Any Moms Concerned with Sweetener in Similac Organic Formula?

Hi C., i can't speak specifically to the sweetener in the organic Similac, but I can speak to having a son in the 75th-80th percentiles for height and weight. My son is now almost 29 months old and started out in the average range - 19 1/2 inches and 7.11 lbs at birth. He was on formula and breastmilk (both) from the beginning because he was jaundiced and because I just never produced enough breast milk. He quickly jumped into the 75th and 80the percentiles for height and weight and has stayed there consistently. Anyway, at his 2 year check-up he was 80th percentile for height and 75th percentile for weight, so I asked the pediatrician if I should be concerned. He said not to worry at all because the ratio was perfect. Also, as he grows, I'm noticing him really streching out and looking much leaner, and his weight is still abolutely where it should be according to the books and my pediatrician. We used Enfamel formula (not organic, even though I try to do organic as much as possible) and your peditrician is right; when I checked the labels of the formulas, they all had sweeteners in them. I'm not sure if this helps or not, but I hope it will put your mind at ease a little bit. Your son is very lucky to have such a great mom! All the best, R.

1 mom found this helpful

Instead of formula you might try goat milk. I used it when I could not breast feed my children. I don't trust formula myself. You might be able to find fresh goat milk or get it at Trader Joes.

1 mom found this helpful

Please for god sake don't make your own formula ! It's nutritionally void and pathogenically unsafe !

I personally like Nestle's Good Start . I also eat mostly organic but the cost/benefit ratio is high especially if you are only supplementing. All formulas do have to meet FDA safety regulations so the difference in content is negligeable. I don't think the formula you are currently using will detrement your baby's diet , I mean he isn't refusing the breast milk right :)

Good luck,
J.

1 mom found this helpful

You're right to not trust your ped on this- they get kickbacks from the formula companies. Organic cane juice is one of the best natural sugars that is available, and all formulas are sweetened, but they could be upping the amount to get babies to eat more, ie parents buy more. There are other organic formulas out there, probably cheaper, too- try Earth's Best. What your ped's office told you is essentially true, though- all formulas are essentially the same and they are strictly regulated by the FDA to assure that they provide enough of the right nutrients for babies. The best thing to do would be to find a generic/store brand that has an organic choice, but I can't think of one- wait, I know the Von's O organics line makes formula. The point is, when you pay more for formula, you're usually paying for advertising.

Also, unless you're doing it for convienience or your baby has an immune disorder I wouldn't buy the liquid- it is WAY more expensive than powder, and other than the fact that the liquid is sterile (which only matters for premies and kids with immune disorders because the stomach isn't a sterile environment) they are the same.

1 mom found this helpful

I use Earth's Best organic formula for my twins. It's the only truly organic baby formula on the market, even though SImilac claims to be organic, it's not entirely true. I used it for a week or so until my pediatrician told us about the usage of cows that have been given antibiotics in Similac. I'm not sure about the using of artificial sweeteners, but I wouldn't doubt it.

I order my Earth's Best formula online by the case because I go through so much, but it's available at natural food stores and Whole Foods.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.!
That is a very good point to bring up on the message board. What I suggest to my clients is to make their own formula. There are recipes that you can find through google. Here is an example of one liver based recipe:

3 3/4 cups homemade beef or chicken broth
2 ounces organic liver, cut into small pieces Note: It is VERY important that the liver be frozen for 14 days before using.
5 tablespoons lactos
1/4 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis
1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (See recipe for whey, below)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon cod liver oil or 1/2 teaspoon high-vitamin cod liver oil
1 teaspoon unrefined sunflower oil
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon acerola powder
(bifidobacterium infantis is a good bacteria)

Add gelatin to water and heat gently until gelatin is dissolved. Place all ingredients in a very clean glass or stainless steel container and mix well. To serve, pour 6 to 8 ounces into a very clean glass bottle, attach nipple and set in a pan of simmering water. Heat until warm but not hot to the touch, shake bottle well and feed baby. (Never, never heat formula in a microwave oven!) Note: If you are using the Lact-Aid, mix all ingredients well in a blender.)

Here is another website for homemade formula:
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/children/formula.htm

Yes, it is a lot of work, but at least you know what is in it...

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DO THOROUGH RESEARCH ABOUT MAKING FORMULA BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO GIVE IT TO YOUR BABY!!

All the best to you and your baby!
M.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.,

First of all I had a baby girl in April and we named her C.! With my first baby we supplemented breast milk with Goat Milk instead of formula, the formulas out there have so much sugar and other things in them that aren't so healthy. My pediatrcian (very conservative) ok'd it with adding a pinch of Brewer' yeast as that is missing in the goat's milk as far as what the baby needs...my first loved it and digested it well, Meyenberg is the brand at most health food stores: Lassens Lazy Acres, Whole Foods and Trader's has goat milk too....hope this helps.

S.

1 mom found this helpful