy changes per child (that's an average of around 6 changes a day for 2.5 years - and some children don't toilet train until 3 years!) you can make significant savings on the $1500-2400 you would spend for disposables. The cost of nappies would be even greater if you didn't buy bulk packs! Craziness!!! You can go super-cheap and get a good quality flat nappy and cover set up for around $150 or you can spend up to $1500 - but even then you would still make savings! We went mid-way and purchased a couple of bulk fitted hemp nappy packs from Mandy Mac (www.mandymac.com.au, a lovely lady to deal with) and PUL & wool nappy covers from BabyBeehinds (www.babybeehinds.com.au), spending about $500 all up. I've calculated it costs me less than a dollar a week to wash the nappies and that's not including the fact that I get pretty much no leaks with cloth, compared to at least a couple a week with disposable, and adds around 15 minutes a week at the very most to my washing routine. When you consider that cloth nappies can be used for at least 2-3 kids, and with hemp/ bamboo nappies, sold when you are finished, it's a bargain! Try getting someone to buy your disposables when you're finished with them....
Contributed by Melissa, South Morang, 12th March 2008
Approximate $ Savings : At least $2000
After being one of the first of our friends to have a baby, we have been asked what our best tips are for saving money. My 2 best tips are for 'both ends' - feeding and nappies!
Feeding: the cheapest milk for baby is breast milk, plus it has many other benefits for baby and mum. It is well worth trying to breastfeed if you can, and don't forget there are many free resources you can use if you are having difficulties - the hospitals usually have a breastfeeding clinic you can attend for free, as do most councils, and don't forget your maternal and child health nurse. Even if you had to pay for a private lactation consultant, you would still be in front. And if you can't breastfeed you can save money with feeding too - shop around for formula and bottles. Supermarkets usually are not the cheapest - pharmacies often sell formula a couple of dollars cheaper and usually have a loyalty club too. Big W is excellent for the main brands of formula and bottles/teats.
Nappies: it doesn't matter whether you buy Huggies or Aldi's nappies - cloth is still the cheapest by far! When you consider you'll go through around 5500 nappy changes per child (that's an average of around 6 changes a day for 2.5 years - and some children don't toilet train until 3 years!) you can make significant savings on the $1500-2400 you would spend for disposables. The cost of nappies would be even greater if you didn't buy bulk packs! Craziness!!! You can go super-cheap and get a good quality flat nappy and cover set up for around $150 or you can spend up to $1500 - but even then you would still make savings! We went mid-way and purchased a couple of bulk fitted hemp nappy packs from Mandy Mac (www.mandymac.com.au, a lovely lady to deal with) and PUL & wool nappy covers from BabyBeehinds (www.babybeehinds.com.au), spending about $500 all up. I've calculated it costs me less than a dollar a week to wash the nappies and that's not including the fact that I get pretty much no leaks with cloth, compared to at least a couple a week with disposable, and adds around 15 minutes a week at the very most to my washing routine. When you consider that cloth nappies can be used for at least 2-3 kids, and with hemp/ bamboo nappies, sold when you are finished, it's a bargain! Try getting someone to buy your disposables when you're finished with them....
Contributed by Melissa, South Morang, 12th March 2008
Mulitple Savings for Parents of Multiples
If you are a parent of multiples (twins, triplets etc) and your baby is on the Karicare formula you can contact Karicare directly and they will give you a discount by buying them directly from them. The process is such that you fax a letter to 02 9878 4769. It must be on a letter head through your gp. It must state that: (eg) Billy Bob is the parent of twins/triplets Jane and Mary born on the 26th of June, 2006. They use Karicare Gold / Infant / Whatever. It must be signed by the GP and include all contact details of the parent. They then ring you and give you a client number and you quote this every time you order. You can only place an order once a month and this must be a minimum of 12 and maximum of 18 tins. You must pay a delivery charge of $11 and it is delivered to your home address.
