Can You Return Baby Formula? (It Depends…)
Baby formula is convenient and perfect for times when a nursing mom can’t or doesn’t want to breastfeed. It can be a great idea to buy baby formula in bulk considering how fast the little ones go through it.
However, if you’ve ever bought more than you need, you may be wondering if you can return baby formula. The answer? It depends.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into where you can and can’t return baby formula, as well as store policies for several popular retailers.
Table of Contents
- Reasons to Return Baby Formula
- Baby Formula Return Policies
- What to do with the baby formula that you can not return?
- Conclusion
Reasons to Return Baby Formula
There are several reasons why you might want to return baby formula.
One of the more common reasons is that you’ve purchased formula in bulk, but only used a portion of your stash. Another reason could be that some of the baby formula was damaged or leaking. Lastly, you may have purchased baby formula, only to find out your little one’s stomach can’t handle it.
If you’ve ever encountered any of these issues, you may want to return your unused formula. In the section below, we’ll look at the baby formula return policies of several top retailers.
Baby Formula Return Policies
1. Amazon
Amazon is the largest online retailer. As a result, many parents rely on Amazon to deliver baby goods if they don’t have time to go to the store. Which, let’s be honest, happens most of the time in the first few months of the baby’s life!
Amazon’s return policy on baby formula varies by product and vendor.
In many cases, baby formula that is sold by Amazon is not eligible for a return if you change your mind or buy too much. However, if the product arrives damaged or defective (such as expired), you are able to request a refund or replacement.
You can check the return policy for the item in question by tapping on the Return Policy section on the product page, as seen below.
If you don’t see a specific return policy listed on the baby formula product page, then it’s most likely eligible for Amazon’s standard return policy — a full refund within within 90 days if unopened. Keep in mind, if you are returning an item because you changed your mind or no longer need it, you’ll have to pay the cost of the return shipping.
For items that are sold by third-party vendors on Amazon.com, the return policy varies from vendor to vendor, however, most sellers do not accept returns for unwanted items, but do offer returns and exchanges for damaged or defective formula.
2. Walmart
Walmart’s return policy for baby formula is a bit more lenient than Amazon’s. Most baby formula purchased at a Walmart store or on Walmart.com are eligible for free returns within 90 days if they are unopened.
In addition, if you purchased baby formula on Walmart.com, you can bring it into the store for an easy return in order to save on return shipping.
Like Amazon, Walmart also offers products from third-party vendors. The return policy on these items varies from vendor to vendor and you can check the return information and an individual product page. However, as of 2022, all 3rd party baby food vendors accept returns (including in-store returns) for at least 30 days from the date of purchase.
3.eBay
Unlike Amazon and Walmart, eBay doesn’t directly sell any baby formula. Instead, all product listings are offered by third-party sellers. You’ll have to check the individual seller’s policy to see if returns are accepted, however, based on our research most sellers on eBay do not accept returns for baby formula.
4. Target
Baby formula purchased at a Target store or Target.com can be returned within 90 days of purchase. Customers who use their Target RedCard are eligible for an additional 30 days return window, allowing returns of up to 120 days.
Better yet, if you’ve purchased Target brand baby formula you can return it within one year of purchase.
Target’s return policy is quite lenient. Although it’s not officially stated in their policy, most stores will allow you to return open baby formula for an exchange, replacement, or refund, if you’re not satisfied with the product.
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5. Costco
Costco is also quite lenient when it comes to its return policy. Baby formula purchased at a Costco store can be returned for any reason within 90-days of purchase. You can even return opened baby formula if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
You can return items purchased on Costco.com for free, without having to pay return shipping. You can also return items purchased on their website in-store.
6. Walgreens
Walgreen’s return policy for baby formula is not as customer-friendly as some of the previously mentioned stores. You can return unopened baby formula within 30 days of purchase, as long as you have a receipt. You cannot return opened baby formula, however.
What to do with the baby formula that you can not return?
If you’re unable to return unwanted, unused baby formula then you have a few options.
The first is simply throwing out it, but that doesn’t do much good other than freeing up some room in your home.
The second option is selling unopened, non-expired baby formula online at websites like eBay.com.
The final option is to donate unopened, non-expired baby formula to those in need. You can either find individuals who need help or contact a charity that helps moms in need.
Conclusion
In most places, it’s very easy to return the baby formula. Some stores are more lenient than others, with some accepting even open baby formula if you’re unhappy with the product. Just keep in mind, that if you’re buying from a third-party seller on platforms like Amazon or Ebay, then you’ll have to keep an eye out for the individual seller’s return policy.
