Many parents discuss costs as they decide whether to put their baby on formula or breastfeed. There are a lot of considerations, so let’s walk through them.

Costs of Breast Feeding

The first and most important is time and commitment. This might not be a direct cash expense, but for a mother who wants to head back to work or has other children to deal with, breastfeeding can be a difficulty that makes life complicated. There are other costs, like a breast pump (up to $250), lactation consultant services (up to $400), nursing bras, pillows, pads, and more (up to $500).

Let’s be honest: it is possible to do it like your great-grandmother did and power through. If the baby doesn't latch well, you keep trying. Get the neighborhood women to help you learn. And so on. Sadly, most of us don’t have the time or human resources to avoid these expenses. If the baby latches perfectly and life allows, breastfeeding is nearly free. Otherwise, it can cost a few thousand dollars.

Costs of Formula Feeding

We’re going to focus on European Organic Formulas. Honestly, that’s why you’re here, right? You want the best for your baby, and these formulas are the best. On average, babies will need 2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day.

So, an average 8-pound newborn will need about 20 ounces of formula per day. For a six-month-old, this can go up to 40 ounces per day. Obviously, the amount of formula per day starts to go down as soon as your baby starts eating solid food.

A lot depends on your baby’s appetite, but these numbers will give us a benchmark.

Containers of baby formula come in all different sizes, but most make between 90-150 fluid ounces of prepared formula. For the figures below, we’ve calculated average sizes for baby formula containers in each category.

That means that your infant will need about $5 of European Organic Formula per day.

By six months, most babies are eating cereals and more. That means that the cost of formula will start dropping right around six months. While there’s no way to calculate with absolute certainty because every baby is different and the time that they transition to solid food varies, it’s about $1200 for most babies to use European Organic Formulas.

Monthly Costs by Age

Understanding the cost of formula feeding throughout your baby's first year is crucial for budgeting. Here's a breakdown of average monthly costs for European organic formulas:

0-2 months: $150-$200 per month
Your newborn will consume about 2-3 ounces per feeding, 8-12 times a day.

3-5 months: $200-$250 per month
As your baby grows, they'll drink 4-5 ounces per feeding, 6-8 times a day.

6-8 months: $180-$230 per month
Solid foods are introduced, slightly reducing formula intake.

9-12 months: $150-$200 per month
Your baby will drink less formula as they eat more solid foods.

Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your baby's needs and the specific brand you choose.

Recommended European Organic Formulas

At OrganicBabyFood24, we offer a curated selection of top-quality European organic formulas:

1. HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Formula: Ideal for babies from birth onwards. Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health.

2. Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1: A biodynamic formula suitable from birth. Made with organic whole milk.

3. Lebenswert Organic Infant Formula Stage 1: Contains essential nutrients for healthy development. No added sugars or artificial additives.

These formulas are carefully selected to meet the highest standards of nutrition and organic certification, providing your baby with the best start in life.

For the record, the lower quality American major brands usually only save you about $200 in that year.