Contributed by Kirsty, Kuluin, 7th February 2008
If you are a parent of multiples (twins, triplets etc) and your baby is on the Karicare formula you can contact Karicare directly and they will give you a discount by buying them directly from them. The process is such that you fax a letter to 02 9878 4769. It must be on a letter head through your gp. It must state that: (eg) Billy Bob is the parent of twins/triplets Jane and Mary born on the 26th of June, 2006. They use Karicare Gold / Infant / Whatever. It must be signed by the GP and include all contact details of the parent. They then ring you and give you a client number and you quote this every time you order. You can only place an order once a month and this must be a minimum of 12 and maximum of 18 tins. You must pay a delivery charge of $11 and it is delivered to your home address.
Contributed by Kirsty, Kuluin, 7th February 2008
IGA for Cheaper Formula
Approximate $ Savings: $6.00
Baby formula is expensive and you go through a tin each week. I found that the Karicare AR formula my daughter was on, was about $16.98 from the IGA supermarket. Coles sell it for about $23.15 and Woolworths and Franklins not much cheaper. $6 something is a great saving each week.
Contributed by Michelle, Bradbury, 18th January 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $6.00
Baby formula is expensive and you go through a tin each week. I found that the Karicare AR formula my daughter was on, was about $16.98 from the IGA supermarket. Coles sell it for about $23.15 and Woolworths and Franklins not much cheaper. $6 something is a great saving each week.
Contributed by Michelle, Bradbury, 18th January 2008
Parents and Baby expo
My youngest boy (2 yo) is still taking Karicare Toddler Gold 3 formula milk because he is quite a fussy eater and the only good nutrition he'll get is only from the milk. That's why I don't change to cow's milk yet. But buying formula can be quite expensive, so I look for ways to get the formula in cheaper price. For two years, I've gone to Parents and Baby expo, and Karicare always have their stand at the expo where they'll sell the formula much cheaper than from supermarket. In supermarket is about $14++ (if I'm not mistaken). Last year I got about $8.15 per can from the expo, I bought 18 cans. And I did the same thing this year at the expo. Well, I could save quite a fortune for couple of months. Plus you'll get lots of samples too.
Contributed by Vieralisa, Redfern, May 5th 2005
My youngest boy (2 yo) is still taking Karicare Toddler Gold 3 formula milk because he is quite a fussy eater and the only good nutrition he'll get is only from the milk. That's why I don't change to cow's milk yet. But buying formula can be quite expensive, so I look for ways to get the formula in cheaper price. For two years, I've gone to Parents and Baby expo, and Karicare always have their stand at the expo where they'll sell the formula much cheaper than from supermarket. In supermarket is about $14++ (if I'm not mistaken). Last year I got about $8.15 per can from the expo, I bought 18 cans. And I did the same thing this year at the expo. Well, I could save quite a fortune for couple of months. Plus you'll get lots of samples too.
Contributed by Vieralisa, Redfern, May 5th 2005
Rice and Clean
To clean babies bottles and teats just rinse them out then add dry rice shake the bottle with the rice in. for the teats add the dry rice and rub. This method has always worked for me.
Contributed by Kathy, Seven Hills, March 20th 2005
To clean babies bottles and teats just rinse them out then add dry rice shake the bottle with the rice in. for the teats add the dry rice and rub. This method has always worked for me.
Contributed by Kathy, Seven Hills, March 20th 2005
Prescriptions Can Allow for Cheaper Buying
If you are using a particular baby formula for health reasons, you can ask your doctor to write a prescription and this enables you to order from the chemist at a much lower price. My friend used Infolac because of her daughter's intolerance to lactose and was able to buy for $6.00 per tin instead of approximately $25.00 per tin off the shelf.
Contributed by Elizabeth, Panania, November 29th 2006
If you are using a particular baby formula for health reasons, you can ask your doctor to write a prescription and this enables you to order from the chemist at a much lower price. My friend used Infolac because of her daughter's intolerance to lactose and was able to buy for $6.00 per tin instead of approximately $25.00 per tin off the shelf.
