It was an experiment I started in 2008.I signed up to the formula companies, checking off that I would be exclusively breastfeeding.
And the formula samples just kept coming! And coming!
May 2009 - The formula companies really wanted me to formula feed!
It is 6 months today since the birth date I used when I signed up to the formula companies, checking off that I would be exclusively breastfeeding. It's time to give them to the women's shelter, since I won't be needing them - but I wanted to do a final total - it was an interesting comparison.
From Similac in the US, they sent 2 cans @ 12.9oz (365g)
From Similac in Canada, they sent 5 cans @ 365g
From Nestle in Canada, they sent 3 cans @ 340g, 2 cans @ 370g and 1 can 730g
From Heinz in Canada, they sent 2 cans 730g and 1 case of 12x385ml ready-to-feed
From Enfamil in Canada, they sent 2 cans @ 370g and 6 coupons for free cans
From Enfagrow Toddler formula, they sent 8 @ 18g
From Member's Mark in the US they sent 1 pkg @ 4.41oz (125g)
From Parent's Choice in the US, they sent 1 pkg @ 4.3oz (112g)
Grand total - 21 cans of powder, 12 cans of ready-to-feed and 8 toddler formula within the first 6 months!
From Similac in the US, they sent $30 in couponsFrom Similac in Canada, they sent $125 in coupons
From Nestle in Canada, they sent $75 in coupons
From Heinz in Canada, they sent only $15 in coupons
From Enfamil in Canada, they sent $39 in coupons
From Enfagrow Toddler formula, they sent $6 in coupons.
Grand Total - $290 in coupons within the first 6 months
And remember, I DID check off that I planned to exclusively breastfeeding!
It looks like Canada sends way more formula that the US, so they must be trying a lot harder here? The Canadian formula was shipped to southern Ontario, Canada. The US formula was shipped to North Fort Myers, Florida, where my inlaws were staying for the winter - I don't know if different areas get different responses?
If you stumbled in here looking for formula samples, check my post for Formula Freebies
Then check out my Huge List of Breastfeeding Freebies!
UPDATE - May 9, 2013 - Is there another baby at my house needing formula?
I did this experiment years ago, signing up for free samples of formula, saying I was fully breastfeeding and received something like 45 cans of free formula and $450 in formula coupons in that first year!! I donated all to the food bank.
But it has been about 5 years since I originally requested that free formula. Yet every couple of years I get another box of free formula in the mail, congratulating me on my baby-to-be. Another package arrived yesterday - I dropped it off at the food bank today.
Does the formula company know something I don't?? I thought I knew where babies come from... but apparently there are several babies hiding somewhere in my house. And they all need formula!!
ANOTHER UPDATE - May 16, 2013 - Since I posted my last update, Similac has continued to send me more coupons almost every day. I now have $40 total more in coupons! Pretty aggressive marketing for my "new baby"!!
Photo credits: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, of Borntolove.com
All Rights Reserved
NOTE - If any of the above links are not working or the freebies or coupons no longer available, please post a blog comment below and I'll edit it!
QUICK FREEBIE TIP:
Here is a website very handy when you have to give a phone number - HumorHotLines.com. You get a phone number in your area code and use it whenever they ask for a phone number for a freebie.
Click for more quick freebie tips
• Enjoying all the freebies? Want to keep up with the latest free stuff, deals, coupons, and other ways to save money? Subscribe to Frugal Freebies' email updates or RSS Feed! - it's free!
• Check us out on Twitter, and join in the conversation of even more great freebies, deals and coupons on our Frugal Freebies fan page on Facebook and Google+. We are even on Pinterest!
More Frugal Blogs and Websites:
• Born to Love: All your cloth diapering needs, and much more - naturally! We are strong advocates of the personal, social and environmental benefits of natural parenting.
• Frugal Baby Tips: Money-saving tips on diapering, diaper washing, safety, slings and baby carriers, toys, clothing, nursing, menstrual needs, traveling with kids, more!
