Deciding how to feed your baby is one of many big decisions you will make as a parent. Breastmilk/chestmilk is the ideal food for babies and contains almost all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months. Whether you breastfeed/chestfeed or formula feed, the only extra thing your baby should need is vitamin D. If you are considering formula feeding your baby in their first year of life, here is some information on how much it may cost.

The Average Cost of Infant Formula in Manitoba

The table below shows the average cost of formula feeding a baby for one year in Manitoba based on the summer/fall prices of 2023. These prices may change over time and do not include the cost of baby bottles and other equipment you may need to sterilize water and prepare formula.

Average cost of formula for one year in Manitoba

Data collection: From July to October 23 | Amounts based on an average intake of 750 millilitres of formula per day.
Average formula costs were calculated based on basic infant formula across the province. We collected data from a minimum of four stores in each health region. If you choose to buy powdered formula with omega 3 fats and probiotics, it may cost more than the average calculated amount here.

Which Formula Should I Choose?

There are many types and brands of formula on the market. Choose what works best for your situation unless your health-care provider says your baby needs a special formula.

If you choose to feed your baby formula, your baby will most likely be given a brand name ready-to-feed formula in the hospital or birth centre. You don’t need to continue using this brand or type of formula.

Powdered formula is usually the least expensive type of formula; however, it is not sterile. Ready-to-feed formula is the most expensive. For more information on the different types of formula and any special considerations, click here.

Other Milks and Homemade Recipes Are Not Recommended

Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, plant-based beverages (such as soy, almond or oat beverage), evaporated milk, condensed milk and homemade recipes are not to be used in place of commercial infant formula. They do not contain the right amount of nutrients for the healthy growth and development of your baby.

How to Compare the Cost of Different Brands

With so many choices, you may be wondering how to choose what to feed your baby. All infant formulas sold in Canadian stores are regulated by Health Canada and are required to contain the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop. See the Regular Infant Formulas List for other brands of formula in the same category. Store brands are usually less expensive. If you are unsure, ask your public health nurse, midwife or health-care provider.

Comparing the cost of different brands, formats and sizes of formulas can get confusing. To compare standard amounts, you can calculate the number of bottles (also known as servings) each one will make. Sometimes this information is provided on the label of the formula, but often it is not. For an example, see the table below which compares the different formats and sizes of a single brand of formula. For comparison, the ready-to-feed bottle size is used in the table below (8 oz/237 ml). Young infants will drink less than this.

*Liquid concentrate formula: Prepared by adding the same amount of water as formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions. **One scoop = 8.8 grams. One scoop makes 60 millilitres of formula. Scoop sizes vary by brand of formula.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare. Do not add extra water to make it last longer.

Cost-Saving Shopping Tips

• When comparing the price of different formulas and brands, look at the product’s price per 100 millilitres or per 100 grams to find the cheapest option. Some stores will list this amount on the shelf label or on their website for online shopping.
• Check prices and watch for sales in different store flyers and websites.
• Consider buying store brands. These can be much less expensive than brand names.
• Use coupons available from the formula manufacturer’s website, grocery stores or coupon apps. 
• Look for “subscribe and save” discount offers on formula from online retailers.
• If you’ve found a formula that your baby tolerates well, look for it in larger or bulk sizes which are often lower in unit price than smaller containers. 

How Long Will My Baby Need Formula?

Your baby will have only formula (and vitamin D) for the first six months and will continue to have formula as they gradually learn to eat solid foods.

• Infant formula provides the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop in their first year. You can begin giving your baby homogenized (“whole”) cow’s milk with 3.25 per cent milk fat (M.F.) at nine to 12 months of age if they are eating a variety of iron-rich foods. However, cow’s milk does not yet replace formula.
• Your baby can transition from formula to homogenized cow’s milk around 12 months.

What If I Cannot Afford Formula?

Filing your taxes can also give you access to government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit. See  Get Your Benefits for more information and to apply.

Reference:

Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months – Canada.ca