Baby Formula Savings with Sandra Gordon on Better Connecticut TV
Consumer Reports Author, mom, and baby safety expert Sandra Gordon discusses how to save money on baby items, including buying store brand formulas.
HOST: Alright. We all love to save money, but sometimes we get a little sensitive when it comes to scrimping on our baby. So, you only want to splurge on your baby when you must, and many times you can go with a store brand.
Today we are going to speak with someone who can help us break it down. Sandra Gordon is a well-known author with Consumer Reports. Basically, she writes books on ways we can save money on baby products.
SANDRA: That's right.
HOST: And you've found that many of us are spending a lot more money than we need to.
SANDRA: That's right. There are so many ways you can save when buying baby products. And one of the first things you want to concentrate on is what to feed your baby.
For example, if you are going to use baby formula, you should choose a store brand formula. These store brand formulas, which are available under different “house brand” labels and banners of different retailers, meet the same FDA standards as the more expensive, nationally advertised brands. And they offer complete nutrition and are nutritionally comparable to the big-name brands.
Infant formula is a highly regulated product. In fact, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you choose a store brand formula, you will save up to 50 percent versus the advertised brands.*
HOST: And baby formula is so expensive. I know when it comes to formula, you must find the one that works best for your baby. And, so you're saying that they have store brand options such as organic formula, soy formula, and more? And, instead of paying $30 a can, a store brand formula alternative will cost you half that?
SANDRA: Right. For any name-brand infant formula, there is a store brand alternative that will save you up to $600 a year on infant nutrition versus the name brand. And to save even more, buy the value size container if one is available.
HOST: OK, so buy the biggest size. I've seen Parent's Choice Formula at Walmart. And this one, with the arrow, is Target's Up and Up Formula. These are two examples of store brand infant formulas that will save you money by shopping at America's leading retailers.
Sandra Gordon
Author and Consumer Savings Expert
Sandra Gordon writes frequently about baby products, saving money, health and nutrition for books, leading consumer magazines and Websites including ShopSmartmag.org, Productopia.com, Parents, Vitality, Prevention, Family Circle, American Profile and Harvard Medical School. She has appeared on NBC's Today Show and as a baby safety expert on The Discovery Health Channel's "Make Room for Baby." She lives in Connecticut with her husband and their two daughters. She's the author of nine books, including Consumer Reports Best Baby Products (the 8th, 9th and 10th editions) and Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.