WIC for Infants â Formula, Food Packages and Benefits (0â12 Months)
WIC serves infants from birth through their first birthday, providing formula or breastfeeding support, baby food, infant cereal, and regular developmental monitoring through nutrition assessments.
WIC Benefits for Infants
Formula or Breastfeeding Support
WIC-contracted formula for formula-fed infants, or enhanced food package for breastfeeding mothers.
Baby Food & Cereal
Infant cereal and jarred baby food fruits and vegetables added at around 6 months of age.
Nutrition Assessments
Regular developmental monitoring and nutrition education provided to the parent or caregiver.
Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Infant Packages
WIC strongly supports breastfeeding and provides enhanced packages to encourage it. Your infant's food package depends on how they are fed:
WIC provides no formula. The breastfeeding mother receives the maximum enhanced food package. The infant receives infant cereal and baby food starting at 6 months.
The infant receives a reduced formula quantity, with the remainder covered by breastfeeding. The mother receives an enhanced package proportional to the amount of breastfeeding.
The infant receives the maximum formula allotment from WIC. The mother, if she recently gave birth, receives a standard postpartum food package.
WIC Formula Coverage
WIC covers infant formula through a state contract system. Each state has one or more contracted formula brands â those are the only brands covered by WIC in that state.
When Solid Foods Are Introduced (6+ Months)
Food package expands at 6 months
Infant food packages expand to include infant cereal and jarred baby food fruits and vegetables, consistent with standard pediatric guidance. Your WIC nutritionist will advise on introducing solids at your 6-month appointment. Formula quantities may be reduced when solid foods are added.
How to Enroll Your Infant in WIC
Infants can be enrolled in WIC from birth. If the mother was already on WIC during pregnancy, contact your WIC agency promptly after delivery to add the baby to the WIC case. If the mother was not on WIC during pregnancy, apply for the infant as soon as possible â eligibility is from birth through 12 months.
WIC infant food packages vary slightly by state.
Select your state to see your state's specific infant food package and formula coverage.
See the step-by-step guide: How to Apply for WIC â
Transitioning from Infant to Child WIC at Age 1
WIC continues until your child's fifth birthday.
At age 1, your baby transitions to the child WIC category. The food package changes: formula is no longer included, and the package shifts to dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and other foods appropriate for toddlers.
Contact your WIC agency before your baby's first birthday to ensure a smooth transition. WIC for Children Ages 1â5 â
Frequently Asked Questions
If you were already on WIC during pregnancy, contact your WIC agency after delivery to add your baby. Bring your baby's birth certificate or hospital record to document age and identity. Benefits for the baby can be issued at the same appointment.
No. WIC covers only the formula brand(s) contracted by your state WIC agency. If you need a different brand for a medical reason, your baby's doctor can request an exempt formula from your WIC agency. See WIC Formula Coverage.
Yes. Starting at around 6 months, WIC infant packages include jarred baby food fruits and vegetables and infant cereal. The specific approved brands and sizes are on your state's approved foods list.
You can use your WIC EBT card to purchase formula at any WIC-authorized store that carries the approved brand. Not all stores carry all WIC-contracted formula brands â check with your WIC agency for a list of authorized stores near you.
At age 1, your child transitions from the infant WIC food package to the child WIC package, which is different â formula is replaced by dairy, grains, and other toddler foods. WIC eligibility continues until the child's fifth birthday. Contact your WIC agency before the birthday to transition the benefits smoothly. See WIC for Children.
