How much does baby food cost for a year


The Cost of Baby Formula

The cost of baby formula in the U.S. has skyrocketed – and that’s if you can find any. Whereas in 2019 name brand baby formula cost American parents anywhere from 9 cents per ounce to 32 cents per ounce, by the first half of 2022 the price of such products had soared to a range of 54 cents per ounce to $1.15 per ounce, or higher if you’re not shopping at a discount outlet like Costco or Sam’s Club. Such costs and scarcity are driving some parents to buy generic brand formula from online vendors, turn to milk banks or just do without. Here’s why the cost of feeding a baby has shot up so dramatically.

Consider working with a financial a family-focused financial advisor who can guide you through these and other costs associated with the journey of raising a child.

Baby Formula Cost Per Month: A Breakdown 

To understand the real cost of baby formula, the first step is to estimate how much milk your baby will need. Certified breastfeeding specialist Kelly Bonyata estimates babies consume an average of 25 ounces of milk per day during their first year.

Calculating the cost of baby formula will also require you to find out how much your preferred brand costs per ounce. Based on our research, you can expect to pay 54 cents per ounce for the cheaper brands. The higher-end brands will run you around around $1.15 cents per ounce or more.

If your baby currently consumes 25 ounces of milk per day, you can expect to spend between $821.25 and $2,920 in your baby’s first year – depending on the brand you choose.

Here’s how we calculated the cost of baby formula per year.

54 cents X 25 = $13.50
$13.50 X 365 = $4,927.50

$1.15 X 25 = $28.75
$28.75 X 365 = $10,493.75

If you want to figure out the cost of baby formula per month, simply take the price of baby formula you calculated for a year and divide by 12. Based on the above calculations, your monthly cost is going to range from about $411 to about $874. If you’re buying from a milk bank, of which there are about 30 in the U.S., expect to pay about $6,000 per month.

Now, whether the infant formula you purchase is worth the cost depends on your individual situation and preferences. But now that you know what to expect, you can calculate your budget to account for the cost of baby formula.

Of course, your baby would likely need more baby formula in the middle of the first year of life as she grows before gradually cutting back as she starts eating more solid food.

To give you a better picture of how the cost of baby formula will fluctuate over time, the table below from Bonyata breaks down the recommended ounces of milk a baby should consume throughout her first year, from minimum to maximum.

                                 Daily Amount of Baby Formula Required in Ounces
0 weeks – 2 months 14 – 21 28 – 32
2 – 6 months 24 40
6-9 months 24 32
9 -12 months 18 32

But price shouldn’t be the only factor you’re weighing when it comes to choosing the right baby formula for your child. Some types may be vastly healthier than others.

Why Baby Formula Is Scarce

There are only four major producers of baby formula in the United States and one of them, Abbott Laboratories, accounts for a little more than 40% of the supply. After a whistleblower complaint following a few instances of babies getting sick, the FDA ordered Abbott to suspend production until it could verify that there were no contaminants. That verification was completed on May 13, the same day the administration unveiled a website for parents seeking formula: hhs.gov/formula.

One reason for the concentration of formula producers is because of protective tariffs, up to 17.5%, on imports. Further, critics assert that FDA labeling and ingredient requirements dissuade non-U.S. producers from entering the domestic market. Another factor is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for low-income mothers. About half of all baby formula in the U. S. is purchased with WIC benefits. However, the range of brands available using WIC benefits is limited, something the administration says it is working to broaden.

Why Cheaper Generic Baby Formula Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to saving money on the products we need, we sometimes resort to generic versions to save a few dollars or cents. But you want the best for your child’s health, and the cheapest baby formula on the shelf may not help you achieve this goal.

Several companies offer organic baby formula with no added sugars. One example is Huggable.

In fact, the U.S.-based company says its products are from European countries where regulations around the ingredients used in baby formula are a lot stricter than in the U.S. Huggable’s prices compare to the costs of the higher-end brands on American shelves. But the company aims to justify the cost through its potential health benefits.

“A lot of the baby formulas you’ll find in the U. S. use high fructose corn syrup, glucose syrup solids or just plain sugar as the base for the carbohydrate,” Huggable CEO Madhu Punjabi said. “It’s no mystery, then, why there’s a childhood obesity and diabetes epidemic right now in the U.S.”

The main carbohydrate in breast milk is lactose. Punjabi added that a high quality formula would ideally try to mimic breast milk as close as possible.

“High-quality formulas should be based on organic cow’s milk or organic goat’s milk, because, like breast milk, these have lactose as their carbohydrate base, instead of sugars,” she said.

Huggable and similar infant formulas also contain probiotics, which experts at the Cleveland Clinic say can reduce the amount of infection- and inflammation-causing bacteria in your baby’s gut.

The Huggable website notes that with “nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. having obesity, it’s never been more important to carefully read the ingredients list of the formula you choose for your little one to make sure it doesn’t contain added sugar.

But while weighing the costs and health benefits of different baby formulas, some may consider not going down the formula route at all to nourish their children. Many nursing mothers, of course, subscribe to the idea that “breast is best.” Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life. It’s often touted as a money-saving options, because the milk is free. But breastfeeding is not without costs of its own.