Contributed by Elizabeth, Panania, November 29th 2006
Online Pharmacies are Cheaper
My granddaughter has to have Karicare Reflux formula which is about the same price range and is never on special. We found the www.thebulkwarehouse.com.au sells it cheaper but you will have to buy 6 tins at once. I think the savings are around $4 a tin. Other than that if your baby can drink goats milk the cafes have the correct formula, my youngest son was on goats milk and I use to put 2ozs milk to 6 oz of boiled water. I used to have to get mine from a goat breeder.
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, November 29th 2006
My granddaughter has to have Karicare Reflux formula which is about the same price range and is never on special. We found the www.thebulkwarehouse.com.au sells it cheaper but you will have to buy 6 tins at once. I think the savings are around $4 a tin. Other than that if your baby can drink goats milk the cafes have the correct formula, my youngest son was on goats milk and I use to put 2ozs milk to 6 oz of boiled water. I used to have to get mine from a goat breeder.
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, November 29th 2006
Authority Prescriptions – Get up to 6 Cans on 1 Script
I believe if your baby or child has an intolerance or allergy to regular formula you are able to get a prescription from your GP in order to get suitable formula. Apparently it is on an authority prescription and you can get 6 cans for the price of 1 script. I only recently found this out after buying 3 years worth of Goat milk formula for my son.Contributed by Kym, Millfield, November 28th 2006
I believe if your baby or child has an intolerance or allergy to regular formula you are able to get a prescription from your GP in order to get suitable formula. Apparently it is on an authority prescription and you can get 6 cans for the price of 1 script. I only recently found this out after buying 3 years worth of Goat milk formula for my son.Contributed by Kym, Millfield, November 28th 2006
Buy in Bulk Online and Save Heaps
We get our nappies, formula and all other Baby essential from a place called Baby Wishes http://www.baby-wishes.com.au/. Formula is usually less than $20 a tin when you buy in bulk. They also sell everything else at discounted prices, and if you find your baby grows out of the nappies you have they will exchange your unopened boxes for the next size up.
Contributed by Katie, Rozelle, November 28th 2006
We get our nappies, formula and all other Baby essential from a place called Baby Wishes http://www.baby-wishes.com.au/. Formula is usually less than $20 a tin when you buy in bulk. They also sell everything else at discounted prices, and if you find your baby grows out of the nappies you have they will exchange your unopened boxes for the next size up.
Contributed by Katie, Rozelle, November 28th 2006
Ask for a Discount
When my twins were babies I approached the chemist were I got my formula from and asked for a discount. I went though about 6 cans a fortnight and he gave me a discount of about $3 a can.
Contributed by Lynda, Hopetoun, November 28th 2006
When my twins were babies I approached the chemist were I got my formula from and asked for a discount. I went though about 6 cans a fortnight and he gave me a discount of about $3 a can.
Contributed by Lynda, Hopetoun, November 28th 2006
Discount Chemists Sell Cheaper Formula
My son used to be on Karicare Goat Formula. I got it for about $18-$19 a tin at Chemist Warehouse in Ringwood. Hope that helps.
Contributed by Bronia, Mitcham, November 28th 2006
My son used to be on Karicare Goat Formula. I got it for about $18-$19 a tin at Chemist Warehouse in Ringwood. Hope that helps.
Contributed by Bronia, Mitcham, November 28th 2006
Transporting Bottle Feeds
When taking an overnight trip with bub, sometimes taking the complete tin of formula is too bulky; the small Masterfoods spice jars perfectly hold a 210ml (7 scoops) bottle of Nan formula. You could even set up for the midnight feed for hubby, or a baby sitter if you go out (put this in that, shake and serve). They maybe glass but they take up less room than the tin and give new life to old jars. I don't know if other brands of formula will fit but it's worth checking out, and saves on the purchase of those (only carry 3 feeds) plastic containers
Contributed by Donna, Wondai, October 6th 2006
When taking an overnight trip with bub, sometimes taking the complete tin of formula is too bulky; the small Masterfoods spice jars perfectly hold a 210ml (7 scoops) bottle of Nan formula. You could even set up for the midnight feed for hubby, or a baby sitter if you go out (put this in that, shake and serve). They maybe glass but they take up less room than the tin and give new life to old jars. I don't know if other brands of formula will fit but it's worth checking out, and saves on the purchase of those (only carry 3 feeds) plastic containers
Contributed by Donna, Wondai, October 6th 2006
Cheaper Formula at the Chemist
My newborn is fully formula fed and for convenience I would purchase formula whilst doing the grocery shopping but have since found that the local chemist has formula $2.50 cheaper per can than the supermarkets. That's a saving of about $10 per month for me, which I now put towards my child's savings.
