Fast Facts: Formula Feeding

Page last updated on: 3/15/25

Formula feeding is a healthy choice for moms and babies. It’s convenient. It’s flexible. It may even make scheduling your feedings easier. Plus, it helps parents, grandparents, and other supporting family members or friends help with feeding your baby.

How to formula feed

Take a minute to watch this quick video that covers everything you need to know about formula feeding your baby. It’ll give you a feel for what to expect.

Choosing a formula

There’s a variety of baby formulas to choose from. There are many different brands and kinds of formula that vary slightly, but they’re all safe. That’s because the government regulates them for health and safety. However, allergies can sometimes play a role in finding the right formula for your baby. Talk to your pediatrician about which kind is best for your baby. In addition, the CDC has great guidelines to consider while choosing the best formula for you and your baby.

Learn more about formula

Health plan coverage and formula feeding

On top of your regular scheduled pediatrician appointments, your Medicaid plan also covers after-hour calls to their office. If you think your baby is having trouble with their formula, these calls can be helpful to ask questions. If your baby needs a special formula, talk to your pediatrician about writing a prescription. The special formula may be covered by your health plan at no cost to you. However, not all formulas are covered by your insurance. If you choose to formula feed and breast feed, a free breast pump is covered by your plan at no cost to you.

Resources and assistance

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

If you’re on Medicaid, you qualify for assistance through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. WIC can help you pay for nutritional foods for you and your family. That includes the cost of supplemental formula, which can be expensive. WIC offers support and resources for breastfeeding moms, moms who partially breastfeed, and moms who formula feed. Learn more about the program and enroll today by calling your closest WIC Agency or call 211 directly for more information.

Learn more

Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP)

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) also offers support to new moms. It connects you with caregivers who may visit your home or talk to you virtually to support you as a new parent. They can help you choose the right formula and teach you how to formula feed. They can even help you prepare questions to ask your pediatrician.

Get started

Remember, it doesn’t matter if you breast feed, formula feed or do both. The important thing is that your baby is well fed and loved. If you’re still undecided about which feeding option is right for you, talk to your OB provider or pediatrician. They can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.

More "must-reads" for mom

10922D1_PMOM-Medicare_Preview_380x196.svg

Diet to daily activities to sleep quality can impact your pregnancy--that’s why we put together these five things to help you become your healthiest during pregnancy.

10808I_PriorityMOM_Preview_380x196.jpg

We put together some FAQs to help you get a free pump of your own using your health plan, as well as some hints to perfecting the process.

10808H_PriorityMOM_Preview_380x196.jpg

We've put together the following to-do list that you can use to ensure a safer, healthier—longer—pregnancy.