The Costs of Breastfeeding vs. Formula

For various reasons, some women may not be able to breastfeed their children. And those who can may need help, which can cost money. For instance, you may need a lactation consultant. A home visit from this expert lasting about two hours can cost several hundred dollars. A single office visit can also climb to $350. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance, as some or all of this cost may be covered.

You may also need the following, though these products are not always necessary:

  • Nursing bra: Starting at about $12
  • Hand pumps: $5 to $35
  • Nursing shirt: Starting at about $10
  • Double electric pump: $120 to $350
  • Nursing dress: Starting at about $20
  • Nursing pillow: $10 to $50

In addition, this doesn’t factor in the cost of a breastfeeding mother’s time. This includes economic loss that breastfeeding may take depending on your profession. If you earn sales commissions, for instance, the time you spend in the lactation room may diminish the amount of time you’re able to spend closing deals.

So from an economic standpoint, which is best for you – breastfeeding or formula?

Remember, you can expect to pay $10,000 for higher-end baby formula in a year. The cost of breastfeeding is a lot harder to measure, however, because many of the costs are optional. And whether you require them depends on your individual situation.

But let’s say you have two at-home lactation consultations in a year, totaling $600. If you purchase all the products listed above without replacing them, you’re looking at a breastfeeding cost of $847 (we selected the most expensive choice for the products for which we reported price ranges).

Without taking into consideration the cost of a breastfeeding mother’s time, this estimation shows breastfeeding is about 30% the cost of formula. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on time, physical ability, health considerations, personal preferences and money.

How to Save on Baby Formula

Because some mothers may find breastfeeding difficult, time consuming or even impossible, they want to make sure they are making the right choice when it comes to formula. They also want to be mindful of their wallet when deciding on their brand of choice. But if you use baby formula, there are plenty of ways to slash the price tag. After all, the cost of raising a child is high enough.

“Always buy in bulk, and make sure you have a list when you walk into the grocery store,” said Neale Godfrey, a financial literacy expert.

She added that this list should prioritize the items you need for your baby. For instance, organic products that you need would go at the top. Lists are useful to have when you’re browsing the aisles, but they can be especially handy while you’re shopping online. That way, you make sure you’re getting all that you need and watching your budget.

Here are some additional tips to reduce the price of baby formula.

Comparison shop online: E-commerce websites don’t have the same overhead as physical stores, so they can often reduce the price of your favorite baby formula – especially when you buy in large quantities.

Buy in bulk: These days, you can find several stores and websites that offer discounts when you buy baby formula in bulk. While there, you can also cut down on other products you need for your baby.

Use coupons: While you can still clip paper coupons from the Sunday paper, the internet is loaded with websites dedicated to coupons. You can also download apps onto your phone that can find baby formula coupons for you.

Ask your doctor for free samples: Major brands often provide doctors with free batches of their products, so ask if your doctor has some on hand.

Sign up for mailing lists: If you visit your favorite infant formula brand’s website, you can likely sign up for a mailing list. Companies often send welcome packages with free samples. And you can get coupons and other discounts sent to you periodically.

Use powdered formula: Across brands, powdered infant formula tends to be cheaper than liquid forms.

Check with your insurance provider: If your baby needs a specific kind of formula, your insurance provider may cover it. Depending on which type of insurance you have, you can open a health savings account (HSA). These help you invest for your baby’s medical expenses while enjoying unique tax breaks.

Earn rewards: If you’re using your credit card to purchase baby formula, you can earn some money while doing it. Shop around for the best cash-back credit cards. Some of the best checking accounts around offer this perk as well. Even 1.5% cash-back on purchases can put some significant money back in your pocket over time.

Look into WIC: Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for government assistance. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states. Their services help low-income women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or using formula access food and healthcare.

The Takeaway

Feeding your baby can be costly, whether breastfeeding or providing formula. Baby formula costs can rise especially high, but there are plenty of ways you can save. Try buying in bulk, surfing the web for deals and asking your doctor for free samples. Cost shouldn’t be the only factor that determines the type of baby formula you use. The formula you select can affect the health of your child. It’s important to pay close attention to the ingredients in that formula to capture a true picture of the cost and benefit of the food you provide for your child. It’s a good idea to discuss your decision with your child’s pediatrician.

Tips to Save for Your Child’s Future
  • If you just had a baby, you may be concerned about what the costs of college may be when your little one is ready to leave the nest. But you can start preparing now by opening a 529 college savings plan. These help you invest in your child’s future college expenses while you enjoy some tax breaks. Each state sponsors at least one, and most require no minimum contribution. We also published a report on all you need to know about college savings plans.
  • The average cost of raising a child through age 17 is close to a quarter of a million dollars a year, according to a recent report by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. But there are plenty of ways to save and invest in your child’s future, including getting professional help.

    Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/Laikwunfai, ©iStock.com/jubaphoto, ©iStock.com/pinstock

Disclosure: SmartAsset prepared this post in partnership with Huggable.

