Formula

Jennifer - posted on 02/03/2009 ( 21 moms have responded )

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Hi, This is my first time on here and was wondering if I could get some help. I have some questions about formula. My son has been breastfed up until about a month ago and now I have him on formula... The formula I chose is expensive and I didnt realize that babies go through that much... So my husband and I have decided to put him on a cheeper formula. Any suggestions or stories about your experience with formula?

This will be very helpful... I am loosing my mind over this...

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21 Comments

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Amber - posted on 02/19/2009

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I just switched Griffin from Enfamil to the Parent's choice "gentle" type and he's done just fine and no erping!!!

Kristin - posted on 02/19/2009

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I have fed my little guy both Similac and Enfamil before changing over to Target brand formula -- the FDA mandates that nutritional content in formula so it is the same as the brand name formulas.  I would use Sam's club brand - however my guy is on Soy and it is not availalbe there.  I concur with you that the cost in conjunction with the amount of formula that our 9 month olds eat almost mandates using store brand formula. 



 



good luck :)
Kristin

Ashley - posted on 02/19/2009

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we were actually at Loblaws yesterday and that's the first thing i went and checked..lol...even if you buy the box of concentrated it's 23.99 which is what you pay for the can of Good Start. ya i will def look for that and join it for sure!.....thanks for all your info it has really helped us!!...

Emily - posted on 02/18/2009

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...and it's only 13.99 a can which last us about a week and a half.  I'm in Hamilton ON. 



You should check out my community for Ontario moms!  It's really new and I'm trying to find Ontario mommies to join!

Ashley - posted on 02/18/2009

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really eh?..and she liked it?.....my friend actualy used the parent's choice on her son. she had actually talked to her dr about it and her dr had said that the parent's choice was just as good as the good start. i mean i guess if you think about it if those formula's had bad things in them they wouldnt be allowed to sell them. i think i'm def going to research it and try the president's choice.



i am in ottawa ont.....

Emily - posted on 02/18/2009

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Quoting Ashley:



Quoting Emily:




I formula fed both of my kids with generic formula from a reputable grocery store.  I'm in Canada so I use the President's Choice with Iron Formula from Fortinos.  I compared ingredients and went on websites and found out that the same company that makes Nestle formula also manufactures the President's Choice.  Alot of companies do that actually.  I found namebrand to be way too expensive.








I would avoid buying brands that you've never heard and avoid purchasing from independent stores, dollar stores, etc... because you really don't know where it's coming from (China for example).  The best thing is to do lots of research, compare labels, find customer reviews if available and even call the company of the brand you're considering to ask questions!










i am really glad i read that!...i am currently pregnant with my 2nd and for my first we used the Good Start but it is expensive. I was actually talking tomy husband the other day about using the President's Choice (we also live in Canada) but i dont know anyone that has used it. I was goin to bring it up to my Dr and see what he has to say, which i still will but reading what you just said has actually helped a bit more on my decision!!....





A friend of mine also uses the President's Choice and another mother I know uses the Life Brand from Shopper's Drug Mart.  I've also heard that Parent's Choice from Walmart is comparable.  Like I said before, as long as you do your research, using generic is a cost effective and safe way of buying formula. 



Where abouts in Canada are you?

Theresa - posted on 02/18/2009

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I use Enfamil lipil, and I found at Sam's club they have a 3 lb 3.4 oz of members mark infant formula with iron that is compared to Enfamil Lipil and it has the DHA and ARA Lipids and it was $19.99. It is a big savings and my daughter has not problems with it. Hope this helps! they also have the gentle ease one in member's mark brand.

Ashley - posted on 02/16/2009

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Quoting Emily:



I formula fed both of my kids with generic formula from a reputable grocery store.  I'm in Canada so I use the President's Choice with Iron Formula from Fortinos.  I compared ingredients and went on websites and found out that the same company that makes Nestle formula also manufactures the President's Choice.  Alot of companies do that actually.  I found namebrand to be way too expensive.






I would avoid buying brands that you've never heard and avoid purchasing from independent stores, dollar stores, etc... because you really don't know where it's coming from (China for example).  The best thing is to do lots of research, compare labels, find customer reviews if available and even call the company of the brand you're considering to ask questions!






i am really glad i read that!...i am currently pregnant with my 2nd and for my first we used the Good Start but it is expensive. I was actually talking tomy husband the other day about using the President's Choice (we also live in Canada) but i dont know anyone that has used it. I was goin to bring it up to my Dr and see what he has to say, which i still will but reading what you just said has actually helped a bit more on my decision!!....

