Best Formula to Feed a Newborn?

You will probably receive a ton of formula samples from the hospital. From what I've been told, many hospitals have agreements with both Similac and Enfamil to give out their samples 6 months of the year (so that the hospital is not showing any favorites). Unless your child has a special need, I imagine that they are basically the same. (My Pediatrician didn't have any preference.) Go to each company's website (find it via google) and sign yourself up for coupons. You can get some really great coupons from each company, as well as free samples. Also, if you are a warehouse club member, check if your store carries one or the other. You will save money this way.

Be careful not to switch formula types/brands often. If you have to make a switch, give your child about 2 weeks before determining if s/he is responding the way you hoped.

As you can see, you will receive a ton of unsolicited pressure about breastfeeding! Only you know the best choice for you and your baby -- not some anonymous Mom on an internet website.

Best wishes on your new addition!!

I tried to breastfeed, but my son couldn't latch on properly because he couldn't stick his tongue out far enough for a good latch. I had to supplement and my milk supply went down. I then started pumping, but still had to supplement with formula. Anyways, I use Babies Only through Whole Foods. I found out even Earth's Best has a lot of junk in it including corn syrup. It does say toddler formula on it, but I got the ok from my Naturopath. (She's the one who said it's the best out there right now.

I agree with asking the Ped and the nurses. But also, think positive about Breat Feeding. Do not let the "formual" be a fall guy. I agree with being prepared. But also Nuring is all about demand the more your body is demanded on the more it will make. I have been fortunate that My little one is now almost 10 month old and still nursing (even with his 10 + 3-4 more soon teeth).

Contact the latcation consultant in the hosipital. They were very helpful for me. But do not stress about it. They might also have an idea of what formula to give as well.

Congratulations on your new one soon to arrive! Good luck with all of it.

The best thing to do would be to consult with your pediatrician and see what he/she has to say. Also when you are in the hospital you could ask the nurses and pediatricians who are rounding.

No matter what decision you make as far as feeding your child goes, know that it'll be the one that is best for you and your family!

I know you are asking about formula, but I feel the need to say something about the assumption that you might not be able to breast feed.

I'm just going to say it: breastfeeding is one of the hardest things EVER to do and it never goes easy. There, the secret is out. I've met few women who have had no breastfeeding issues. It's hard. It's a lot of work, but let me tell you, it was worth working through the pain, the tears, and the frustrations. It took us a good 10-12 weeks to get the hang of it, but we hung in there, and my daughter self-weaned at 12 months.

I say this because so many people say "I couldn't breastfeed because...." Get a copy of "The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers" by Jack Newman. Visit his website. There is no reason why you can't breastfeed if you want to, you just need the desire to do the work and the willingness to find the support necessary to do it.

I'd go with Earth's Best Formula.