Formula samples

chillypenguin

Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but if there is a chance that you might use formula, I would sign up for their mailing lists while you are still pregnant. Last time, I got a full-size container of Similac Advanced, and a smaller container of Similac Sensitive. I know Enfamil sent formula too. They also send $5 coupon checks.

It can be handy to do ahead of time, so you have some formula on hand just in case. I tried to BF last time, but it didn't work out, so it was nice to already have some when I switched to supplementing and then fully formula feeding. If you don't end up using it, you can always donate the formula to a women's shelter.

whse13kittens

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

runningyogimama

Agree! My milk didn't come in for 8 days last time, and DD had lost 15% of her body weight by her first check up, so her pedi had us start supplementing, and I was thankful to have the samples on hand already! When we did switch to formula, I did store brand, but I've given all of my formula checks/coupons to mamas who need them, too .

chillypenguin

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

I don't think it signs you up automatically, but I'm not sure. I was already receiving Similac emails too, I'm not sure where they got my email. When you sign up for their "Strong Moms" programs, you enter your address and due date.

bumpuser9353653

I never signed up for anything, but because I shopped at Motherhood Maternity, I got so many samples of formula. We never had to use any, but we kept them just in case. I even got samples from my OB last week as a freebie. So I'm sure if you do any online shopping (create an account) at a maternity store or anything like that, you'll probably end up getting samples in the mail.

Xath

RugbyMamma said:

I never signed up for anything, but because I shopped at Motherhood Maternity, I got so many samples of formula. We never had to use any, but we kept them just in case. I even got samples from my OB last week as a freebie. So I'm sure if you do any online shopping (create an account) at a maternity store or anything like that, you'll probably end up getting samples in the mail.

This.  If you buy anything at motherhood (and tell them your due date), you're going to get tons of newborn formula samples.  

whse13kittens

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

I don't think it signs you up automatically, but I'm not sure. I was already receiving Similac emails too, I'm not sure where they got my email. When you sign up for their "Strong Moms" programs, you enter your address and due date.



--Bah, can't get out of the box....Thanks!  I will do that!

spacepotatoes

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

They do have programs that you need to sign up for. They will usually include other freebies too, not just formula. Nestle, for instance, includes a diaper bag backpack with more samples of affiliated brands in it.

We're signed up with Nestle and Enfamil. I can't remember any others, I should go check on that!

IBackBevo

I tried to sign up for similac and it told me I was not eligible. Wtf?

chillypenguin

IBackBevo said:

I tried to sign up for similac and it told me I was not eligible. Wtf?

That's strange! I was worried it wouldn't let me because I used the same email address I had used with DD, but mine went through. Maybe try again later?

firebelle26

Great idea ladies! Thank you!

Ladiebug710

If you are on their mailing lists they will send samples closer to your due date automatically.  It is nice to have some samples on hand.  I ended up with six free cans, and it turned out I didn't need them.  But I was glad to have them tucked away just in case, and I made sure to donate them before their expiration date.

danabsd

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

You're signed up. You won't start getting checks and things until closer to your due date. 

Keep those check around too, I traded them and gave them to mommies who used formula in the past. 

ho11yday

Oddly, I've already received some samples and checks from Enfamil. The samples don't expire until 2015 and the checks expire in April. Going to stock up with the checks since I'm thinking I may need surgery for something during my maternity leave.

I didn't even think to sign up with Nestle. Thanks @spacepotatoes for the idea.

MamaLlama14

Warning: AW-ing my formula stash

HOARDER/COUPONER TIP! Ask your OB and pedi for samples.  They have them- actual formula samples right there for you to take home.  In the third tri, when I started going to the OB every other week, I took a 6 pack nursette home every time! PLUS, they often have coupon codes from the company where you can call and put in a number from the coupon to get a sample mailed home.  I just called to cash in my free sample coupon last week and the rep from Similac even told me to call back after LO arrives and let them know how it's working so they could send me more or send me something diffierent to try.

Also, when using the $5 checks that the companies send you, SHOP YOUR CIRCULARS! I got a TON of $5 checks and waited until the ready-made similac was on sale for $5.99 at Rite Aid.  Then I'd use my bonus rewards at Rite Aid and get FREE FORMULA!

