Formula choices

VelociMama

Hi all,

So I'm 30 weeks now and trying to figure out what formula we should look at getting.

I've heard that Similar Sensitive and Enfamil Gentlease are both good, but I was wondering if any of you have formula-supplemented or formula-fed and what you used and why.

It is very confusing trying to figure out which ones we should get samples of and which to just skip.

wicklc

Our little one is having a hard time with being gassy so we have her on similac sensitive and she seems to be doing really well! She has a little rash on her face and if that continues we may switch her to similac soy. We had her on Nutranigem ( I may have totally botched that spelling) because our pediatrician recommended it because its sposed to help colicky babies but she got 10 times more fussy on that so we are sticking with the similac.

BelindaDuvessa

I've used both of those, as well as the Parent's Choice (WalMart Brand) of them. I'm pregnant with #4 now and plan on using the Parent's Choice gentle with her.

doubletnurse

With our first, we ended up using the regular similac. The only suggestion I can give is to get a bunch of different sample packs to try because every baby is different. Also, if you or your husband have issues with dairy products, you might just start the little one out on something dairy free and then try to change it over down the road.

RBXChas

With our first, we ended up using the regular similac. The only suggestion I can give is to get a bunch of different sample packs to try because every baby is different. Also, if you or your husband have issues with dairy products, you might just start the little one out on something dairy free and then try to change it over down the road.

I know I wrote to you directly on your (the OP's) profile regarding this, but for anyone else's interest, as mentioned above, I also recommend just trying all the different samples you get. Some babies do fine regardless of what formula you use, some do best on one, some don't do well with any of the "regular" ones, and you have to get the special ones.

Even if you or your husband is lactose intolerant, I would still start with the regular ones. My dad (a pediatrician in practice for nearly 40 years) told me once with regard to formula choices for my son that it is extraordinarily rare for a child to actually be lactose intolerant. Our bodies just aren't designed to be that way as babies, even though a good chunk of those babies will go on to be lactose intolerant later in life. Sometimes there are other digestive issues that require soy or other special formula, but most babies are fine with milk-based formula. I would also start there, since those are the free samples you tend to get, though I do remember getting a sample of soy formula from Similac. My dad told me not to use it because: (1) my son was fine on milk-based formula; and (2) it would make it harder for my son to poop, which I didn't feel like dealing with. I ended up giving it away to someone on Craigslist (that stuff is expensive!).

You can also ask your chosen pediatrician what his/her advice is. Chances are they will load you up with samples of various formulas.

mormonmomma11

I agree - get all the samples you can!

Also- Up&Up (Target Brand) has a good generic version of the Similac Sensitive. I supplemented with my first and used the name brand - but one of my good friends has a 2 month old that also would only take the Similac Sensitive... until they tried the Up&Up Brand and he doesn't seem to mind the switch. I plan on using that if I have to supplement. That being said, every baby is different so I'm open to all my options (and samples!). Good Luck!