Javier Simon, CEPF® Javier Simon is a banking, investing and retirement expert for SmartAsset. The personal finance writer's work has been featured in Investopedia, PLANADVISER and iGrad. Javier is a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. He has a degree in journalism from SUNY Plattsburgh. Javier is passionate about helping others beyond their personal finances. He has volunteered and raised funds for charities including Fight Cancer Together, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Cost of Baby Food - Child Care and Expenses

CostHelper > Babies & Children  > Baby Food

 
Low: $50/monthMedium: $100-$150/monthHigh: $100-$300/month

Of the baby formulas, Mead Johnson (Enfamil) is the most popular, followed by Ross (Similac), Nestle (Carnation) and store brands (Wal-Mart, Target, grocery story). Typical costs:
  • Powders are least expensive. Powdered formula from the grocery store can cost about $50 a month, brand name powder can cost $100-$150 a month (for about 130oz of powder per month).
  • Ready to feed cans are the most expensive, at $5-$10 per 32 ounce can, often sold in cases of 6-8 cans. A month's supply of ready to feed formula can run from $100 to around $300 a month.
  • According to the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (an agency of the USDA), the average annual expenditures on infants 0-2 years olds for food ranges from $83 a month by families that make an average of $27,000 to $130 a month for families making an average of $109,000.
  • If you choose to breast-feed, you may save substantially on formula, although many people purchase additional clothing for breast-feeding and breast pumps.
Related articles: Baby Delivery, Baby Clothes, Diaper Bag, Diapers, Breast Pump
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
 
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Formula
Amount: $80.00 per month
Posted by: Susanne S. in Kenmore, NY.Posted: September 22nd, 2010 08:09PM
Brand: SimilacStore: Rite Aid

I use my "wellness card" (in store sales card) and the manufacturer coupon that is taped to the front of each can (1. 00 off at register). The regular price of Similac Advanced is about 13.99 for the regular can (not the huge one). I pay 10.19 for a can (I get 20 percent off with my wellness card and the 1.00 coupon). I feel so good when I leave the store.. try it. (You have to spend over 1,000 dollars at Rite Aid to reach the 20% off level.. which is valid for a year from the date of reaching the level. I have to say, it's the best savings card in my area). We use between 2 and 3 cans per week of the Similac... the older our baby gets, the less formula he needs, obviously and he's been averaging about 2.5 cans per week now. But you get the idea. Based on the cost per can and what you use, you should be able to figure out what you're going to spend at Rite Aid with the method described here. Good luck!

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baby feeding
Amount: $300. 00 per month
Posted by: shortyc in east, NC.Posted: July 19th, 2010 11:07AM
Brand: NutramigenStore: Target

I tried breastfeeding but I didnt produce enough milk, and later found out my kids are both lactose and soy intolerant. They also both had colic. Unfortunately I have no other option other than the nutramigen, which is made by enfamil thats 33 dollars for a can of the powder in which my son goes through at least 6 a month. When ever I got a breast pump to start with I just got one of those evenflo ones, which was suggested to me by my doctor and the pediatrician. They are much cheaper, just as efficient and the bottles are alot cheaper too and last just as long.

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in response to "buy breast pump used!"
Amount: $0. 00 per month
Posted by: lacatation specialist in southeast, PA.Posted: April 5th, 2010 03:04PM

A breast pump should never be purchased used. Hospitals do rent out breast pumps, but the models are designed for this purpose (don't allow backup into the unit) and are thoroughly cleaned after each person. One you purchase used does not have the same benefits and could potentially have had breast milk back up into the unit exposing your child to bacteria and disease. The cost of purchasing/renting a good quality pump is less expensive, though, overall than buying formula. So spend the money on that good pump (like a Medela pump in style) and reap the rewards not only free food for your baby, but also the best thing you can give her.

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buy breast pump used!
Amount: $95. 00 per month
Posted by: Jayna in Kansas City, MO.Posted: May 24th, 2009 02:05PM
Brand: MadelaStore: n/a

I bought my madela pump in style double breast pump (the same one they were selling @ babies-r-us at the time) for $70 at a consignment sale. I then purchased new tubing and accessories which cost an additional $34..total cost-$94! Yes, I've heard people say that it's gross to use a used breat pump, but if the hospitals rent out used ones what could be so bad about it?? As long as you get new accessories you're fine. Save your money like I did!

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Breastfeeding Equipment
Amount: $360. 00 per month
Posted by: AJ in Campbell, CA.Posted: June 7th, 2008 06:06AM
Brand: MedelaStore: Babies R Us

The most expensive item was the double Medela breast pump, which we got on sale at Babies R Us for $260. In addition to that, we've spent about $100 on bottles, nipples, storage bags and other equipment. If you get Dr. Brown's bottles, be sure to get the ones that are glass or polypropelene (BPA free).

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Various cereals intended for baby food may be dairy or dairy-free. The first ones already contain specially prepared milk, suitable for young children. It is enough to dilute this product with water before use. To prepare dairy-free cereals, you need to use breast milk or an adapted mixture, and after 6 months - subsequent mixtures, vegetable broth, juices, water. Many mothers who solve the problems of complementary foods are faced with the question of which porridge is better - dairy or dairy-free.

DETAILS

Which milk is better for a child - cow or goat?

The best and most correct nutrition for a newborn is breast milk. Its composition during lactation changes in accordance with the functional characteristics of the child's digestive system, which determines the adequate absorption of nutrients in the conditions of the formation of his gastrointestinal tract. For one reason or another, breastfeeding may be unavailable or insufficient.

DETAILS

How much iron is your baby getting?

