What formula to start with?

FinallyHappy84

I feel pretty overwhelmed with the whole aspect of formula feeding and after doing some research I'm really looking for advice. I'll be EFF from the start and have narrowed the formulas I'd like to go with from the start but I'm really worried I'm going to make the wrong decision. How will I know if baby likes the formula and if baby doesn't like it how do I know when I should make a switch? I've read that you should allow a couple days or so to see if there is a switch needed so how true is that? And if a switch needs to be made then do I stay within the same brand or switch brands completely? 

I apologize for all the questions at once and if this has already been asked before. Thanks in advance! 

fiscally3

I would start with one of the big brands - Similac, Gerber, or Enfamil.  Talk to your hospital and see what they offer.  We went with Gerber for our first and while in the hospital they determined that it would be best for him to switch to soy.  We also tried the similac brand of soy with him when gerber was out of stock, and eventually switched to the target brand.  

With my second we started off with Similac - I feel like it doesn't clump as much.  A few days after we got home he started spitting up a lot, and luckily I requested some samples from the companies - talked to our doctor and the Similac help line and decided to switch to sensitive.  I'd say within 24-48 hours he stopped spitting up so much.

If you feel something isn't right, call your doctor and ask their opinion.  And I highly recommend requesting the sample kits from all three companies, so that you have several options to try.  

clumsyatheart

I'm planning on either using similac 60/40 or gerber good start gentle ease! My mom used low iron enfamil, as too much iron caused issues with me and my sister, but they dont sell it anymore!

FinallyHappy84

Thank you @fiscally3! I don't feel like I'm quite as clueless as I thought lol. I went ahead and talked to the hospital about what they would carry when I went to pre-register with them. I have received a sample kit of Similac but I have no idea how I got it because I don't remember signing up for it, so how would I go about requesting from the other companies?  

FinallyHappy84

@younglove316 - I hadn't heard of everydayfamily.com so i'll definitely check it out! and okay I'll go onto the websites and see what I can find. Thank you 

FinallyHappy84

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful responses
@emilysalley‌ that article was awesome!!

fiscally3

If you go to their websites:

Enfamil: https://www.enfamil.com/learn-more-about-enfamil-family-beginnings

Similac: https://similac.com/registration?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=join strongmoms & save&utm_campaign=education&cid=ppc_an_sim_ggl_nbkws_7094

Gerber: https://www.gerber.com/gerber-baby-nutrition-kit

The coupons are nice to have too, and if you don't use them, you might have a friend who needs them.

fiscally3

And they do some how track you down, I'm not really sure how but with my first pregnancy we got samples of Enfamil, but they were sent to my husband.

NatureLovers

::Lurker jumping in:: Do you ladies think it would be ok to start with the Costco brand formula right off the bat? The cost savings are so huge!