What's the Best Formula?

Updated on June 12, 2008
W.T. asks from Mc Lean, VA
42 answers

My 6 month old is strictly breastfed but I'd like to have some formula on hand for emergencies. What is the best formula out there? Price is not an issue as I'll only buy a small amount. She doesn't seem to have any tummy issues regardless of what I eat. I have no experience with formula so I don't know where to begin. I don't plan on trying a few to see which one she likes. I just want to buy some and stick it in the cabinet. But, I'd like it to be as easy for her as possible if she does ever need it.

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V.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I used Earth's Best Organic milk-based formula when I began supplementing at 9 months. I agree with other posters that I wish I had single serving packets or glass bottles (avoid metal cans of liquid formula due to BPA), since I used so little formula.
I know many people who switched their fussy babies to Nestle Good Start with success.
Enfamil Lipil or Gentlease (equivalent to Good Start) would be another decent choice.
I would avoid Similac Organic bacause it is made with sucrose instead of lactose, is much sweeter than other formulas, and may contribute to obesity. The controversy appeared in the NY Times a few weeks ago: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/us/19formula.html?incam...

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N.C.

answers from Washington DC on

All of my have been fed both ways and my favorite is Good Start. There seem to be less fussiness and gassiness than with the others.

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K.L.

answers from Norfolk on

I dont really know that there is a big difference if any at all between brands. Similac and Enfamil are the oldest I beleive. So if I had to pick one I'd pick one of those, they should have pretty much perfected their formulation by now. If money is no problem I'd go w/ the premixed formula in small cans. The only drawback w/ that is possible waste. Just beware that the protein in the formula can sometimes cause constipation, if that happens you can get low iron.

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

I'd like to also suggest pumping if you can and using stored breastmilk for emergencies. If you store in your refrigerator freezer, make sure to store it in the back so it stays nice and cold. Here'd a good link about storing pumped breastmilk: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Washington DC on

If you have a breast pump, I would just pump a little extra and freeze it. It is good up to 6 months in the freezer. A glass or plastic bottle is better than the plastic bags for long time storage. The longer a baby nurses the less likely it is to take formula. Another thing to consider is that once you open a can can of powder formula it is only good for a month. Liquid is only good for about 48 hours. If you are going to buy formula I suggest getting single servings. Enfamil Lipil with iron makes individual powder packs. We used them with my son becasue I had a milk suppy issue. Once my milk supply issue was gone he simply refused anything but breast milk.

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J.K.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi Wendy,

We use Emfamil Lipil with Iron as that is what they had at the hospital and that is what our doctor recommended. I would ask your pediatrician what she/he recommends!

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, Wendy. I would talk to a lactation consultant or your pediatrician about this before making this shift. A thought: If your baby is used to breast milk only, springing formula on her in an emergency might just end up with her rejecting it and being hungry. Maybe you should introduce her to the occasional bottle of formula now so she is used to it -- don't give up breastfeeding at all! but see if she will switch back and forth between breast milk and formula, because if there is an emergency (not sure what you mean by emergency, but I assume you mean a time when you're not there to feed her and there's no expressed breast milk handy?)--you want to know she'll take the formula. Do you pump and freeze breast milk? That sounds like the best alternative if you can do that. Good luck.

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L.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I have always used Similac. Mine seemed to spit up less with Similac than Enfamil. I breastfed for a while before switching. You can join the Welcome Addition club and they send you samples and coupons.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi Wendy.
If its just for emergencies, I'd buy the liquid single serve bottles. They are available in 3oz, 4oz and 8oz sizes. They are thicker and the consistancy is more like breastmilk. I wouldn't buy a can of powder as once you open it its only good for approx. 1 month. Enfamil also makes little tubes of powder that will make 1 8oz bottle at a time and don't take up a lot of room.
M.

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T.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I was exclusively breastfeeding my son till he was 6 months. Then I had to go back to work and choose a formula. He didn't like Lipil, Enfamil, Similac and Nestle. Accidentally a friend of mine gave me to try Kirkland - he loved it. We went to Costco and got it from there - it's a big box and a lot cheaper than anything else. And the best part - at the back side of the box there is comparison with the other 2 - it's same good and healthy! He is 8 months now and I think if I started with the formula a bit later - he wouldn't like anything. So I would advise you to try to start giving him at least once the formula so he/she can get used to and be open to other tastes also.

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S.K.

answers from Washington DC on

I highly recommend the Carnation Good Start Formulas. All the other one's made my kids extremely gassy. I'm not sure if they offer anything besides canisters, though.

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H.L.

answers from Richmond on

I have no advice as to type as I never needed my emergency stash either, however, if you call whichever company you choose, they'll usually send you a free sample which should be enough to get you by. It's usually a whole can. Good luck!