Attentive mothers must have noticed that almost all baby cereals and mixtures are enriched with iron. This is done for a reason. The need for iron in children is about five times higher than that of an adult. This trace element makes up the majority of erythrocytes - red blood cells responsible for oxygen saturation of every cell of the body. An iron deficiency in a child can lead to delayed development. And all due to the fact that his body will not receive the necessary amount of oxygen. Knowing the reasons that can provoke a lack of iron in a child, you can avoid many problems in his development.

DETAILS

Why does the child's body need trace elements?

Man is a part of nature, so it is not surprising that almost all known chemical elements that exist in the environment are present in our body. Four of them are basic - carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, all tissues of living organisms are built from them.

DETAILS

How to prepare the first porridge?

The timing of the introduction of complementary foods for each child is individual. It is determined by the pediatrician. In general, the baby is ready to try new foods when he confidently holds and turns his head, his body weight has doubled since birth, and after breastfeeding or formula he is not saturated. It is important that the child recognizes the spoon and opens his mouth when it is brought, and also knows how to move mashed food in his mouth. Pediatricians often advise cooking porridge as the first complementary food.

DETAILS

The benefits of cereal porridge for a child

One of the most important places in the structure of nutrition of infants belongs to grain products - cereals, as they are commonly called in Russia. Abroad, they are better known as cereals. The benefits of cereals for children lies in their high nutritional value and the content of almost all nutrients: vegetable proteins, carbohydrates, fats, a number of vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber. These features distinguish cereals from many other food products.

DETAILS

Allergy to baby food

Allergies to baby food are common in newborn babies. This is due to the fact that in the first year of life the child is actively acquainted with new products. The mechanism of allergy development is simple. In response to the entry of an allergen into the blood, antibodies begin to be produced, which, upon subsequent encounter with the same product, trigger protective mechanisms. Usually, the product that causes allergies is not difficult to determine, since the reaction occurs after a few minutes, less often hours.

DETAILS

Baby food during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a kind of test for the body, so a woman should make sure that he has the strength not only to bear the child, but also to ensure normal lactation. Of great importance in this is a balanced diet that supplies vitamins, elements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for the mother and the developing fetus.

DETAILS

Gluten in baby food

Kashi occupy one of the most important places in the structure of baby food. They are favorably distinguished by high nutritional value, the content of almost all nutrients - dietary fiber, carbohydrates, fats, vegetable proteins, a number of vitamins and minerals. It is no coincidence that it is cereals that are included in the diet of babies as the first complementary foods. However, this should be done with extreme caution, because in addition to all the listed nutrients, cereals contain gluten.

DETAILS

Vitamins in baby food

Vita - translated from Latin means "life" - the name itself determines the mandatory intake of these substances into the body. Indeed, who among modern people does not know about the benefits of vitamins for maintaining health? This is an extensive group of compounds that do not have nutritional value, but are necessary for the coordinated work of all organs and systems. Vitamins can be compared to an orchestra - each of them plays a role in the body.

DETAILS

The best food for thought

Genetics determines a lot in our lives, but everyone knows that a child is not born a genius or a fool. Human intelligence depends on hereditary predisposition, but external factors play the most important role in the realization of what is laid down by nature. A child's environment and personal experiences at an early age have a strong influence on intelligence.

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Learning to live with taste

When we raise a baby, we are often guided by the recommendations of our mothers and grandmothers - in a word, those principles that are considered traditional. The same applies to nutrition - we often exclude from the menu of our crumbs everything that has one or another pronounced taste, leaving only a limited set of neutral products. However, in some other countries, the nutrition of babies is treated differently - seasonings and flavors are added to their diet from an early age, in our opinion, only acceptable for adults. Why?

DETAILS

How to feed a capricious?

For a loving mother, such a situation as a baby who “constantly does not eat enough” is comparable, perhaps, with the global financial crisis or tsunami. Thousands of articles and megabytes of texts on the Internet are devoted to the problem of whims at the table. Is there a solution to this, such a global issue that worries many generations of parents?

DETAILS

Defeat allergies from the first spoon

Allergy is an unpleasant disease that more and more often overtakes us and our kids. But this is not a reason to get upset and limit your baby in everything - today we are offered a wide range of delicious products that allow us to provide a versatile low-allergenic diet.

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Buckwheat porridge for first feeding

Buckwheat porridge for the first feeding: useful tips from Bebi. How to cook (breed or boil) buckwheat porridge for a child. On the Bebi website you will learn how to cook and introduce buckwheat porridge into complementary foods.

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First meal with rice porridge

First feeding with rice porridge: how to prepare rice porridge for feeding a baby. Tips for compiling a menu for babies, nutritional features for the first feeding. Learn how to cook rice porridge for babies.

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Formula-fed complementary foods

The introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial feeding: when to introduce the first complementary foods, tables and nutrition patterns for babies by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of complementary foods, norms and features of the menu for newborn babies. When and how to start complementary foods with artificial feeding, the order of administration with a schedule.

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Complementary foods with cereals: what to start with and how to introduce

Porridges for the first feeding of a child: which one is better to start with and how to properly introduce the second porridge into complementary foods. On the Bebi website you can read how to start feeding a baby with dairy-free and milk porridges, which ones can be given after 6 months, in what sequence new porridges should be introduced into the baby's diet.

DETAILS

Complementary foods by months

First feeding by month: a complete description of the introduction of complementary foods for a child with artificial and breastfeeding from Bebi. The recommended order of introducing complementary foods in the table.

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Complementary foods while breastfeeding

Complementary foods during breastfeeding: a table of complementary foods for a child by months on the Bebi website. Rules for the introduction of the first complementary foods for children: how and when to start introducing for a breastfed baby, a daily schedule, the correct complementary foods menu.

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How much does a newborn eat per feeding?

How much does a newborn eat per feeding? What volume of milk in ml should a baby suck? Learn more about newborn nutrition on the BEBI website.

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How to introduce artificial feeding: how to switch from breastfeeding to artificial feeding

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Is it necessary to give water to newborns during breastfeeding and artificial feeding

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Feeding regimen during artificial feeding of a child: basic rules for feeding and regimen of a newborn

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Cereals and vegetables in baby foods

Porridges and vegetables in complementary foods for a baby: are foods compatible in a baby's diet? We study the rules of compatibility of products in baby food. Find out more information on the BEBI.RU blog.

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When to give cookies to a child?

When can cow's milk be given to an infant? What should I do if my baby is allergic to protein? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in the BEBI.RU blog.

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When can a baby have cow's milk?

When can cow's milk be given to an infant? What should I do if my baby is allergic to protein? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in the BEBI. RU blog.

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Corn porridge: the first food for babies

The first feeding with corn porridge: how to cook deliciously and which dish is healthier - with milk or water? Read how to cook and introduce corn gruel to babies to avoid allergies. Read on BEBI.RU.

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Oatmeal for baby: introduction to complementary foods

Oatmeal for the first feeding: from how many months can you introduce oatmeal to a child. How to cook porridge for babies: recipes for water and milk for children of all ages. Read on BEBI.RU.

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Vegetables or porridge: what to choose for the first feeding?

Porridge or vegetables: where to start the first complementary foods? Experts recommend what to introduce first - porridge or vegetables. Find out more on the BEBI.RU blog.

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Why is porridge called milk and not with milk?

Why is porridge called "milk" and not "with milk"? The material in our article will help to dot the "and" in this matter. Find out more on the BEBI.RU blog.

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Why does a child refuse complementary foods and what to do about it?

The child refuses complementary foods: the reasons for the sharp refusal of the baby from food. Why and how to behave to the mother so that the baby begins to eat complementary foods? Komarovsky's recommendations and much more in BEBI.RU.

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The child does not eat porridge: what to do?

Reasons why a child refuses porridge. Expert advice on what to do if the baby does not want to eat porridge. Read on BEBI.RU.

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The child does not want to eat meat and fish

The introduction of meat into complementary foods does not always go smoothly. Reasons why a child does not want to eat meat and fish. Expert advice on what to do if the baby refuses meat.

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Infant allergy to complementary foods

Can an allergy occur when introducing complementary foods to a baby? How allergic reactions manifest in children with complementary foods, what to do and how to continue introducing complementary foods - read on BEBI. RU.

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What to do when teething and the child does not eat well

Expert advice on what to do when your child is teething and refuses to eat or eats poorly.

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Newborn weight gain rate by months

Specialists regularly evaluate whether the development of the child corresponds to the age norm, how significant deviations from the standards are and what they are connected with. Weight gain in newborns by months in the first year of life has its own dynamics, which must be monitored. We will tell you in detail in the BEBI.RU blog.

where and how to get what they give in dairy cuisine in Moscow and the regions

Yulia Shubina

refused dairy cuisine

Author profile

In Russia, expectant mothers and families with children can receive free products.

Each subject has its own rules. I received kits at a dairy kitchen in Moscow - I'll tell you who usually gets help and how to get it in different regions.

What is dairy cuisine

The forerunners of dairy cuisine were centers called “A Drop of Milk” where they gave out food for premature babies. They appeared in the Russian Empire in 1901.

Dairy cuisine - Big Medical Encyclopedia

There are more such organizations in the USSR. Dairy kitchens helped save the lives of many children during the Second World War: then they began to offer additional food, including to full-term babies. They continued to do so after the war.

Today there is no concept of "dairy cuisine" in Russian legislation. But there is a guarantee: according to the doctor, children under three years old, pregnant and lactating women must be provided with food. What to give and to what extent - the leadership of each region decides independently.

Art. 52 of the Law "On the Basics of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation"

How to get free food in Moscow

Only people with a Moscow residence permit can use dairy cuisine in Moscow. Here are the people who will be given food:

  1. pregnant and lactating women;
  2. formula-fed or formula-fed children under 6 months of age;
  3. children from 6 months to 3 years;
  4. children under 7 from large families;
  5. children under 15 with chronic diseases: glomerulonephritis, hemoblastosis, malignant neoplasms;
  6. for disabled children under 18.

Regulation on the provision of free food to certain categories of children and women who are residents of the city of Moscow

But you can’t just go to the dairy kitchen for food: first you need to get a prescription from a doctor. For this, pregnant women need to contact the antenatal clinic, in all other cases, the prescription will be issued at the children's clinic where the child is assigned.