Shannon - posted on 02/06/2009

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I agonized over this as well. My 8 month old daughter has been on formula exclusively for the last 2 months now, but we supplemented since birth while I was breastfeeding. We used Similac Advance the entire time, which I loved, and my daughter never had any issues with. However, with the price of formula being so ridiculously expensive, we switched to the Sam's Club brand (Member's Mark). It actually has higher nutritional content than Similac and is much more economical ($19.38 for 51 oz!) My daughter never even noticed the switch. Depending on where you live, I would try a Sam's or Costco and buy in bulk. Every baby is different, so you might have to try a few before deciding on one that works for your baby. Good luck!

Alexandria - posted on 02/06/2009

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I use Isomil. But, since she only eats 3 times a day, and two of her feedings have fruit or pablum, it stretches the formula a little farther. I use the powder and it seems to be a little more cost effective. But, we still get hit for about $80CAD a month. I would try a Cosco or other bulk store. You might be able to get a really good deal.

Alicia - posted on 02/05/2009

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Costco is super cheap, you get two huge cans for $20, it's their brand, but it's comparable to the top ones.

Emily - posted on 02/04/2009

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I formula fed both of my kids with generic formula from a reputable grocery store.  I'm in Canada so I use the President's Choice with Iron Formula from Fortinos.  I compared ingredients and went on websites and found out that the same company that makes Nestle formula also manufactures the President's Choice.  Alot of companies do that actually.  I found namebrand to be way too expensive.



I would avoid buying brands that you've never heard and avoid purchasing from independent stores, dollar stores, etc... because you really don't know where it's coming from (China for example).  The best thing is to do lots of research, compare labels, find customer reviews if available and even call the company of the brand you're considering to ask questions!

Sarah - posted on 02/04/2009

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I agree with Renee....go to the websites...they offer great coupons!  I buy regulary from BJ's but in a pinch from walmart or the grocery stores.  I use similas sensitive, and never had any problems.  I looked and making my own, but she did not like it!  If you qualify for any government help, use it that is what it is there for.  I also trade coupons with other moms.  For some reason I Enfamil and Nestle Good start and found some moms who get similac.  So we swap!

Renee - posted on 02/04/2009

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If you want a specific brand, go to their website and find out about coupons. We use Enfamil and on their website you can join their "club" to receive coupons. Also, ask your pediatrician about any formulas that he/she recommends and ask if they have any samples or coupons. And check sale ads - ie: Target, Walmart, BRU, etc., then stock up when it's on sale. 



And remember, just a few more months that you'll have to buy formula - not like it's something he'll be drinking until he's 18 :-)

Tessie - posted on 02/04/2009

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Just remember that the government "standards" are on the nutritional content IE: vitamins and minerals....not on the actual ingredients. Vitamins are easily added in the form of just that....enriched or fortified. Its the bulk of the formula that I worry about. Pay close attention to the actual ingredients...remember that they are listed in order of most to least.

Liz - posted on 02/03/2009

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i have my baby on isomil which is a soy based formula because her stomah wasnt agreeing with the milk based one...the doctor said this doesnt mean shes lactose, its just easier on thei stomoahs..howver, it is 40 dollars a case which is very expensive



i have a friend who swears by the wallmart brand "parents choice" formula which is apparintly half the price! she uses all the parent choice stuff..wipes diapers..i have tried those diapers tho but they leak..i stick with pampers..the wipes are good tho..anyways how old is ur son? cause once they start solids they drink less formula..and i also give my daughter a little bit of apple juice with alot of water in it..hope this helps

Jenni - posted on 02/03/2009

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Like Amanda says there are government standards so they are all pretty much the same. When we made the switch we initially went to Enfamil but since then we just use the Kirkland brand from Cost-Co - so much cheaper and it does fine.

Amanda - posted on 02/03/2009

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I also use Parents Choice (Walmart) brand and it is about $10.00 cheaper than the Enfamil and Similac brands, and I like it better. I have bought Enfamil in a pinch and it leaves a grainy film on the bottle and it seems very bubbly. With the PC I have had no trouble with bubbles or gas at all. I guess the upside is, is that there are government standards in place that all formula producers have to abide by and so they are all good for babies. Hope this helps!

Valerie - posted on 02/03/2009

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it depends on how old your son is. I live on a small island in Canada. Price of formulas is higher here than elsewhere. My daughter is 9 months. She was breastfed until 5 months, when we switched to Nestle Good Start. I am now switching her to Nestle Follow Up Transition. It is cheaper for me, has all the same goodness, but is formulated for 6 months and older.

Jacqueline - posted on 02/03/2009

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My biggest suggestion is to look into your local WIC program. They give you free formula. We wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise.