How Did You Choose Formula?
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at
10:58 pm
I breastfeed mostly but on occasion Ive given formula to my baby. I just use the free sample ones and have never purchased it. I was just wondering what formula you use and why you choose it? Is there a big difference?
Filed under: Free Baby Stuff
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I breastfeed as well, but there were only a few occasions where I have had to supplement with formula (Back before my supply was established, when he’s run out at the daycare and I’m running late, etc.). When we DO have to supplement, I use Similac. The reason I chose Similac is, honestly, because it seems to be the most breastfeeding friendly formula out there. I’ve gotten many things from Similac in the mail and in email that encourage breastfeeding and give tips to help.
We’ve not had any problems with Similac. It’s worked well for our son, even though he pretty much detests any formula. He likes to get a mouthful and spit it back at us. Any formula is going to be a much different taste than breastmilk. It’s not as sweet.
With the marketing for formula being so sleezy against breastfeeding, this was awesome to me and made my mind up that if I ever have to use formula for any reason, I’d choose Similac.
I’d definitely stay away from Nestle Good Start. Their marketing tactics, especially in 3rd world countries, are beyond questionable.
I originally chose Enfamil Lipil cause I had so many samples and coupons. They started my son on it in the hospital and he was throwin is up a lot. The doctor switched him to Nestle Good Start. Recently, the doctor told me I could go ahead and try other formulas again. I again, tried the Enfamil and found it to be very foamy. My son was much gasier and spitting up more from it. I also felt that he ate much more of it, I think it may have been less filling.
Your baby may be fine on the Enfamil, just thought that I would share my thoughts.
i use Enfamil Gentlease because my cousin’s use it as well and i have heard nothing but great things about it. I have noticed that others are really “startchy” feeling and is harder to dissolve. It’s a great transitional formula because i breastfed at the beginning and then switched and it was the easiest on my daughter’s stomach.
From what I have experienced and heard from other parents, YOU usually don’t get to choose the formula. The baby usually has a preference, sometimes to the point they will only drink a certain kind. I’d start with the samples your baby will take, and try others if you need to go cheaper, but buy the smallest quantity they sell to start. Breastfeed as long as you can. It’s best for the baby, and best on your wallet.
Pediatricians recommend Enfamil Lipil (with DHA & ARA), BUT Similac with DHA & ARA is just as good. Formula is regulated by the FDA so even though some have more of a certain enzyme or nutrient than another….they all have what the baby needs.
In the past I have used both Similac & Enfamil depending on which formula WIC covered….all my children who have had formula supplementation have NOT suffered in any way. (and yes I breastfed all of them as long as I could as well) Some babies can’t tolerate milk-based formulas and need to go to a soy-based formula etc. So unless your baby has had marked problems with the free samples…I would just simply buy whatever you have been using up until this point.
By the way….I have even used the Generic brand of formula (the cheapest after comparing it to a name-brand for nutrients etc) and used that. Good luck.
You can also talk to your Pediatrician or a nutrionist to see what they recommend.
Start with Enfamil lipil as it is best for baby if he/she tolerates it… some do and some don’t. My son was gassy so we switched to gentle ease, but don’t switch unless directed by the doctor as the formula is not always the cause of baby discomfort.
Good luck!
all formulas are the same per say because they all have to be fda approved the only little difference is flavor and little things like good start has the whey proteins enfamil has more fatty and similac helps with spit up. parent choice from walmart is just as good as them all and cost less
good start soy because at this time and from age 4 weeks my 7 month old can not digest the milk .
Usually if you want to supplement formula to breastfeeding ask your Pediatrician first. Choose the formula that is good for your baby. Hypoallergenic formula can be given to babies with parents who has history of allergy. Lactose free formula for lactose intolerant baby.
The hospital gave it to my son while he was in the nursery and it was the brand my pediatrician reccommended. My son drinks Similac isomil. We havent had any problems with it:)