Formula question..maybe more BTDT

What are your plans for formula....using ready to feed or powder? Powder is more cost effecitive but I have heard that mixing the powder can create bubbles which can result in gas etc. However, the RTF is so expensive! Can we use both? Or is it better to stick with one? I was thinking of using liquid for travel, I like the small RTF bottles, and the powder for the rest of the time to balance cost. What do you think or plan?

Re: Formula question..maybe more BTDT

I am using powder

Re: Formula question..maybe more BTDT

Use both. Like you said, it's great for travel. Get the little bottles so you can put them in your bag.

As for the bubbles from mixing, don't shake it! Use a small spoon or a small whisk. I like Dr Brown's bottles because they reduce gas. They are a PITA to clean, so I suggest when you are done with the bottle, put it in a bowl next to the sink to soak.

Re: Formula question..maybe more BTDT

I'm planning on using ready to feed formula. My nephew who is 3 was fed on the ready to feed version when he was younger and my brother and SIL thought it was easier and more convenient. Also, they felt that they don't have to worry about the water to powder formula ratio or the concentration of the dilution.
Definitely do what's more comfortable for you. I think your idea of doing both is great.

Re: Formula question..maybe more BTDT

I used powder. The RTF was SO THICK and smelt awful IMO and it made me ill I found powder to be WAY easier. If I was leaving the house, I would boil water, put it in the bottle, head out and by the time he was ready to eat, it was room temp. it was perfect. (same for middle of the night feedings, my butt didn't have to get out of bed )

RTF was super expensive too.

Message edited 4/19/2011 10:14:02 PM.

Re: Formula question..maybe more BTDT

We tried the RTF samples that we were given when we had to start supplementing (I tried to BF, but as you may have read in other posts from me, I never got milk) and we also tried mixing up powder formula for DD and DD took to the powder formula SO much better. It was just way lighter than the RTF (also the RTF smelled really bad and stained everything if she spit up or it spilled at all -- it's very potent!) and she did better with it.

I use the Dr. Brown's formula mixing pitcher when we're home and I mix up several feedings worth at once and put it in the fridge (you have to use it within 24 hours, but that's no big deal) so the bubbles dissipate so it isn't an issue. (We used to use the ventaire bottles from playtex but now use Dr. Brown's -- DD never had any gas issues with either.)

When I'm out and have to shake up formula on the go, a friend taught me a great trick. Get some gas drops (mylicon, or better -- store brand infant gas drops) and keep them in your diaper bag. When you mix a bottle, shake it up as usual, then put in one dropper full of gas drops (totally safe to use at every feeding if you wanted/needed -- but here you're using one dose for 2 or 3 x as much formula, so it's like you're giving half a dose or even a third of a dose, depending on how much you mix). Swirl gently and the bubbles will immediately disappear.

I told my ped about my friend's "trick" and she thought it was brilliant. DD does not have any gas problems. She's on Enfamil Infant now (she was on Enfamil Newborn until she turned 3 months).

HTH!