Picking a Formula

you're probably going to get 5 million different responses, but we were advised to supplement with Similac Advance. We've never had a problem with it, she digested it really well. She's actually NEVER spit up (from breast or bottle) so I didn't want to even question switching.

Some friends of mine have used Carnation and seem to have liked it.

Hope this helps! :)

1 mom found this helpful

Hi Ashlee,

I like the Similac Advance with Dha and Ara. Alot of babies like that one and it doesn't smell so bad as some of the other formulas. Good luck!

M.

goodstart supreme is gentle on their tummies.

Carnation good start is awesome! I had no issues getting them to take breast milk and the formula.

They all taste pretty nasty, unfortunately. ;) I'd recommend starting with one that is gentle on baby's tummy, like Nutramigen, until you know for sure that she doesn't have a milk allergy. But I wouldn't start until she's closer to a year old. Then you could switch to Good Start, and eventually to cow's milk if you choose. When my son was a baby, I just pumped and gave him straight breast milk in a bottle.

I didn't get enough breast milk and had to do half and half. I started using enfamil and my son reacted really bad. He threw up almost everything. I ended up switching to carnation good start and it was much easier for him to break down and digest. Hope this helps.

Just curious...you didn't mention why you want to add half formula at bedtime? I know that some people are not getting good advice about nursing. I know you have another child & you've been through this already, but every child is different. Just wondering if your ped. or another mom suggested it for possibly sleeping longer or if you thought your milk supply was low. You can go to http://www.llli.org/ and find a number of a local La Leche League Leader to get some information about nursing & adding formula & how that can affect your nursing.

Best wishes in getting accomplished what you are seeking.

I used Nestle Good start when I needed to suppliment. The liquid pre-made bottles were the only ones she would take without a hassle though.

carnation makes a great formula. no issues at all. good start i think it is.. been awhile for me. :)

I suggest calling your pediatrician and asking this question. Because I have an issue with sufficient milk production, I breast feed my baby and then follow up with a bottle of formula to make sure he gets enough. My son's pedi recommended Emfamil Lipil,

I encounter this question often in my practice. Of course breast milk is best and by exclusively feeding breast milk through at least the first 6 months of age you reduce the incidence of allergies, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The length of time that a baby is breast fed is also directly related to a decrease chance of contracting meningitis. Solely breast feeding strongly boosts your baby's immune system as you can see.

However, if formula is necessary there is an amazing homemade formula you can find the recipe for in the book "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon & Mary Enig. It is by far the most balanced, healthy formula I have encountered in my practice. I have several families in my practice making it, and though it might seem overwhelming at first, people report that it takes just about 20 minutes every other day to make 2 days worth of formula.

After that, the next best would be a whole milk organic formula, if your baby can digest it.

The only other thing I'd like to mention is to never use soy formula. Soy formula in infants has been connected to thyroid disease as well as interfering with the metabolism of calcium. Actually we are one of the only western countries that still allows soy formula on the grocer's shelf.

Good luck & I hope this helps some. If you have any questions about what I have said feel free to contact me ###-###-#### or ____@____.com). Hope you're well.

J. Stevens, L.Ac.
www.yourwholefamilywellness.com

I have a 14 month daughter. I breast fed her for 6 months. My daughter had acid reflux, so we were very concered about which formula to give her. After trying several formulas and after a few very stressful days, the formula that least upset her stomach was Nestle Good Start. It seemed to produce the least amount of froth or bubbles and it was the only formula she could keep down. I began adding small amounts of formula to my breast milk and within a few weeks I was able to get her completely on formula. Even now, I give her Good Start 2 instead of cows milk because she seems to have a very sensitive stomach. Hope this helps.

If you're going to do Formula, Go Organic for sure! If your trying to get her to sleep longer, it didnt work for us. I did the same, half breast, half formula. No dice.
Good luck.

Hi Ahslee,

I had to supplement with formula because of PCOS causingme to not have a full milk supply. We used Good Start Supreme with DHA and ARA with no problems at all. He loved both breast and bottle so it wasn't an issue with us. Good luck and do what you think your child needs. Of course breast is best but formula is NOT evil as some would like you to believe.

I breastfed too. Up until six months, she had straight breast milk, then my body stopped responding to the pump so I had to give her Carnation Good Start with DHA & ARA during the day and just nursed at night and first thing in the morning. Initially I'd add a spoonful (baby) of peaches or bananas to it and make like a milkshake because she wouldn't take it. But after about two weeks, she just took the formula straight. But if you're going to do half breast milk (which is already sweet), she'll probably be fine without the fruit. Good luck!

I am not sure why you want to introduce formula a bedtime. If the reason is that you are hoping she'll sleep better, check out this link about whether giving formula at night really helps babies sleep better: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-sleep.html

Also, there are a ton of good reasons for delaying the introduction of solids/formula until at least 6 months. Here is another link (to the same website) with more information:

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/index.html

I know I didn't answer your question; but, I thought it might be helpful to read some of this information (if you haven't already).

At the hospital they used Similac Advance. I used the powder form for both my boys and had no problems with digestion. :)

heres an idea. you can give her a bottle of your pumped milk. it will be healthier.

Have you ever tasted your breast milk? Mine was delicious! It reminded me of almond
milk with some honey! Maybe you could taste it and try to add gentle, natural flavors
to copy it. But breast milk is still the best.

After doing a taste test myself, I found Earth's Best Organic to taste (and smell) the best and have the least icky aftertaste. Standard commercial brands did not come close. Horizon Oranganic is also good.