A Mountain of Formula Freebies

Photo credits: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, of Borntolove.com ~ All Rights Reserved

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It was an experiment I started in 2008.

I decided to sign up to the formula companies, checking off I would be exclusively breastfeeding.

And the formula samples just kept coming!

And coming!

May 2009
-- The formula companies really wanted me to formula feed!

It is 6 months today since the birth date I used when I signed up for the formula companies, checking off I would be exclusively breastfeeding.

It's time to give them to the women's shelter since I won't be needing them - but I wanted to do a final tally - it was an interesting comparison.

Photo credits: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, of Borntolove.com ~ All Rights Reserved

The Big Letdown

From Similac in the US, they sent 2 cans @ 12.9oz (365g)

From Similac in Canada, they sent 5 cans @ 365g

From Nestle in Canada, they sent 3 cans @ 340g, 2 cans @ 370g and 1 can 730g

From Heinz in Canada, they sent 2 cans 730g and 1 case of 12x385ml ready-to-feed

From Enfamil in Canada, they sent 2 cans @ 370g and 6 coupons for free cans

From Enfagrow Toddler formula, they sent 8 @ 18g

From Member's Mark in the US they sent 1 pkg @ 4.41oz (125g)

From Parent's Choice in the US, they sent 1 pkg @ 4.3oz (112g)

Grand total - 21 cans of powder, 12 cans of ready-to-feed and 8 toddler formula within the first 6 months!

Breastfeeding Uncovered

From Similac in the US, they sent $30 in coupons

From Similac in Canada, they sent $125 in coupons

From Nestle in Canada, they sent $75 in coupons

From Heinz in Canada, they sent only $15 in coupons

From Enfamil in Canada, they sent $39 in coupons

From Enfagrow Toddler formula, they sent $6 in coupons.

Grand Total - $290 in coupons within the first 6 months

And remember, I DID check off that I planned to exclusively breastfeeding!

It looks like Canada sends way more formula than the US, so they must be trying a lot harder up here?

The Canadian formula was shipped to southern Ontario, Canada.

The US formula was shipped to North Fort Myers, Florida, where my in-laws were staying for the winter - I don't know if different areas get different responses?

If you stumbled in here looking for formula samples, check my post for Formula Freebies

Then check out my Huge List of 101+ Breastfeeding Freebies!

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Photo credits: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, of Borntolove.com ~ All Rights Reserved

UPDATE - May 9, 2013
-- Is there another baby at my house needing formula?

I did this experiment years ago, signing up for free samples of formula, saying I was planning to fully breastfeed, and I received something like 45 cans of free formula and $450 in formula coupons in that first year!!

I donated all to the food bank.

But it has been about 5 years since I originally requested free formula.

Yet every couple of years I get another box of free formula in the mail, congratulating me on my baby-to-be.

The One Best Way?

Another package arrived yesterday - I dropped it off at the food bank today.

Does the formula company know something I don't??

I thought I knew where babies come from... but apparently there are several babies hiding somewhere in my house.

And they all need formula!?!

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ANOTHER UPDATE - May 16, 2013
-- Since I posted my last update, Similac has continued to send me more coupons almost every day.

I now have $40 total more in coupons! Pretty aggressive marketing for my new baby!!

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NOTE - If any of the above links are not working or the freebies or coupons no longer available, please post a blog comment below and I'll edit it!

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Category: CDN, children, formula freebies, US