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A.M.

answers from Richmond on

I would pump if you can for extra. I have supply issues so my son gets 1/2 breastmilk and 1/2 formula. We opted for an organic formula (a little more expensive) but at least I know it doesn't have any extra unneeded chemicals. We use the similac organic which is the same as the similac advance, just all organic ingredients.

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C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I breast feed my 8 month old daughter. I tried to do only exclusive breast milk but I work full time and the sitter ran out of what was stored. So I bought enfimial lipil for back up. She's used it a couple times with no problem. I buy the 8 oz canned liquid kind...I think it comes 4 in a pack. A nurse told me the liquid kind is more sterile than the powder. Plus that way we can just pour it in the bottle and not worry about adding water. Good luck...I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine.

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T.H.

answers from Norfolk on

this stuff can go bad if you dont use all of it and you seem like you only plan on giving a bottle a week if that. so my advice is to buy something with a long shelf life that comes in very small bottle sized containers. go to this site and you will see what im talking about. this is a good brand too that i recomend. (get the glass bottles if you plan on using it like once every two days or less get the can if more often tan that)
http://www.verybestbaby.com/GoodStart/Nurser.aspx

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K.K.

answers from Washington DC on

My kids really liked Nestle Good Start. Although, I think most of the formulas are pretty compatible with each other! Just remember, once you open it, it has to be used in a certain amount of time

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A.H.

answers from Norfolk on

My 1st took easily to Nestle Good Start. It was a quick transition for us, as my milk dried fairly quickly when I became pregnant with my 2nd. He didn't seem to have any problems regarding taste, and apparently the formulas do taste different, since he wouldn't take any other brand. However, if it's just for emergencies, I'd think about buying one of the brands that are available in single servings- once the formula can is open, it has to be thrown away in about 4 weeks.

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J.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I am a foster mother and have used a lot of milk-based formulas. My personal preference would be Good-Start. I find the babies digest it well and have very few problems with gas, constipation, etc. Hooray for you breast-feeding, a great benefit for your daughter!

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S.W.

answers from Norfolk on

Don't know about formula but why not pump some breast milk and just keep it in the freezer until its needed? Just a thought and then you wouldn't be introducing the 'fake stuff' in case of emergency, your babe would just get more of the 'best' :) Just a thought.

S.

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M.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi Wendy,
Enfamil Lipil with Iron is supposed to be the closest thing to breastmilk. That is what I use for my baby girl when I cannot breastfeed. Good luck!

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K.T.

answers from New York on

A lot of babies will have a hard time switching from breatmilk to formula, especially for just a short time.
I don't have an answer to the formula question, just an alternate idea. Wondered if you are pumping and storing any milk in the freezer. It can store frozen for a longtime (6 months I think)and might be the best option for an emergency for the baby. Just another thought.
Good luck,
K.

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L.N.

answers from Washington DC on

i think any formula would do. here's the problem: you said you'll try a few to see which one she likes. you're supposed to use one formula for at least a week or more until her body adjusts to it and see if she likes it or she's bothered by it. so you can't really switch the next day.
i have twins. one used similac adv. with iron. she did good with it. the other one was on similac until we realized it was giving her major stomach cramps. we switched to alimentum with iron. it's expensive but very mild and hypoallergenic (it's been a while, so check this info). she did great with it. also the one in alimentum had less struggle to transition to whole milk.
good luck

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E.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I used Similac and Enfamil depending on what was one sale. My daughter didn't mind the switch. I got the ones that had the DHA and ARA...Similac Advance (blue) and Enfamil with Lipil (gold.)

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A.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Hello i personaly like similac advanced, it has worked with no problem for both my kids. Plus i like that you can buy a box of singles i think 12 pre messured packs come in a box wich would be greeat for you, if you buy a can you have to use it with in the month the singles stay freash for years. Hope this helps.
A.

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C.S.

answers from Richmond on

Enfamil Lipid with DHA

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A.K.

answers from Norfolk on

Hello! Since your daughter is breastfed, I would recommend that you purchase a small pump & build up a stash of frozen milk. Since you only need it for emergencies, you would not need a top of the line pump so it would not need to be very expensive. This would keep her on the best food available & make sure that any emergency is less stressful for her since breastmilk is familiar & would be comforting to her. It would also be less stressful for you, You wouldn't have to worry about her rejecting her food in an emergency.

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M.A.

answers from Washington DC on

If there are no feeding issues just Enfamil Simulac should be fine. There is also "Next Step" formula for babies 9 months and older that are getting ready for the change to whole milk. But if issues do arise, Gentlease formula from Enfamil is a godsend! Good luck.