Contributed by Nicole, August 2nd 2006
My newborn is fully formula fed and for convenience I would purchase formula whilst doing the grocery shopping but have since found that the local chemist has formula $2.50 cheaper per can than the supermarkets. That's a saving of about $10 per month for me, which I now put towards my child's savings.
Contributed by Nicole, August 2nd 2006
Stock Up at Sale Time
We would always stock up on my son's formula when it was special at the supermarket (or when Kmart & Target had 15% off), saving about $3 per tin. Just make sure you check the use-by dates on the tins first to make sure they'll last long enough. With other food, I always made my own (except for a couple of jars for emergencies/travel). I'd cook up 3 or 4 types of veggies twice a week; cutting up the next veggie while one was steaming. Once mashed and cooled, I froze them in ice-cube trays, and then transferred the cubes to airtight bags to store. By doing each veg separately, each meal I could give him a different mix for variety. It only cost me about $5/week (and he's a big eater).
Contributed by Anne, Lara, April 6, 2006
We would always stock up on my son's formula when it was special at the supermarket (or when Kmart & Target had 15% off), saving about $3 per tin. Just make sure you check the use-by dates on the tins first to make sure they'll last long enough. With other food, I always made my own (except for a couple of jars for emergencies/travel). I'd cook up 3 or 4 types of veggies twice a week; cutting up the next veggie while one was steaming. Once mashed and cooled, I froze them in ice-cube trays, and then transferred the cubes to airtight bags to store. By doing each veg separately, each meal I could give him a different mix for variety. It only cost me about $5/week (and he's a big eater).
Contributed by Anne, Lara, April 6, 2006
Australian Made Generic Brands
I saw a Today Tonight article on formula a while ago. They said that the Australian Standards for Baby formula are quite strict and that there isn't much of a variation in quality and nutritional value between the various Australian brands. After paying nearly $20 per canister of 'the best brand' I found a generic chemist brand of formula for only $13. Also suited my baby better, and constipation stopped. Try a few brands and seewhat works for you.
Contributed by Lisa, Bargara, April 4, 2006
I saw a Today Tonight article on formula a while ago. They said that the Australian Standards for Baby formula are quite strict and that there isn't much of a variation in quality and nutritional value between the various Australian brands. After paying nearly $20 per canister of 'the best brand' I found a generic chemist brand of formula for only $13. Also suited my baby better, and constipation stopped. Try a few brands and seewhat works for you.
Contributed by Lisa, Bargara, April 4, 2006
Shop Around for the Best Deals on Baby Formula
I discovered that you need to shop around for the formula. I buy my formula from Guardian Pharmacy as it's about $3.00 cheaper there than the supermarkets. As for nappies, I buy mine in bulk from Nappy Links (in Qld).
Contributed by Kym, Slacks Creek, April 6, 2006
I discovered that you need to shop around for the formula. I buy my formula from Guardian Pharmacy as it's about $3.00 cheaper there than the supermarkets. As for nappies, I buy mine in bulk from Nappy Links (in Qld).
Contributed by Kym, Slacks Creek, April 6, 2006
Being a grandmother of 6 I am always aware of the price of formula, I have always helped my family out by always reading the junk mail for the specials and also they check them too, if possible buy 2 so it will last till you see them on special again. We have been doing the same with the nappies, if they are a real special I buy them and family pay me back when possible.
Contributed by Joan, Plainland, April 5, 2006