First Baby - Need Formula Advice?

Question

I'm curious about the best brands of formula that other mothers have found. I am not going to be able to breastfeed. I'm thinking about getting a couple of different brands to have on hand. I know that a lot will depend on my baby, but I would still like some advice.

Answer 1

I used Enfamil Lipil for both of my children, didn't have any problems. // I would suggest signing on to all the websites for formula and register, you will often get samples are really good coupons. // If you get samples you wont feel so bad for buying something your child can not digest!!

Answer 2

Make your own!!! It's very simple, inexpensive and far, FAR more healthy than the artificial, chemically-laden, preserved stuff on the shelves. I did this for my kids and they have never had an ear infection, sore throat or very many colds or illnesses at all. But even if you can't breastfeed, get a pump and start your baby on what comes from your body. It is THE healthiest, natural way to start your child's life outside your body. There are so many nutrients within you that are critical for the development of your child and these cannot be manufactured in a lab then bottled or canned for use. Numerous food sensitivities start in infancy because of preservatives, additives, sugars and other chemicals that our bodies were simply not designed to process. Start with your own natural milk and then make a natural formula. You'll be very glad later on!!!

Answer 3

All decent advice. Ask your doctor. The hospital uses whatever companies give them the best deal on formula. They don't really have a "brand" in particular that they think is better than another (at least, not most hospitals). Although they would never pick something bad for babies, they have to be cost efficient.

Just one question though... how come you're giving up on breastfeeding before you even start?

Answer 4

i use the wal-mart brand Parents Choice. only b/c its the cheapest and formula gets really expensive on a tight budget. you used to could buy a 2 lb. can for 13 dollars but they changed it and now i think its like a 1 and 1/2 can for 11 dollars. a 1 lb. can of Similac is like 10 or 11 dollars. So many people like different things too. we use the powder, but you might want to use the pre-mixed and keep cold bottles on hand in the fridge...i guess it all just depends on what YOU feel is best for your baby and your life schedule. Also...just b/c the cheapest is the best for us..it may not be for everyone else. Dont go cheap on diapers though...you'll regret it. Pampers and Luvs work well for me. also...sorry if i'm rambling on....i would advise when you buy wipes, buy the bulk box for like 7 or 8 dollars that have like 9 packs in it. and keep the same "hard box" to put them in. it'll save money. lots of luck and congratulations!!

Answer 5

We use Similac Advanced with Iron. It's what the hospital started her on when she was born. We had no problems with it, so we kept it up. She's been fine with it the whole time that she's been around. :-)

I was told (by nurses at the hospital and our pediatrician) that they start all babies on Similac.

Really, getting other people's opinions is a good thing, but ultimately, I would see what my pediatrician has to say about what I'm going to try. If your baby seems to have trouble with one type of formula, think about talking to your doctor before trying another. It may be something that has nothing do with feeding that is the problem.

Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 6

I would start with Similac or Enfamil with Iron. If your baby has problems with it, you can talk to your pedi and try other (Soy or low Gas). We used Enfamil Gasease. Don't switch formulas on him unless you have to. They have very sensitive little systems and you need to find one and stick with it.

If you buy powder, mix it in batches (not a bottle at a time) so the air can settle out of it before you give it to him. We found out that the premixed isn't really that much more expensive (look on the can to see the total amount the powder will make ~1.4 gallons). Wish we had bought premixed all along.

When he was older we did switch to Nestle Bright Beginnings. It is not as expensive.

Answer 7

It is hard to say because with kids you never know. With my fist son we used Simlic Advanced and had a lot of problems but all formulas made him sick. But with our second son we are using Enfamil Lipil and it works great. We also tried a few brands and the Enfamil worked the best. I have also heard the Nestle Good Start works prety good too. Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Answer 8

Usually the hosptial will start baby on Similac advanced or enfamil with iron.

If you find that your baby is crabby, cranky and cries alot or spits up alot or is gassy. You should switch to a soy based formula such as isomil or prosobee. If this doens't work ask you doctor about milk and lactose and soy free formula like nutramigen enfamil.

Answer 9

I tried Enfamil with all 4 of my kids. 1 ended up with pharamcy formula, 1 ended up on soy and the other 2 ate any kind I gave them (even store brand). You just have to find out what works for your child through trial and error.

I also breastfed the first 6 weeks--even pumped for one of them. That was an important start.

Good luck with your little one.

Answer 10

I used Enfamil for my soon but once the WIC stopped I noticed that walmart brand Parents choice is the same thing and even has a few more things than Enfamil also it is cheaper a large can of Enfamil was 22 dollars and the walmart brand is 11

Answer 11

Use store brand. It's half the price and just as good. All generic formula has to meet the same government standards as name brand formula. I have had my use of Kirkland, target, etc, formulas approved by my pediatrician, and also many articles by experts in the parenting magazines say that there is no significant difference between store-brand and name-brand formulas. I used name brand with my first born, and generic with the rest, and had absolutely no problems. There were happy babies with no colic or reflux and and now they are healthy kids.