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E.T.

answers from Washington DC on

Formula is highly regulated. Beyond the obvious differences of soy, hypoallergenic and milk, they are all nutritionally the same. Some people swear by the DHA in formula and some people hate it.

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D.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I asked my pediatrician this same question, and he gave me a free sample of Enfimil... he said they are really all the same. Ask your pediatrician and you will probably end up with a sample as well. And if you are like me, when your baby hits a year, you will be passing ont he free sample. I exclusively breastfed for a year and then my son had whole milk and breastmilk until I didnt produce anymore.

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J.A.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi Wendy,
We use Similac Advance with iron. It's a little pricey, but worth it. All 3 of my kids have had it, and we've never had a problem with digestion. You can buy it as a liquid--then you don't have to bother with the messy powder and boiling water to mix it with. If you want smaller, portable amounts, it also comes in packs of 6 little containers.
This is the formula that the hospitals gave us when our children were born, and we stayed with it. I have asked the pediatrician which brand/type was best, and he said that they are essentially all the same. Just make sure the one you pick contains DHA and ARA (which are in breast milk).
Hope this helps!

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K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I used Nestle Good Start with both of my kids and no problems.

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J.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi Wendy,
Someone may have already mentioned this, but if you buy a big canister check how long it is good for after you open it. I remember needing to use it within one month of opening it.

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J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Considering your circumstances I would recommend getting one that comes in singles. Once you open a can of formula you need to use it within a month. Personally, I like Enfamil Lipil, but that is just a personal perferance.

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T.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I had the same question with my first when I went back to work (she was 3 months. You need to feel good about what you're giving your baby and that you are doing the best thing. We split between the Nestle Good Start & nursing / pumping. I was able to still nurse mornings /evenings to a year. So I felt pretty good about that.

My son essentially weened himself three months ago, and will be a year in July -- we've been supplementing Good Start but just started him on the Enfamil ProSoBE(??) for TODDLERS.

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M.K.

answers from Washington DC on

I would just get an inexpensive pump if you don't have one or rent one and pump some extra milk and keep it in the freezer for emergencies. This is what I do. I don't pump as much as my baby can get when she nurses, but I get a few ounces and just pump some every day or so to gradually build up a supply. You can look online maybe at kellymom to find help with pumping. Make sure you look at reviews for any pump you want to buy, because some work better than others. I usually pump about an hour before I expect my daughter to nurse and do this once a day. Hope this helps.

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J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I tried twice to nurse my boys, but I just don't make any milk! (so I'm jealous;) So, I've used Similac Advance with Iron for both my boys. I get the big canister of powder and mix it as needed. It will keep as long as you need it and it's cheaper that way. I also tried the Similac singles... the ones with powder in a tube... sort of like go-gurt. I found it really handy for on the go - just keep some in your diaper bag with a bottle of water and you have a bottle if you're stuck in traffic or out for play, whatever. I also tried the premade individual bottles - all of these are Similac Advance with Iron - and both my boys threw up after each try with the premade stuff. I have no idea why, but I had way more luck with the powder.

You should also pay attention to the warnings about plastic bottles. I've always used Playtex bottles that need plastic liners and they're on the safe list. If you squeeze all the air out, it's supposed to be better for any gas issues your little one might have.

Good luck.

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A.S.

answers from Washington DC on

my advice is talk to your daughter doctor.

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M.A.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi Wendy!!
I supplemented my breastfeeding with regular Similac. But it didn't seem like my son had any issues until I bought the concentrate. It made him spit up a lot. The ready feed was good & the powder was great (don't have to refrigerate in summer). I would use sterile water put in bottles & if we were going anywhere, I would pre-measure in baggies & mix in bottles as needed.
Good luck!

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I second the idea to pump, it is easy and cheaper than formula. You can even rent pumps from lactation consultants (don't borrow one for sanitary reasons). It is also nice to have the milk for mixing baby food.

I pump and save the milk, but generally use this for when I am working, but for convenience we also use Similac "Ready to Feed" liquid which stays good longer than opening a big container of powder. Sometimes you just want it quick without having to defrost the milk.

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M.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Enfamil w/ Lipil was recommended by my son's pediatrician and it's been great for the occassional need for formula. He doesn't vomit it back up at all. He was solely breastfed until 5 months. After that, he had/has formula at the sitter's and nurses when he is with me.

I recommend getting the single powder packets so you can have the perfect amount on hand. It also prevents the waste when you don't use the entire can of formula. My sitter loves them. The singlet packets are sold at Safeway and Target.

Good luck!

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A.F.

answers from Norfolk on

Hello wendy,

i would talk to your daughters doctor at your next appointment. they should have samples of formula and those cans are smaller and easier to keep and he might also have different brands for you to try. i would think thats something all doctors do so i hope yours does too. well i hope that helped.

anika

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