To confirm the right to receive products, the antenatal clinic or polyclinic will ask you to submit documents. They will need to be brought only once, after which all the necessary information will already be in the system. Here's what you need:

  1. Pregnant woman's passport or child's birth certificate together with the passport of either parent.
  2. Compulsory health insurance policy for a pregnant woman or child.
  3. Certificate of registration of a child in Moscow (form 8), pregnant women will need to show the registration page in their passport instead.
  4. If the child is under guardianship, you will additionally need a document confirming the establishment of guardianship.
  5. If the child is older than 3 years, you will need to confirm his benefits: a certificate of a large family, a certificate from a medical and social examination, or a medical certificate confirming the presence of a chronic disease will do.

They will also ask you to fill out an application for receiving products: a ready-made form will be provided at the clinic, you only need to sign it.

/kids-rule-everything-around-me/

Benefits for large families in Moscow

Previously, after that, parents received a paper prescription from the doctor for a month: they had to stamp it at the reception, and then take it to the dairy kitchen strictly until the 10th day of the month. It was tiresome.

Now everything has changed: a doctor issues a benefit once through the EMIAS system and information about it is automatically transferred to the dairy kitchen until it expires. For example, this happens when a pregnant woman gives birth to a child or he reaches the age of three. Now you can go to the dairy kitchen right away, without wasting time getting a prescription from a doctor and without worrying about what date is on the calendar.

Where to go with a prescription

Each clinic has its own dairy kitchen - food packages will need to be received there. Sometimes several points are assigned to one clinic - then parents are offered to choose. You can find out what milk distribution points are in your area using the map on the Gormedtekhnika portal.

Those who come to buy food for the first time are assigned a number by the dairy kitchen staff. It must be remembered and called every time to get a set. Nothing critical will happen if the parents forget the number and instead ask to find a set by the child's last name, but it is more convenient for the kitchen staff to work with him.

Normally, dairy kitchens distribute visitors by day of the week. In some kitchens, employees ask parents when it is more convenient for them to come for kits, while in others they appoint themselves: for example, they give out kits for pregnant women on Mondays, and for children under six months on Wednesdays. This rule is also not strict: if you miss the right day, you can safely come for a set on another.

/baby-cost/

How much does a baby cost in the first year? We did not encounter this: even at the end of the month, my husband easily received a full set of products for 30 days.

Dairy kitchens in the capital are open from 06:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Saturday. From 12:30 to 13:00 - lunch break.

To receive groceries, you will need to show your passport or other identification document - the husband usually shows the rights. According to the rules, dairy kitchens give out food packages only to parents, and if you need someone else to receive them, you need to issue a power of attorney. In reality, you can agree with the employees: sometimes my brother got the dairy kitchen and no one asked for additional papers - I think the point is that we have the same last name with him.

Think about how you will collect food before you go to the dairy. We had to take a taxi, and other parents came with hiking backpacks: a set for a child of 6-12 months for 30 days weighs about 10 kg.

What foods are given in Moscow? Mothers are given juice and milk, and babies are given supplementary or complementary foods, depending on their age. These can be mixtures, canned purees, instant cereals and similar juices and milk, as for mothers.

Regulation on the provision of free food for certain categories of children and women who are residents of the city of MoscowPDF, 653 KB

To whom they give What is How much per month
Formula-fed infants 0-3 months Powdered and liquid milk formulas 5. 5 kg
Formula-fed babies 4 months old Powdered and liquid milk formulas, fruit juice, fruit puree 7.9 kg
Formula-fed babies 5 months old Dry and liquid milk mixtures, fruit juice, vegetable puree, dry porridge, fruit puree 9.8 kg
Children 6 months on any type of feeding Dry and liquid mixtures, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree 7.3 kg
Children 7-8 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 9.9 kg
Children 9-12 months Dry and liquid mixtures, children's cottage cheese, kefir, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree 12.3 kg
Children 1-2 years old Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 9. 8 kg
Children 2-3 years old Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice 8.4 kg
Pregnant Fruit juice, milk 12.9L
Nursing Milk, fruit juice 16.2 L
Children from large families, disabled children Milk 18 l

Children 0-3 months on artificial feeding

What

dry and liquid milk mixtures

volume

5.5 kg

Children 4 months on artificial feeding

9000 and liquid milk formulas, fruit juice, fruit puree

Volume per month

7.9 kg

Children 5 months on artificial feeding

, fruit puree

volume per month

9,0004 9,0005

Children 6 months old on any type of fed

that

Dry and liquid mixtures, fruit juice, porridge, puree vegetable, fruit

volume

7. 3 kg

Children 7-8 months

What

Dry and liquid mixtures, baby cottage cheese, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, meat puree

Volume per month 90

9.9 kg

Children 9-12 months old

What

Dry and liquid mixtures, children’s cottage cheese, kefir, fruit juice, dry porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree, meat puree with vegetables, 05

volume for a month

12.3 kg

Children 1-2 years old

What are

Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice

volume

9,000,0004

Children 2-3 years

What

Milk, kefir, cottage cheese, fruit puree, fruit juice

volume

8.4 kg

Pregnant

Fruit juice, milk

12.9 l

Mounting

What

Milk, Fruit juice

volume

16. 2 l

Children from large families, children with disabilities

005

18L

Free food for 11 months baby for 30 days

My experience of getting nutrition in a dairy kitchen

I started getting free food when I was pregnant. I was observed at the antenatal clinic by registration, so I was given a prescription for the nearest dairy kitchen. But due to the fact that I live in a different area, getting groceries was inconvenient. They found a way out quickly: my younger brother began to call for boxes. The products remained with him: I didn’t really need them.

