Parents Choice Infant Formula; Savings and GIVEAWAY!

Winner is Shel. Congrats!!

Having given birth only 5 weeks ago, I'm all too aware of how expensive a baby can be. There's so much to buy, and even when you're frugal (like me!) it still gets expensive. Coupled with the current state of the job market, and many new parents are really struggling. We've seen it first hand at my husband's place of employment; layoffs are constantly looming, work hours are cut....it can be scary!

One of the biggest expenses for new families can be baby formula. Obviously, breastfeeding is best any way you look at it....health wise, financially, etc. But it's not always an option for every mom.

Formula-feeding parents know just how expensive it can be to feed your baby. Recent press reports have described parents diluting their baby's formula with extra water to make it go further. This is a big no no! Formula must be prepared exactly as directed on the container to ensure proper nutrition is getting to your baby. When it's watered down, your baby isn't getting all the nutrients they need, and this can cause health and growth issues. Also, be sure to toss any formula left in baby's bottle after an hour, max. Don't save it for later because it's susceptible to bacteria growth.

If you, or a formula-feeding family you know, are struggling to afford infant formula, there are solutions.
1. Contact local WIC agencies, churches, or food banks for assistance
2. Search the Internet and newspaper inserts for coupons
3. Use store-brand formula

The FDA and the AAP Committee on Nutrition, establish strict guidelines regarding the ingredients and their levels in infant formula. All U.S. manufacturers must conform to these rules. Even though all U.S. infant formulas must follow the same FDA guidelines, they are not priced the same. Many store-brand formulas cost up to 50% less than national brands. This means that parents can save up to $600 a year by choosing store brand infant formula.

The Parents Choice brand (available at Wal-Mart) created a Savings Calculator, to help families see exactly how much they could save by switching from a national brand formula. The Parents Choice website also has a formula finder, and a place to request free samples, so you can try it out before making the switch. Parents Choice also has a Facebook page.

**WIN IT**
Parents Choice is sponsoring a giveaway for one of you! One reader will win a $100 gift card for Parents Choice Infant Formula.

To enter, visit the Parents Choice Savings Calculator and check out how much you could be saving! Leave a comment letting me know what the Savings Calculator determined your savings could be.

For extra entries
1. Tweet this contest
2. Mention this contest on Facebook
3. Mention this contest on any other social media platform
4. Become a fan of Parents Choice on Facebook
5. Blog about this contest
Leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

Comments will close at midnight, July 12. A winner will be chosen by random.org drawing and e-mailed on July 13. They will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Contest open to US addresses only, please.

This post was sponsored by Parents Choice.