Store Brand vs. Name Brand Formula?

Question

I have a one month old son and he's being formula feed with the Similac Advance powder formula (sometimes I used the premixed stuff in the big bottle because it came with the big can of powder). My mother has bought me a few big cans of the powder formula but I know she won't be doing this for me forever. She just wanted to help out and buy me a few cans. What I was wondering is, would it be okay to switch him to a store brand formula, like Wal-Marts Parent's Choice, since it would be saving me about 10 dollars a canister? Is there a certain age that I would need to do the switch for him or can it be done any time? I know I would have to test out the formula first on him to see if he takes to it well but I just didn't know if I waited too long and he gets used to the Similac, would he not like anything else or would he be okay with trying something different. I've heard that the Similac brand and the Parent's Choice brand are somewhat similar. What does everyone think?

Answer 1

The name brand and the generic should have the exact same ingredients in it. If so then, I think you are ok. You might want to ask the pediatrician.

Answer 2

Check the nutritional quality of both formulas and call the 800 number to ask the store brand formula people how it stacks up against the Similac.

Baby formula has to meet minimum standards of the FDA to be sold in the USA, so you should be safe with any commercially sold baby formula.

You are absolutely correct to want to vary the brands before your child gets used to one or the other. Can you buy some of the other kind and alternate it with your Similac for a month or so in order to make sure he accepts different ones? This would also have the effect of lowering your costs long term and avoiding any sudden changes for him.

Good luck with your new little one!

Answer 3

I switched my daughter between formulas and had no problems at all. Most formulas are basically the same. He will drink whatever you give him. I would test it on him first just to be sure, sometimes babies can be sensitive to formula switches. Most likely he wont have any problems at all, as long as he doesnt drink a special kind of formula he should be fine. As long as you dont keep switching between several different formulas one switch should be fine....and just as an FYI for you, i'm not sure if you would qualify but depending on your income you may qualify for WIC, which is assistance for woman, infants and children, if you qualify the formula is free and when i used it they gave you enfamil but i believe it may be similac now. just wanted to let you know you that. Good luck.

Answer 4

I think you can switch it. If you're using powder, maybe you can introduce the new formula slowly (like 2 scoops similac, 1 scoop walmart, for example) If he seems to take that okay for a couple days (watch for any rashes or difficulty digesting, excess spitting up) then add a little more of the walmart brand (or whatever brand you choose.)

Good luck.

Answer 5

It depend. Of course some of the brand name have more advantage than the non-brand name. But I recommended used the brand name because if something happen, you know where and how to deal with the problem.
I would say that every baby formula are great, just as long as your baby accpet it and have no probelm with the side effect after uses it!

Answer 6

Well it is fully up to you to change your kids formula.Even dr will tell you to switch to whatever you want the baby wont refuse it,it might make it a little cranky but he will get use to it.Parents choice is a good formula as well so i would say go for it.

Answer 7

It should be fine. Just make the transition slow. Talk to your baby's doctor about changing formulas.

Answer 8

you can change formula straight away, just dont keep changing. stick to one or the other.

i personally stick to the most expensive one i can afford, as it is apparantly the most like breast milk, wont go into details as i live in aus and you prob dont have it over there