When our daughter was born, we assigned her to a polyclinic already at our place of residence. They began to receive recipes for a dairy kitchen near the house. As a nursing mother, I was given juice and milk. I did not plan to take these products, but my brother liked them. Therefore, we used the recipe.

/guide/prikorm-detyam/

How to introduce complementary foods to children

Later, I learned that in the first six months we were also given a dairy kitchen for our daughter: she was mixed-fed. But for some reason, the pediatrician did not report this. True, this fact did not upset me much: I fed my daughter with Nutrilon Comfort, they are not given out in sets. And we would not change the mixture just to get it for free: for a baby, this is fraught with digestive problems.

What purees, juices and mixtures did they give us

From the age of 5 months, on the recommendation of the pediatrician, we began to introduce complementary foods on our own. I read the advice of pediatricians on Instagram and decided, at least at first, to follow the composition of baby food. I didn’t want fanaticism in food, but mashed potatoes without unnecessary components were important to me. Therefore, in the first month of complementary foods, I carefully chose jars of mashed potatoes, which we bought with our own money.

From 6 months we began to receive dairy products. I was pleasantly surprised: there was nothing superfluous in the compositions. Therefore, for six months we actively used the food that was given to us. Monthly managed to save 1000-2000 R.

up to 2000 R

we saved on baby food

The variety of canned purees in the dairy kitchen pleased me. First, they gave the classic trio of vegetables that are recommended to start complementary foods with: broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini from Agushi. True, I didn’t really like the Agusha zucchini: it was too liquid and it was inconvenient to feed a child with it. Later, carrots and pumpkins of the same brand were added - with excellent composition and consistency.

Meat puree was also varied: the sets included poultry, beef, and veal. From 9months, jars of “chicken and vegetables” and “beef and vegetables” began to be issued. My daughter still eats this, despite the fact that she mostly prefers a common table. By the way, for some reason, there were no fish in the set from the dairy kitchen, although the pediatrician's memo said that fish should be introduced from 10-11 months.

Meat puree from the dairy kitchen had a good composition. True, the smell was not very appetizing, but my daughter ate with pleasure

Fruit puree was also given out by Agusha. The compositions were good, the tastes were different: we came across an apple, a pear, a peach. When my daughter got older, they began to give puree from several fruits and berries, for example, "apple, cherry, blueberry."

In addition, the set contained a mixture of two types: dry and liquid. We refused the liquid mixture: my daughter ate another, and in the kitchen they gave the same Agusha. The liquid mixture was packed in a separate box, so the husband immediately said: “We don’t take this.” We gave Nestogen dry mix to friends.

/list/fake-healthy-foods/

Corn flakes and "children's menu": what not to feed a child

My daughter fell in love with Agusha cottage cheese: she liked trying to eat from plastic packaging on her own.

What I didn't like about the dairy kitchen

First of all, the composition of some of the products that were given out on a monthly basis was contrary to the recommendations for complementary foods.

National program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation - methodological recommendations of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia, p. 45PDF, 4.45 MB

Moreover, the recommendations were issued by a pediatrician in the very clinic where they wrote out a prescription for dairy cuisine. The documents indicated that the products were issued in accordance with the age marking of the manufacturer, but in our case this did not always coincide with reality.

For example, milk porridges were not recommended until 9 months of age. In fact, we began to receive instant cereals with powdered milk from 7 months. Even the pediatrician did not advise giving fruit juice until a year old. And we began to receive it from 6 months - as a result, adults drank the juice from us.

Feeding and nutrition of infants and young children - guidelines for the WHO European RegionPDF, 1.28 MB0005

Secondly, cereals included fructose and milk powder. Rospotrebnadzor does not recommend introducing sugar up to a year. And WHO recommends to refrain from cow's milk in favor of breast milk, as cow's milk is too rich in protein and sodium.

We started getting milk porridge "Agusha" from 8 months. Unlike other products, its composition was not ideal

Thirdly, did not contain mashed potatoes with chunks in the packages. This was a little depressing: it is recommended to start introducing pieces from 9-10 months.

But in the end, I understand that mashing food with a fork is much easier than making a full-fledged puree on your own. In addition, I know that in other regions the level of support for the authorities is significantly lower compared to Moscow. So I was grateful for what I have.

Why we ended up dropping free products

This happened simultaneously for two reasons. The first - by the year my daughter switched to a common table. The second - a set of products for children from the age of one did not suit her.

For example, I try to give cow's milk and juices as treats, the rest of the time she drinks water. My daughter prefers grained cottage cheese and ordinary cereals to dry cereals and children's creamy cottage cheese: she likes to eat them with her hands or with a spoon. I never add sugar to buckwheat or rice - purchased cereals cannot boast of this.

The only thing that could really come in handy for us from the set for children from one year old is Agusha kefir, it has a good composition. But they give a lot of it, and the shelf life is short. On the one hand, this is good: it means that there are no preservatives in kefir, with which ultra-pasteurized milk is stored for months. But on the other hand, we had to drink kefir with the whole family until it got spoiled.

