The number of formula cans you receive with WIC depends on your child’s age, nutritional needs, and the type of formula you choose. Infants typically receive more formula than toddlers, and certain formulas may have higher nutrient concentrations, requiring fewer cans to meet your child’s needs. Your WIC provider will assess your child’s specific requirements and provide you with an appropriate amount of formula based on their recommendations. It’s important to follow the instructions on the formula packaging and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on feeding your child.
Calculating Formula Needs
The number of formula cans you receive with WIC depends on your child’s age, weight, and feeding habits. WIC follows the following general guidelines:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 64 ounces per month
- Infants (4-12 months): 48 ounces per month
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 36 ounces per month
However, these are just estimates. Your WIC nutritionist will consider your child’s individual needs when determining the amount of formula you receive.
To calculate your child’s formula needs, you can use the following formula:
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Daily formula intake (oz) = Age (months) x 24
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For example, a 6-month-old baby would need approximately 6 x 24 = 144 ounces of formula per day.
Once you know your child’s daily formula intake, you can divide it by the number of ounces in a can of formula (usually 8 or 32) to determine how many cans you need per day. For example, if your child needs 144 ounces of formula per day and you use 32-ounce cans, you would need to receive 144 / 32 = 4.5 cans per day.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines. Your WIC nutritionist will provide you with personalized formula recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.
Formula Can Equivalents
The number of cans of formula you receive will also depend on the size of the cans. Here are some common formula can sizes and their equivalents:
| Can Size (ounces) | Number of 8-Ounce Bottles |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1 |
| 12 | 1.5 |
| 24 | 3 |
| 32 | 4 |
How Many Cans of Formula do I Get with WIC?
The number of cans of formula you receive with WIC depends on the type of formula your child needs, their age, and your family’s income. WIC provides different types of formula, including:
- Cow’s milk-based formula
- Soy-based formula
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Special formula for premature infants
The table below shows the number of cans of formula you can receive per month, based on your child’s age and the type of formula they need.
| Child’s Age | Cow’s Milk-Based Formula | Soy-Based Formula | Hypoallergenic Formula | Special Formula for Premature Infants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 12 cans | 12 cans | 12 cans | 24 cans |
| 6-12 months | 10 cans | 10 cans | 10 cans | 20 cans |
| 12-24 months | 8 cans | 8 cans | 8 cans | 16 cans |
If your child has a special medical need that requires a different type of formula, WIC may provide a larger number of cans per month. You should talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best type of formula for your child.
How Many Cans Of Formula Do I Get With WIC
The number of cans of formula you get with WIC depends on the age of your child, how many children you have, and your family’s income.
- For infants under 1 year old, you will receive 13 cans of formula per month.
- For children 1-2 years old, you will receive 9 cans of formula per month.
If you have more than one child, you will receive additional cans of formula. For example, if you have two children under 1 year old, you will receive 26 cans of formula per month.
Your family’s income also affects the number of cans of formula you receive. If your family’s income is below a certain level, you may be eligible for additional cans of formula.
| Age of Child | Number of Cans of Formula |
| Under 1 year | 13 cans per month |
| 1-2 years | 9 cans per month |
**Feeding Schedule Considerations**
The number of cans of formula you receive each month will depend on how often you feed your child. If you breastfeed your child, you may only need a few cans of formula per month. However, if you formula-feed your child, you may need more cans of formula.
Here is a general feeding schedule for infants and toddlers:
- Newborns: Feed 8-12 times per day.
- 1-2 months: Feed 6-8 times per day.
- 3-6 months: Feed 4-6 times per day.
- 6-12 months: Feed 3-4 times per day.
- 12-24 months: Feed 2-3 times per day.
As your child gets older, they will start to eat more solid foods. This means that they will need less formula. By the time your child is 1 year old, they may only need 1-2 cans of formula per month.
How Many Cans of Formula Do I Get With WIC?
The number of formula cans you receive with WIC depends on the age of your child and the type of formula you’re using. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-16 cans per month
- 3-6 months: 10-12 cans per month
- 6-12 months: 8-10 cans per month
WIC typically provides the following types of formula:
- Similac Advance
- Enfamil Premium
- Gerber Good Start
- Earth’s Best Organic
If you’re not sure how many cans of formula you’re entitled to, consult with your local WIC office. They can help you determine your eligibility and provide you with the necessary supplies.
Storage and Shelf Life
Formula is a perishable food item, so it’s important to store it properly to ensure its safety and quality. Here are some general guidelines:
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Once opened, store formula in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours.
- Discard any unused formula after 24 hours.
| Type of Formula | Storage |
|---|---|
| Powdered formula | Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Once opened, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. |
| Liquid concentrate | Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, use within 48 hours. |
| Ready-to-feed formula | Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Once opened, use within 48 hours. |
Thanks for reading! I hope this information has been helpful. I know navigating WIC and formula can be overwhelming, so I’m glad I could provide some clarity. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Remember, I’m always here to help you navigate WIC and ensure your little one gets the nutrition they need. So, don’t hesitate to visit again soon for more informative articles and support. Take care, and see you next time!