how do you choose a formula?

Not sure I will be able to get DD to one year like #1&2. I thought maybe I would try easing her in with one bottle a night or something?

There ate so many choices. I samples of similar and enfamil and just got 2 - $10 checks from enfamil.

Any advice?

Re: how do you choose a formula?

I use Enfamil sicne I read it's the closest thing to breastmilk. I used the Enfamil Nursettes when he was a newborn and now I use the Newborn powder and when he turns 3 months I will switch to Enfamil Infant. Im breastfeeding but just not making enough for how much he eats so I have to supplement and Enfamil I was told was the way to go.

Re: how do you choose a formula?

I used what the hospital used, so I used similac and then switched to alimentium by similac when we had an issue. I don't think it really matters between similac and enfemail just who supploes which hospital.

Re: how do you choose a formula?

i use similac advanced since thats what DD was on in the NICU.

Re: how do you choose a formula?

From a ped. dietitian:

In my opinion I look at a few things when choosing a formula (again, this is just my opinion on what is important to me)

1. Composition like BM
2. Proper DHA levels
3. Good tolerances

Because of this, I chose enfamil products, especially newborn b/c it has the extra vitamin D to meet new AAP recommendations or gentlease, b/c I see great results with reducing gas and fussiness that is present in most newborns.

Anyway, here is some info regarding formula and you can make your own informed decision

Enfamil:
Composition like BM of 60/40 whey to casein (except newborn product which is 80/20 - like early breast milk)
Contains 2 prebiotics to help encourage the growth of the good bacteria in the gut - like BM
Has recommended DHA levels of .3% (recommendation is .2%)
Newborn product has additional vitamin D to meet new AAP recommendation of 400iu/d (otherwise newborn has to be supplemented until consuming 34oz/d)

Gerber:
100% whey - not like BM, but easier to digest proteins
contains a probiotic - to help encourage good bacteria in gut
Has recommend DHA levels of .3%
Only downfall is that they do not have full product line like Enfamil of SImilac so if baby has allergy you would have to switch

Similac:
-70/30 Caesin to whey (caesin is the harder to digest protein - like curds from curd and whey)
Contains 1 prebiotic
Does not contain recommended DHA level of .3% (has .15)
Most of their products contain table sugar as one of their first ingredients

So..here is the info...I personally recommend enfamil products but if they are not tolerated Gerber is the next best. I do not recommend Similac products bc of the DHA issue. DHA is an important component of central nervous system development.

HTH!

Re: how do you choose a formula?

I wanted the closest thing to breast milk ~ I tried BF but my milk supply was terrible so I had to switch and we chose Enfamil.