/farm-products/

I feed my family with farm products and save money

In addition, it was simply unprofitable to force my husband to go to the dairy kitchen for one yogurt.

How are things going with free meals in the regions

Each region independently determines what products, to whom and in what quantities to provide. In some regions, payments are assigned instead of products.

You can usually find out if there is a dairy kitchen in the region and who is eligible for it, usually at the children's clinic or social security departments. I will tell you about how things are in several large regions.

Moscow region. Dairy cuisine has been canceled in the Moscow region. You can get money instead. The amount of the monthly cash payment in 2022:

  1. Pregnant women - 400 R.
  2. Nursing mothers - 1000 R.
  3. Children from 0 to 1 year old on artificial or mixed feeding - 1000 to 1 year old Children from
  4. years old on artificial or mixed feeding - 600 R.

Decree of the Government of the Moscow Region of 11/26/2019No. 868/41

If a woman has several children, she will receive payments for pregnant and lactating women in a single amount. If there are several children and they are formula fed, then a monthly cash payment is provided for each child.

Appointment of a monthly cash payment for food - the portal of public services of the Moscow region

St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg there is neither a dairy kitchen nor compensation. But there is a "children's" card - it receives regional payments and benefits: for example, a one-time compensation payment for the birth of a child or a monthly allowance for a child up to one and a half years. You can only spend money on baby products in certain stores, including baby food.

Rules for using a "children's" card - St. Petersburg public services portal

You can order a card together with a one-time payment at the birth of a child. This is done online on the public services website or through the MFC. The card will be ready within three months, the service is free. You will need a passport to get it.

Nizhny Novgorod. Dairy products are distributed only to low-income families until the child is 2 years old. In order to receive food for children under one year old, the average per capita income of a family should not exceed two living wages, and if the child is from one to two years old, the average per capita income must be less than one living wage.

Regulations on the procedure for providing good nutrition to children under the age of 3 through special nutrition points (dairy kitchens) according to the opinion of doctors in the urban district of the city of Nizhny Novgorod

What products are distributed in Nizhny Novgorod

is issued
What is How much per month
Children under 5 months Dry mix 3.5 kg
Children 6-7 months Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese. By prescription, kefir 4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir
Children 8-12 months, depending on doctor's prescription Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese 6 kg + 12 l kefir
Children 1-2 years old Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg + 13. 2 l kefir
Children 2-3 years old Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese 1.9 kg + 13.2 l kefir

Children up to 5 months

What

Dry mixture

volume

3.5 kg

Children 6–7 months 9000 . Kefir is dispensed by doctor's prescription

Volume per month

4.13 kg + 12 liters of kefir

Children 8-12 months old, depending on the doctor's prescription

that

Dry milk porridge, dry mix, cottage cheese

volume

6 kg+ 12 l kefira

Children 1-2 years old

,

Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

volume for month

2 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

children 2-3 years old

What

Dry milk porridge, cottage cheese

volume

1.9 kg+ 13.2 l kefira

Kaluga region. Children of the first year of life on artificial and mixed feeding receive free meals. For children from 2 to 3 years old, the poor are paid compensation - up to 500 R.

Explanations on the provision of adequate nutrition for children of the first year of life who are artificially and mixed-fed - the official portal of the authorities of the Kaluga Region you can apply if the income per family member does not exceed the regional subsistence minimum by more than 1000 rubles.

What products are distributed in the Kaluga region

To whom they give What is To what extent
Children under 6 months Dry mix It is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 R per month per child
Children 6-12 months Dry mix, dry porridge It is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 R per month per child

Children under 6 months

What

Dry mixture

volume

is not known exactly, at the rate of 900 r per month per child

Children 6-12 months

Dry mix, dry porridge

volume

It is precisely unknown , at the rate of 900 R per month per child

In Bashkiria. Products are provided to orphans, as well as children, lactating and pregnant women from low-income families. You can get a dairy kitchen if the family income per person does not exceed 10,015 R.

Dairy cuisine of the Republic of Bashkiria

Provision of specialized food for pregnant women and nursing mothers - Republican Center for Social Support of the Population

What products are distributed in Bashkiria

What is How much per month
Pregnant Pregnancy Powder 2 kg
Lactating Dry formula for nursing 1 kg
Children up to 6 months Powdered formula or specialty formula for medical reasons 0.75 kg
Children 6-8 months Dry or specialized mix for medical indications, dry porridge, cottage cheese 2 kg
Children 8-12 months Dry or specialized mixture for medical indications, dry porridge, milk, kefir, cottage cheese 2 kg + 6. 5 l milk and kefir
Children 1-2 years old Dry porridge, cottage cheese, milk, kefir 2 kg + 16.4 l milk and kefir
Children 2-3 years old Curd, milk, kefir 1.1 kg + 16.6 liters of milk and kefir

Pregnant

What

Maternity powder

Monthly volume

2 kg

Nursing

that

Dry mixture for feeders

volume

1 kg

Children up to 6 months

LUGE DREARY MIKE or Specialized mixture for medical reasons

volume

0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 kg

Children 6-8 months

What

Dry or specialized formula for medical indications, dry porridge, cottage cheese

Monthly volume

2 kg

Children 8-12 months

What

Dry or specialized mixture for medical reasons, porridge dry, milk, kefir, cottage cheese

volume

2 kg+ 6.


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