S.C. asks from Cortland, IL on January 18, 2007
Formula Advice
I am feeding my 3 month old formula, do I have to stick with using only one formula brand or can I mix brands (buy whatever formula I have coupons for?) I dont want his stomach to get messed up.
Featured Answers
R.M. answers from Chicago on January 20, 2007
I guess my recommendation is a mix of several below. I don't think that changing brands every can is a good idea, but if you baby doesn't have problems, you can change from time to time.. and I did. I also had a coupon for one brand and used it to buy those single serving for on the road emergencies. It never seemed to be a problem. If cost is an issue, I agree with all the posts that say go generic. I did that at 6 months and wish I had done so earlier...you still save money over the name brands and the nutrients are essentially the same.
L. answers from Chicago on January 20, 2007
My daughter is 7 months old and what my doctor advised me was that it all depends on the child. I used the coupons I received in the mail and she did fine with whatever formula we gave her. But again it all depends on the child. Now that the coupons do not come in anymore I buy the generic brand from Sam's club and she does just fine. But if you do switch to a brand just keep on eye on any reaactions she might have. Good Luck. L.
More Answers
D.G. answers from Chicago on January 18, 2007
I have mixed brands fo formula all the time with my boys, and they are fine. The only reason I would say not to do it is if your little guy has any stomach problems. Also, after they were 6 months old, I switched to generic formula with no problems
1 mom found this helpful
C. answers from Chicago on January 19, 2007
S.,
I believe you need to stick to one brand of formula. I would ask your pediatrician to make sure. Go to the website of your formula brand and register. They will send you many coupons that will help with the cost. Also, shop around for the best deal. I was able to get formula cheapest at Sam's club.
E.S. answers from Chicago on January 19, 2007
I would ask his doctor, but from what I know you should try to stick to only one kind. If the formula is upsetting his stomach them you can change, but you are not suppose to be switching back and forth.
Good luck.
C.U. answers from Chicago on January 18, 2007
personally i think that you should stick with the one that you are currently buying.......as to not upset his stomach
C.S. answers from Chicago on January 21, 2007
I switched between formulas. I always got a small can if I was trying a new one to see if she had a reaction. We switched between Enfamil and Simalac with no problems. She did have a reaction to the Good Start and we didn't finish the can but didn't feel bad because it was a small can. It all depends on the baby. Ask your doctor and take is slow. Ultimately we had to switch to soy due to a milk constipating her. Formula is expensive and every little bit helps. Good Luck!
A. answers from Chicago on January 18, 2007
My kids had no trouble when I switched formulas. I know some kids don't like certain ones, so good luck. I tried lots of different ones and ended up with generic and my doctor agreed that it was fine.
A. answers from Chicago on January 18, 2007
we switch between prosobee and isomil with no problems. good start soy and store brands tended to result in more spitting up for my little lady, so i avoid them. we tried every brand of milk formula out there before we switched to soy.... there is no harm in giving each one a test run. if a particular kind bothers him, avoid it, but use the ones that don't bug his belly.... the little ones are far more resilient that people give them credit for....
L.C. answers from Chicago on January 19, 2007
The important thing is to not change them sporadically, and keep careful note of the way they are handled. One bad day does not make them allergic, but a regular pattern is a confirmation that that one is not right for the baby. If the baby is spitting it up, cut the formula down just a bit with water and give less. If it continues, try a gentler brand if possible. Nutramagen is expensive, but works for a lot of touchy babies. I am not superstitious, I would mix them, but don't change them cold turkey if the baby is touchy. Just keep like kinds together, like milk formulas and soy formulas. When he is a little older and you are sure he doesn't have a problem with either, you could alternate them, just don't get careless and stop keeping track of how he does on them.
Email