Here's what I wound up collecting via the OB, pedi, direct requests to the companies and couponing.  Best part is, since I didn't wind up needing formula, I donated all of it!

fyafighterwife86

MamaLlama14 said:

Warning: AW-ing my formula stash

HOARDER/COUPONER TIP! Ask your OB and pedi for samples.  They have them- actual formula samples right there for you to take home.  In the third tri, when I started going to the OB every other week, I took a 6 pack nursette home every time! PLUS, they often have coupon codes from the company where you can call and put in a number from the coupon to get a sample mailed home.  I just called to cash in my free sample coupon last week and the rep from Similac even told me to call back after LO arrives and let them know how it's working so they could send me more or send me something diffierent to try.

Also, when using the $5 checks that the companies send you, SHOP YOUR CIRCULARS! I got a TON of $5 checks and waited until the ready-made similac was on sale for $5.99 at Rite Aid.  Then I'd use my bonus rewards at Rite Aid and get FREE FORMULA!

Here's what I wound up collecting via the OB, pedi, direct requests to the companies and couponing.  Best part is, since I didn't wind up needing formula, I donated all of it!

Holy shit.
That's pretty unbelievable.

frasey

With dd we got our fam and friends to sign up for the samples too. Once we figured out what brand we were going to use, I traded the other brands samples on local sites. 

RachelCA29

spacepotatoes said:

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

They do have programs that you need to sign up for. They will usually include other freebies too, not just formula. Nestle, for instance, includes a diaper bag backpack with more samples of affiliated brands in it.

We're signed up with Nestle and Enfamil. I can't remember any others, I should go check on that!

I'm bumping this thread to as @spacepotatoes did you get your sample packs from Nestle or Enfamil yet? I don't think I completed the Enfamil form properly so I just signed up officially last night. But I know I signed up for the Nestle one the day this thread was posted, and I haven't gotten yet. The website says 4-6 weeks, so I feel like it should be here already, or fairly soon.

Have you received yours yet?

spacepotatoes

@RachelCA29 We haven't gotten anything from Nestle or Enfamil yet. It turns out that I did sign up with Similac back in the fall and we got a box of samples from them about a month ago. So far, I've just been getting emails from Nestle. The ladies at Thyme Maternity told me that they tend to send the pack close to your due date so I haven't started worrying yet.

RachelCA29

spacepotatoes said:

@RachelCA29 We haven't gotten anything from Nestle or Enfamil yet. It turns out that I did sign up with Similac back in the fall and we got a box of samples from them about a month ago. So far, I've just been getting emails from Nestle. The ladies at Thyme Maternity told me that they tend to send the pack close to your due date so I haven't started worrying yet.

I've heard that they don't send it out until closer to your due date (like 6-8 weeks before) so I didn't really think about it. But then I was on the Nestle website and it said they send it out 6 weeks after you sign up, so I was just curious. I guess I'm just impatient when it comes to receiving free stuff ...

HARLEYSMOM2010

whse13kittens said:

Stupid question round 1: I get their emails.  Does that mean I'm signed up for their formula mailing list or do I have to go in and do something extra special somewhere on their website?

I sign up again with each pregnancy and then they start sending the formula and coupons I signed up again last week and just received a package of 2 Cans of formula and a box of pre mixed formula plus a wack of coupons one equalling $15!!

NorthernGal248

I'm also planning on BF but I really don't wan to have to supplement with Enfamil or Similac because of the ingredients. I'll be buying a can of Baby's Only Dairy DHA/ARA Formula because it's 95% oraganic. Does anyone know if there are any places offering samples of it so I can avoid purchasing a full can?

jenb_99

I signed up again months ago but still haven't received any samples or coupons. :-/ With my first it seemed like I already had a huge stash by 30 weeks.

chillypenguin

Yeah, I am still waiting too. I am going to try really hard again to BF, but last time I had to start supplementing and using an SNS with formula early on, so I am really hoping my samples show up soon!

RachelCA29

Bumping to update: I'm 34 weeks as of Monday and my Similac samples arrived yesterday (I wasn't home and picked the "Similac Club" care package at the post office today).

We received: 

- full-sized can of Similac Advanced Omega 3 + 6 powder

- 1/2 sized can of Similac Partially Broken Down Protein powder

- a case (8 bottles) of Similac Advanced Omega 3 + 6 ready-to-use bottles

- a nipple for the ready to use bottles 

- $15 in coupons

- $30 in rebate cheques (really just more coupons) for different types of formulas.

