OT: Baby Formula Returnable?

[dznybound]

I am sorry that this is off-topic; but you guys have always been so helpful.

I am a new mom and I bought 3 bottles of formula to supplement breastfeeding. My baby tried one of the bottles of formula and will not take it. I tried to take the two unopened/sealed bottles back to the store but the manager refused to return it. The store did not have signs up warning that you can't return formula. Is it a law that baby formula is not returnable? Is it suppose to be common knowledge that you can not return baby formula - because I've never heard of such a thing.

 

[mickeymouse1017]

I would try and speak with another manager. I had to return formula (like you, unopened/sealed) because my DD had to be changed to a new formula due to acid reflux. I didn't have a problem. Did you have the receipt showing that you got the formula from them? If it is not a posted rule, I would pursue this with the store.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I returned unopened formula after my DD was switched to Nutramigen.

I know you must have your receipt due to alot of the Wick recipients getting the formula for free then trying to return it to the store for money.

 

[atksn]

You could always sell it on Craigslist or Ebay- or donate it to a shelter. That is what I always did with the samples that they would send me in the mail.

 

[RMulieri]

You need a receipt to return formulas.Any opened or cracked seals are also unaccepted.I can tell you as a former grocery mgr, that because formula is like $29 per can and WIC recipients get it free that many (especially this time of year) try to return the formula for the Cash.BTW,I am not criticizing WIC recipients.Also alot of people get the free cans of formula coupons and also try to return them for the cash.If they won't take it back with the receipt ,maybe the store has a policy in place( ask to see it ), or maybe you just had an uniformed mgr.

 

[laughinplace199]

I've never heard of not being able to return unopened formula.

However, did you try giving the formula to your baby again? When my DS had to be supplemented with formula, he wouldn't take it at first. After a few tries, he got used to the taste and was fine with it.

 

[RMulieri]

I've never heard of not being able to return unopened formula.

However, did you try giving the formula to your baby again? When my DS had to be supplemented with formula, he wouldn't take it at first. After a few tries, he got used to the taste and was fine with it.

Like I said alot of places won't take it back without the receipt, and I just go back from grocery shopping and now our grocery chain LOCKS UP the formulas at the front desk so you have to go there to get it.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

Did you try to exchange it for another brand? The store might be more willing to exchange it rather than just return it for money. I had to do it a couple times with my children when we needed to switch brands.

 

[blessedby3]

My DD switched formulas 4 times (after breastfeeding too!) and I was having to return formula for another kind. I learned my lesson after I went to Walmart one time and didnt have my receipt. They gave me the Wick story too and I was shocked. I had to give that can away and kept my receipts for sure after that. They wouldnt even let me exchange that can for another type.

 

[HelenePA]

I bought formula too with plans on bottle feeding but instead I am breastfeeding. So I never kept reciepts I have a ton of formula that I wont be using now. I tried to return it and they wouldn't let me either. I'll just freecycle it I guess. its taking up room in my kitchen that I could use!

 

[undertheradar]

There have been many scams involving expired formula and people attempting to exchange it. The dates get changed on the cans and are returned for exchange. Most of the out of date cans are fished out of dumpsters from storage facilities where many sales reps keep stock and receive deliveries. Many stores will not accept returns on it due to the scams.

 

[PoohHappens]

I bought formula too with plans on bottle feeding but instead I am breastfeeding. So I never kept reciepts I have a ton of formula that I wont be using now. I tried to return it and they wouldn't let me either. I'll just freecycle it I guess. its taking up room in my kitchen that I could use!

I wanted to congratulate you on breastfeeding. I am glad that has worked for you. May I suggest that food shelves and womens shelters may have need for the formula too. Although most people qualify for wic who might be using a food shelf, not all do or they have not gotten set up yet, especially at the women's shelters where they have often recently left home and now have many needs. And yes unfortunately there is a racket with formula. From samples to wic etc.......The saddest part of all is that some people are watering down the formula to have extra left to sell. This is actually very harmful to the infants.

 

[PoohHappens]

I am sorry that this is off-topic; but you guys have always been so helpful.

I am a new mom and I bought 3 bottles of formula to supplement breastfeeding. My baby tried one of the bottles of formula and will not take it. I tried to take the two unopened/sealed bottles back to the store but the manager refused to return it. The store did not have signs up warning that you can't return formula. Is it a law that baby formula is not returnable? Is it suppose to be common knowledge that you can not return baby formula - because I've never heard of such a thing.

I would have thought that with a receipt they would have taken it back too. Congrats on your baby and breastfeeding. I hope you are able to resolve the issue and find another product to meet your needs.

 

[HelenePA]

I wanted to congratulate you on breastfeeding. I am glad that has worked for you. May I suggest that food shelves and womens shelters may have need for the formula too. Although most people qualify for wic who might be using a food shelf, not all do or they have not gotten set up yet, especially at the women's shelters where they have often recently left home and now have many needs. And yes unfortunately there is a racket with formula. From samples to wic etc.......The saddest part of all is that some people are watering down the formula to have extra left to sell. This is actually very harmful to the infants.

Thank you. I'm glad it worked out too. the cost of formula is one of the reasons I'm bfing this time around. The cost of formula is down right scary! I really am enjoying it.. I never in a million years thought I would. I need to ask around and find a food pantry. We've never been in need of one so I"m not even sure where one is around me. Heck I dont even know if my small small small town has one

 

[laughinplace199]

Also, if you can't return the formula to the store and you don't need it, you might want to give it to your pediatrician's office. When we suspected DS had a milk allergy, my ped wanted to put him on Nutramigen. I was bf'ing at the time, but supplementing with formula. Since it took a few days for my insurance co to approve the Rx for Nutramigen, my ped gave me enough to last until we could get it from the pharmacy. When DS turned 1 and we were done with formula, I gave my unused formula to the ped's office. They were very grateful.

 

[miprender]

We have a can of formula too that our supermarket says they wont take back. Signs are all over the place. I think it has alot to do with theft and then returning it for money.

 

[design_mom]

...or donate it to a shelter. That is what I always did with the samples that they would send me in the mail.

May I suggest that food shelves and womens shelters may have need for the formula too.

I had trouble even *donating* formula. I bought a large can (Sam's Club) before we adopted our daughter internationally. As it turns out, she didn't need formula anymore and I never opened it. By that point, I'd lost the receipt, so I decided just to donate it. I contacted EVERYONE I could think of including the food bank, domestic violence shelters, an organization to help low income mothers, etc. No one would take it. Several organizations said that they don't offer formula because they want to encourage breastfeeding (which is less expensive long term. Give someone one can of formula and they'll need to buy more, etc.) I ended up giving it to a friend at work whose sister used that brand... but I would have really liked to have given it to someone who "needed" it.

Also, if you can't return the formula to the store and you don't need it, you might want to give it to your pediatrician's office.

I did *not* think to try the pediatrician's office. Great tip.

 

[two-foxes]

I had to return formula in the past and had no problem with a reciept.

But, for donations, you can also try your local Dept of Human Services. Our dept was more than happy to take any sample or unopened cans I had. I also donated diapers that I either got as gifts that weren't our brand or sizes that DS grew out of.

 

[HelenePA]

I have over 200 size 2 diapers my son grew out of.. do you think a food pantry would accept them? 2 of the packs from inside the box are still sealed one has a few taken out of them. I tried my hardest to use em but he's a huge baby and we HAD to go up a size..

 

[Vijoge]

If you're having trouble finding places willing to accept your donations you might want to try your local freecycle. Baby items of all kinds go really quick on freecycle around here.

www.freecycle.org