My son is on Similac Advance, and formula is really expensive for me. I tried to breastfeed, but was unable to due to a previous breast reduction. Anyway, my question is, are store brand formulas comparable to brand name? My pediatrician told me it was ok to try a store brand and just keep an eye on him. So does anyone know of a store brand that is similar to Similac Advance?
2007-03-23 13:57:14 · 10 answers · asked by msuewill23 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
We used Enfamil Lipil with my first two children. With my third child, we found Parents Choice at Walmart. It is the exact same, just for half the price! Parents Choice Formula cans have a chart to easily compare them to both Enfamil and Similac, so you can check it yourself. My baby had no problem whatsoever. I give it my strong recommendation! I just wish I had known about it with the first two....and all the money I could have saved!
2007-03-23 18:40:34 · answer #1 · answered by Krissi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Store brand formulas are very comparable. There are specific guidelines that manufacturers have to follow when they produce products.
I know the feeling that you are experiencing though. My son was lactose intolerant, and the infant formula that he needed was so expensive. I was a single mother, 18 to boot, so cash was something that was fairly sparse.
If you read the labels on the cans, you'll realize that the ingredients are almost identical to those of the name brand products. There may be little differences, but nutritional factors should be pretty much the same.
I still use the Wal-Mart brand of Pediasure because it is so much cheaper and nutritionally equivalent. Each store has their own brand of 'Similac Advance'; just check the labels.
Don't feel that you are giving your child second best. That may play a factor for you, because it did for me, but you are not:)
Go ahead and try store brand formula. I can almost guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised.
Good luck on your new baby:)
2007-03-23 21:06:33 · answer #2 · answered by Melanie 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just a question, but have you looked into the WIC program in your state? You don't have to be super poor, I think it is 235% of the federal poverty line. I got milk, cheese, eggs, and cereal when I was pregnant, then when my daughter was born I breastfed and also got 31 cans of formula per month (Similac Isomil due to lactose intolerance as a newborn). This is equivalent to about 160 dollars per month in formula. Now that she is on whole milk, we get 4 gallons of whole milk a month plus the other things I already mentioned. Maybe you could check it out.
2007-03-23 23:02:26 · answer #3 · answered by busy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love store brand formula. I use the parent's choice brand from walmart. They have one with DHA and ARA just like similac. And they are a lot cheaper and have bigger cans. They are basically made with the same exact stuff. Good luck!!
2007-03-23 21:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by xlaceydaniellex@verizon.net 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! The "store brand" is comparable..the reason store brand things are less expensive is b/c they don't spend money on marketing/advertising/packaging/sales so they can charge less. Go to the store and just compare labels on the back...the nutritional info and ingredients and you'll see that they are very comparable. I used Enfamil until my son was 8 months and just happen to check one day. I changed to the Tom Thumb(don't know if you have that grocery store chain)brand. Good luck!
2007-03-23 22:19:28 · answer #5 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not similac advance but there is a store brand that is close to enfamil with lipil by Target. I like them but my son got really constipated so I had to do 3to1 target brand to the real enfamil. I know it's not exactly what you were looking for but hope it helped!
2007-03-23 22:12:17 · answer #6 · answered by Mommyof3 BGB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parents Choice, its half the price AND its the same product. It is federally mandated that all formulas must contain the same nutrients and ingredients. With similac you are just paying for the name.
2007-03-23 22:11:25 · answer #7 · answered by autumnofserenity@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should call your local WIC office and see if you qualify. Similac Advance is offered through their office. It has saved us so much of money. They give you 31 cans of milk per month and then when your child turns 4 months old, they start giving you vouchers for infant cereal and juice. My daughter is about to turn one so I am not sure what they will give us besides whole milk and juice. You should definitely give them a call.
2007-03-24 01:39:50 · answer #8 · answered by Mom of Three 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they are the same as name brands
if you look on the back of the can you will find the name of the company that makes the formula then look at the store brands and find the one made by the same company
2007-03-23 22:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by debrasearch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
i dont know if u are able to do it where you live. my daughter was on a formula called pepti jnr. as it was a "special formula" differant to just an everyday formula i was able to get it on a prescription and get it at a reduced price (i paid $4.80 for each tin rather than $46) i know we are able to get it for this kind of formula and also for lactose free and anti reflux formulas, but thats here in australia. it may be differant where you are. just ask your doctor or pharmasist next time u are there.
2007-03-23 21:38:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