Is Breastfeeding Or Formula Feeding More Expensive?

Among the seemingly endless costs that parents take on upon expanding their families, there seem to be some lingering misconceptions about how much it costs to feed an infant.

In fact, if you’ve ever browsed a comment section wherein a mom claims that “breastfeeding is free” or otherwise extremely low-cost, you’ve probably wanted to shoot daggers through your fingertips. Because not only is it not true, it neglects to account for the many economic and racial disparities in breastfeeding — and that’s without mentioning the complications so many breastfeeding parents encounter along the way.

So, we did a little digging to determine, definitively, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding is more expensive. Turns out the answer might surprise you.

From the jump, it’s worth noting that this is (as always!) a shame-free zone, so this is not a debate over whether formula feeding or breastfeeding is “better” — each family’s circumstances are unique, and ultimately, fed is best. Another inarguable truth: Parenting a child is expensive, and so many parents are relying on multiple income streams just to barely scrape by.

Dr. Laurie Jones, chief medical officer for Willow, echoes that sentiment. “Modern parenting has extraordinary costs no matter how you feed your infant since most parents financially must return to paid work,” she notes. Oftentimes, that return to work comes within weeks of welcoming a baby, making round-the-clock feedings an enormously challenging responsibility.

“The perception is that breastfeeding is more affordable; however, that is only if it goes well from the start in a country with adequate maternity leave,” she adds. Given that the U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world without any guaranteed paid parental leave, even parents who are able to exclusively breastfeed find themselves having to juggle feeding with returning to work quickly after delivery.

Jones cites the many tools possibly needed by breastfeeding parents as another factor. Some might include:

• Nursing bras
• Breastpump and replacement or extra parts
• Nursing-friendly clothing
• Visits with a lactation consultant
• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream/ointment and/or silverettes
• Nursing pillow
• Nipple shields
• Milk collectors and/or milk storage bags
• Costs associated with healthcare visits to treat any issues that might arise (such as mastitis or nipple thrush), as well as prescriptions
• Increased grocery costs to sustain higher caloric input for the breastfeeding parent

Of course, not every breastfeeding parent will require each of these items, but the assertion that breastfeeding is free is a gross miscalculation, no matter how you slice it.

Infant formula, however, isn't exactly a budget-friendly item, especially if you try a few different kinds before finding the right one for your baby. Specialty formulas (such as soy-based or hypoallergenic) are typically even costlier — a 13-ounce can of Enfamil's infant formula priced at $4.97 is $2 cheaper at Walmart than the same-size can of its soy-based counterpart. Then, add in costs incurred from bottles, bottle sanitizers and warmers, and any additional parts, and things can get pricey.

Research in this area is inadequate (surprise, surprise!), but one 2023 study published in the Journal of Perinatology calculated the many costs associated with breastfeeding in comparison to a year's supply of formula and extra parts/supplies. The formula estimate came in between $760 and $2,280, while breastfeeding for one year may cost upwards of $10,500.

"The number one opportunity cost of breastfeeding is the parents' time," says Jones. Caregiving labor is woefully underappreciated — feeding parents are given little to no financial support, often expending hours per day pumping or breastfeeding. Then, there's the time and energy spent cleaning and caring for equipment. If a parent uses both methods, they're likely to incur costs for both.

"In addition, the societal costs of formula feeding have been well studied and contribute to increased health care costs and disease burden for both infants and women," adds Jones. "The Mother's Milk Tool quantifies the value of human milk produced by the world's breastfeeding parents. There is also an online calculator that shows the impact at a national level of sub-optimal breastfeeding — meaning the families intended to breastfeed, but barriers led them to need to use formula."

No matter your method, infant feeding is a tremendous financial burden, one that disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized families in the U.S. Thankfully, Jones recommends some solid tips for saving money on feeding expenses.

"First and foremost, check your insurance coverage," she says. "Under the Affordable Care Act, tools such as some lactational consultant services and breast pumps are fully covered by health insurance or require a small out-of-pocket cost, which can be covered with FSA/HSA funds. I do encourage moms to do their research, as the insurance process can be complex and you'll want to know exactly what is covered and the reimbursement rates for services and products."

"Also, consider generic alternatives to expensive formula brands to save thousands of dollars," she adds. "Moms probably don't need to buy large-sized bottles and multiple bottle nipples with various opening levels, which can actually put your infant at risk of guzzling so quickly that their stomach receptors don't realize they are full. An intuitive-paced feeding of expressed breast milk or formula will typically stay in the same volume range from month 1 to month 6."

Jones notes there are also some no-cost resources available that can help without adding to your already growing expenses.

"There are several free services and events that moms can tap into, including local WIC offices' breastfeeding peer support, hospital breastfeeding support groups, as well as national and state-offered breastfeeding hotlines and community events," she explains. "‘Fourth Trimester Arizona' is a great example of an organization that hosts events to support feeding options for all families."

Lastly, Jones says to "never underestimate the power of online parent groups," adding, "Many members sell and trade items such as breastfeeding pillows, bottles, and pump accessories. Just make sure the items can be sterilized."

Of course, until state and federal policy changes work to provide adequate support and savings to feeding parents, there is sadly no way to eliminate costs associated with formula or breastfeeding. New parents deserve so much more, especially as inflation continues to rise nationwide and wages remain stagnant. No parent in a country as wealthy as ours should ever have to choose between feeding their child and other essentials, and it's a failure of policy that so many do.