Win $100 from Parent's Choice Formula!

Whether you breastfeed, supplement, or go entirely 100% formula with your baby, many families are feeling the pinch of the economy. Before you consider cutting corners with Baby's nutrition, read the following information from Parent's Choice formula (and then see you how can enter to win $100 worth!)

There is good news for families with small babies who are looking for big savings without compromising nutrition.

Experts agree that mother’s milk is best and the least expensive option for infant feeding. If parents choose to supplement breastfeeding with infant formula or to formula-feed exclusively, they can turn to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, Walgreens, and other retailers for store brands that offer the same safe, high quality, affordable infant nutrition.

Although all U.S. infant formulas must adhere to the same stringent FDA guidelines, they are not priced the same, as many leading store-brand formulas cost up to 50% less than national brands. In fact, parents can save up to $600 a year ($1200 for twins) by choosing a retailer’s store brand infant formula.

“A new parent today is met with a dizzying array of marketing messages when it comes to doing what is best for their babies,” said Dr. Barbara Levine , Associate Professor of Nutrition in Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. “Nowhere is this truer than in the area of infant formulas. Thanks to strict government regulation, the fact is that there is very little, if any, differentiation in the nutritional values touted by the various national brands on the market, and in this economy, doctors are advising parents to switch their babies to a store brand formula so they can save money.”

FDA, in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, establishes strict guidelines concerning the ingredients and their levels in infant formula; all U.S. manufacturers must conform to these rules. In addition, all infant formulas must demonstrate growth, development, and mineral absorption equal to mother’s milk before they may be sold in the United States .

In light of a recent press report of a parent diluting baby formula with water in this difficult economy, Dr. Levine urges parents to read and strictly follow the directions on the labels of their formulas of choice.

In addition to switching to store brand formulas, parents can save money on infant feeding by:

• Contacting their local service and religious organizations – state WIC agencies, local food banks, and churches may be able to offer additional assistance.
• Look for coupons on the Internet and save money on items such as baby formula and diapers.

“It is critical that parents refrain from diluting baby formula with extra water during these tough economic times,” added Dr. Levine. “If parents choose to feed babies infant formula, they must remember it is an infant’s sole source of nutrition.”

That's great news, right? You can save even MORE with these cool tools from Parent's Choice:

• A Savings Calculator designed to "Show You the Money!"
• FREE Baby Formula samples
• A Formula Finder to help you locate the store nearest you
• A Facebook app that lets you gift your friends a sample of the formula

You can read all about Parent's Choice products at ParentsChoiceFoods.com and ParentsChoiceFormula.com

Wanna Win? We have an amazing opportunity to give ONE Lille Punkin' Reader $100 from Parent's Choice Formula (awarded in the form of a Walmart Gift Card)! That's perfect for this economy, huh? Just leave your best money-saving baby tip here in the comments to be entered to win -OR- visit the Parent's Choice website and let us know your favorite product. You can enter every day (each subsequent entry after the first unique entry can just be a comment saying "Today's Entry"), and you have until July 15th, 2009 at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in!

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveways!