Formula Advice

As long as it's the same kind (regular milk-based vs. soy, etc) it's supposed to be pretty much the same so you can switch between the brands without a problem. They all must pass inspections and such, so I would think they are very close to the same. Others too have told me the ingredients looked to be the same or VERY close to the same. Some are supposed to be easier to digest and all but at 9 months, I'd go with generic if she'll take it because the stomach isn't so sensitive/immature anymore. My second son was on just formula from about 9 months because he was not very into the nursing thing as my first was (I nursed my first until almost 13 months). When I went to formula, all he would accept was Nestle Good Start. He's take others for a couple days and then just refuse them. I tried Good Start after him not liking the others like Similac, Enfamil, and Parent's Choice and a friend told me that Good Start is supposed to be better for older babies who have nursed from the beginning otherwise...like it tastes better to them or something like that, but they take it better. It worked for my son, so if you have trouble with him taking others, try Nestle Good Start. :)

J.,

With my first little girl we tried a number of formulas---finally ended up on Soy.....and in doing so, compared ingredients of the generic brand. After about 8 months or so, we did switch to generic which she took just fine. We stuck with the Target Soy and would stock up when the put the already reduced generic price on sale.

With my 4 month old, we started her on formula right away. Again, we had to try a number of different formulas to find the right kind. After finding the right kind, we thought we'd switch to generic since it worked for my older one. This was a bad choice! When they are little, it's best to stick with the name brands. I'd say, at around 7-8 months that it would be safe to try the generic brand, but I wouldn't before then based on my experience.

I also recommend checking out Meijer, if you don't already. If you do decide to do generic, not only will you save money, but you can also earn baby bucks that earn you free giftcards.
Good luck!

P.S. I've also heard wonderful things about Nestle Good Start. My 4-month old is on Gentlease (enfamil), and has been pretty spitty.....we were going to try and make the switch to Good Start.

With my first son I started using the Enfamil Lipil w/ Iron then switched to Members Mark (Sams Club brand). The Members Mark had the same ingredients, the can was twice the size of Enfamil and was much cheaper. My son had no problems with the off brand. The only difference was the consistency. I also use it now with my second son. The sams club formula is just under $20. The only down side to it is that you can only get it at Sam's club but I make sure to buy two cans at a time so I only have to go once a month. Hope this is of some help.

Formula is heavily regulated which is why so few companies make it. All generic brands are made by only two manufacturers. The Today show did a segment on brand vs generic(Target) formula. They concluded that all formula is basically the same and if you don't mind not having the "name" on the front of the can it is worth the savings.

I have heard it is pretty much the same. Friends of ours would do 1/2 brand and 1/2 generic to help with costs. :)

Hi J. -

I use the Target brand and have had no problems with it. It has the same ingrediants as Enfamil. As long as your baby is ok with, I am thinking genaric is the way to go.

Hi - I have been using Goodstart with my baby. She has had no problems with it. When I purchase it at Jewel, I receive a coupon every time. My last coupon was for $11 off. So, it helps with the cost.

I think it's all more or less the same. Of course, many people are brand snobs. Also, some people claim there children only like a certain kind. I used Similac and registered on their website for coupons and often bought wholesale at Sam's or Costco.