Is your wallet feeling some dents, and are wondering why is baby formula so expensive?
Babies need a lot of stuff all the time, which can be quite expensive in the long run.
When you’re a mother, it may feel like you’re always buying things for the baby and spending too much money on it.
One of the things that many people complain about having to buy is baby formula.
So why is a baby formula so expensive, and is there something you can do about it? Here’s what you need to know.
Why is baby formula so expensive?
Baby formula has been around for a few decades now as a substitute for breast milk.
Mothers use it when they can’t produce enough milk on their own, or breastfeeding is impossible for some reason.
While it can be perfect for the baby, you can end up spending at least $150 per month on baby formula.
So why is it so expensive? Some of the considerations that go into pricing baby formula include:
Scientific research
It takes years of research to develop a baby formula that’s a viable substitute for breast milk.
It involves years of scientists figuring out what’s in breast milk so that various brands can try to replicate it in baby formula.
It has to pass through very rigorous testing to ensure that it is not harmful to the baby in any way.
This process is quite expensive, and that often reflects in the pricing for baby formula.
Marketing
Mothers are always encouraged by doctors to breastfeed for as long as possible.
As a result, baby formula has to go through lots of marketing efforts to be enticing enough to buy.
From huge billboards, elaborate ads, and even giving away some free samples, baby formula marketing does not come cheap.
Safety standards
As a product meant for babies, the formula goes through a rigorous process to make sure that the end product gets to you safely.
It is securely packed with no spaces where water and other contaminants can get in.
The lids are also quite challenging to open, and baby formula is usually locked up inside a store until you buy it.
It also discourages theft as some people steal the baby formula and sell it at a lower price on the black market.
Unless you have a lot of cash to burn, baby formula costs are likely to cause a lot of stress.
One of the ways you can save some money is to buy baby formula in bulk.
It will cost less in the long run, and you can keep the baby formula for longer, provided it doesn’t expire.
You can even do this with other mothers around you and share the costs.
If you’re used to buying baby formula online or from a particular store, you can set up a subscription.
It allows you to enjoy all sorts of discounts and you get to know when something new arrives immediately.
Big-name baby formula brands are quite expensive, and you should go for generic ones whenever you go shopping.
Despite the difference in brand names, most contain the same ingredients.
Buying a lesser-known brand will save you a significant amount on the cost.
Whatever happens, don’t ever water down baby formula so that it can last longer, as this can be harmful to your baby.
The baby formula design is already perfect as it is, and any attempts to change it will deprive your baby of essential nutrients.
When you need baby formula regularly, it can be hard to understand why is baby formula so expensive.
However, once you realize how much goes into just one bottle of baby formula, it starts to make a bit of sense.
Related Post: How Many Baby Bottles Do You Need? 3 Practical Bottle Tips
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