I have not received anything from Nestle or Enfamil thus far.

jenniferroshto

I've gotten Similac and Enfamil samples but that's it.

lauralou3x3

Got my box today! I totally forgotten that they had me sign up at BRU when I registered.

JKTTC1

Babybarlow2014 said:

I've received 2 newborn kits from similac.
Each had 4 bottles of RTF. 2 cans of similac sensitive. Plus nipples and coupons.
Nothing yet from Enfamil.

This is what I got in the mail today. It included 4 ($5) off coupons. I didn't register for any but shopped at motherhood maternity??

I BF DS for his first year but we did have to supplement a few feedings at the beginning because of his weight loss and jaundice.

jenb_99

I got 2 $5 Enfamil checks today but still nothing from Similac. No samples from anyone yet. Boooooooooooo.

BTW, you can get coupons for generic formula too.

momthatlifts

I just signed up. Thanks!

ho11yday

I received two cans (NB and infant) formula + travel size (not RTF) powder + four $5 coupons from enfamil last month and just 4 RTF bottles with nipple and $5 coupon from similac the other day.

Soupy84

Starting to get a little angry. I havent received any of the samples I signed up for. One of my coworkers mentioned that when she had signed up for the Nestle program, they refused to send a kit to her because the previous owners of the house her & her DH had just purchase had been enrolled in the program within the last year. DH & I have owned our home for 2 years, so I cant imagine that is the issue. Impatient momma here.

ThereBeDragons

Its funny now (but not funny then). I got formula sample boxes in the mail for my loss at 6weeks and my loss at 17weeks. But so far, no samples for the baby we are probably bringing home. Guess they're tired of sending me samples.

chillypenguin

I just got mine yesterday from Similac. 4 RTF bottles for Supplementation + nipple, a small container of Similac Advanced and a small container of Sensitive.

mmanosh

This thread made me wonder if anyone has come across any other freebie deals besides formula?

Xath

Just got an Enfamil sample box. 4 different types of formula (2 cans, 2 sets of individual serving packets) and $10 in rebate checks.

Bootsie327

gertiebarden said:

Just got an Enfamil sample box. 4 different types of formula (2 cans, 2 sets of individual serving packets) and $10 in rebate checks.

Me too and no idea where from! I guess being on the bump, and registered at BBB, having a motherhood account etc, we get put on lists.

Xath

Bootsie327 said:

gertiebarden said:

Just got an Enfamil sample box. 4 different types of formula (2 cans, 2 sets of individual serving packets) and $10 in rebate checks.

Me too and no idea where from! I guess being on the bump, and registered at BBB, having a motherhood account etc, we get put on lists.

Yeah, realized after I posted it that it was addressed to my maiden name. So I guess it's from my Motherhood account, not from when I registered with Enfamil.

RachelCA29

gertiebarden said:

Just got an Enfamil sample box. 4 different types of formula (2 cans, 2 sets of individual serving packets) and $10 in rebate checks.

Me too and no idea where from! I guess being on the bump, and registered at BBB, having a motherhood account etc, we get put on lists.

Yeah, realized after I posted it that it was addressed to my maiden name. So I guess it's from my Motherhood account, not from when I registered with Enfamil.

Funny thing about Enfamil is I swear I signed up for their samples when I signed up for the Similac and Nestle ones, but when I went to log-in last night to make sure my address was correct, the system didn't have a record of my email/account information.

It's not a huge deal to me, I'm planning on BFing, but I wanted to have some formula on hand just in case, so the Similac stuff will fill the gap if needed in a pinch. I've heard the Nestle pack comes with diapers and lots of other non-formula baby stuff, so I just really want the free stuff from them!

I'm so cheap ...

DBonfante

I just got a package from Enfamil today. I thought it was a nice amount for a free sample. I'm exactly 7 weeks from my due date.

kalette

Not a formula sample, but Target has a gift bag thing for expectant moms. You just go up to the service desk and ask about it (not sure if you need a registry there or not). Mine had an avent bottle, a mam pacifier, some diapers, wipes, nursing pads and a bunch of coupons in it.