When I was pregnant with my each one of my children, I knew from the beginning that I was planning on breastfeeding my babies. Breastfeeding was a personal preference and I realize that not everyone wants to or can breastfeed their baby. I am the type of person who urges new mom’s to try breastfeeding your baby if you are willing to try it. I also understand that if you don’t want to attempt breastfeeding your baby that it is ultimately your baby and your choice. When I was walking down the baby isle at the store while grabbing some more diapers for my son, I decided to look at the formula section. After seeing all of the choices and varieties of formula on the store shelf I immediately became overwhelmed. If I had to choose formula for one of my children, I wouldn’t know where to begin or what formula that I should choose.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. The opinions reflected in this post are my own. Please contact your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions about the type of formula that you should use for your baby.
I remember vaguely that my mother had to use some formula when my twin sister’s were babies. She breastfed them for a few months and decided to switch over to formula. I didn’t ever pay attention when she made her decision on what kind of formula to purchase; in fact, I was still a teenager at the time and that didn’t matter to me. When I was looking all of the formula selections at the store I decided to see what types of formula was available on the market. Here is what I found:
14 comments
I hated switching from nursing. But I did try a few different powdered that were prrretty gentle on my babys’ tummies, but nothing like nursing. Now one thing I did not get around to trying was liquid.
And oh goodness — the ready to feed, by the time I discovered them with my second baby, were so convenient! I couldn’t believe it. lol!
Rhonda I am thankful that I didn’t have to use any infant formula for my children. I did use a tiny amount while in the hospital with my youngest because no matter how long he ate at the breast, it wasn’t enough. After my milk came in, I had no further issues.
Hi Christy,
Nice write up on the various kinds of formulas – brought back good memories of when my kids were that young 🙂
Oh yes…you need to wean off your kids and put them onto formula, and whichever one you choose, make sure it’s a good one for your child – health-wise.
What my Mom always told me was to give them the last feed of a formula one and not breast feed – so that their tummies are full all night through and they don’t wake up to trouble you through the night. This little tip has helped me always when I was raising my 2 kids.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, I have heard adding cereal to their formula helps them sleep longer. I never tried it because I breastfed my babies. But I always recommended moms to check with their child’s doctor before adding cereal to a bottle.
I tried them all. Hated the powder. My favorite of course was the ready to feed.
The powder does seem more of a pain but it is the least expensive.
There are so many different formula options out there now. Great information to help clarify what is available!
Yes, there is way too many choices for parents. I am thankful I never had to choose one.
My husband wanted to use generic but I refused. I tried which worked best for my kids – in the end I just got the one with the best coupons that week.
I have heard that generic formula is just as good as the brand name, it is all approved by the FDA and is monitored. I respect your decision, as brand recognition is very important to some moms. Always do what feels right. 🙂
I planned to breast feed my kids, too. It didn’t work for the first one. I was able to transition to formula because my long-time breastfeeding friend supported me in the transition. Moms need to judge less and encourage more. This is a great post.
Its tough when you give it your all to breastfeed and it just doesn’t work out. I try my best not to judge mom’s for their decision.
As much as Mayor Bloomberg’s crack down on formula moms gives me great nursing cover sales in New York, I still think moms have to make these decisions on their own, and deal with the situations that present themselves. Great info on the formula choices.
I agree Courtney, there is a bigger push for breastfeeding over the last several years and I think it is great. But mom’s still need to have options, in case breastfeeding doesn’t work out.