FTM formula question

Brigie029

Hello, what would you recommend as a good brand to at least try first for formula feedings? I plan to exclusively bottle feed and am not sure which brand to go with. Also, and almost as important, how much formula do or would an average baby go through a day/week? Is there a chart? I look at cans in the store quite cluelessly. Thank you!!!!

usernewname

Many companies (Similac, Nestle etc.) will send you samples of their formula. I have two boxes in my basement of formula to try if BF doesn't work out.

Then you can figure out which one baby likes best and go from there.

I know there is an info graphic floating around with amounts/oz … but I'm sure STM will have more experience

usernewname

Oh also, put your due date a little earlier if you sign up for the samples … they come based on your due date and you don't want to be waiting for the package with the newborn. I think you have one month to use the formula if you open it, but otherwise there is an expiry on the container.

rainydayluck

Every baby is different.
We used a preemie Simulac formula then later had to use Enfamil AR. We never had problems with using powder right off the bat. The ready to drink stuff is stupid expensive and we only used it when traveling via plane.

With eating amounts, again, every baby is different. It was like pulling teeth to get DD to eat more than 2oz-3oz at a time for the first month or so. Some babies eat a ton.

Don't stock up on any one type of formula. Just maybe get one box.

chillypenguin

We started off with Similac Advanced (the regular) either liquid or powder, we had samples of both. We ultimately ended up on Similac Sensitive powder because of her gas and reflux problems. I agree with PP about signing up for samples. In my experience, Similac sent more coupons than Enfamil (which my SIL used).

I know a lot of people switch to the store brands to save money. I tried that with DD when she was a few months old but it didnt agree with DD's stomach. So just be flexible and see what works best for your baby.

runningyogimama

Unless baby is a premie (or other health issues), I don't think there is a reason to need the sterilized formula over just powdered formula. Sign up for samples from multiple companies, BUT, if baby does fine on the first kind, stick with it. Don't just try out all of the brands because you have them...it can take a week or two for baby to adjust, and if you keep switching it up, baby is just going to have lots of tummy troubles.

Newborns only take an ounce or two at a time, and gradually up from there. Honestly, past the first month or two it varies SO much. My DD is almost 1, and she has always only taken 4 oz at a time...other babies work their way up to 6 or 7 or 8 and have fewer bottles over time. One can of formula won't last long. Yes, it's good for 30 days, but even when you have a newborn, it's not going to last that long if you're exclusively formula feeding. We probably went through a can every week and a half when she was younger, and then a can and a half a week when she was older. As long as you baby tolerates it, store brand formula is your friend!

ETA: all I did was google for average amounts: https://www.bottlebabies.org/how-much-formula-milk-does-my-baby-need/

dragossoul84

I dont remember the new newborn part sleep deprivation really blocked that time out for me but when DS was taking formula I went through roughly a can a week we used Enfamil Gentleease. I would second signing up for samples because different babies like different formulas 

bcnoelle

My son kept having issues until we tried the Similac Soy (pre-mixed liquid). He now drinks soy milk and I think he has a slight milk allergy. So I wouldn't invest heavily in one brand or type. This time around I'm going to try a powder like Similac or Gerber good start. We got the Dr Browns Formula mixer. One issues we had with the powder was that it was slightly inconsistent depending on who was mixing it and would get bubbles (gas). So now I'm hoping I can pre-mix a pitcher and keep it in the fridge. I have to say the pre-mixed 2 ounce newborn similar or enfamils were awesome for on the go.

CMDR513

We used Similac Advance Early Shield. Ready to feed for the first month then powdered for 2-3 months, then switched back.

princesscays

My pediatrician told us to buy the target brand that are compared to similar or enfamil. She said it's the same as the brand name but cheaper bc they don't pay for the advertising. We used that w our daughter and it worked great!

gurleymomma

When dd was 2 weeks old we had to go on formula, lucky for us she never had any issues with the first brand.we put her on enfamil newborn. She usually took2 oz every 2 hours.she finally worked up to4 oz but never went further.her container was 23 oz and usually lasted one week.this time we are going to try target brand,its a lot cheaper and a bigger supply.40 oz

cnbean

We used Enfamil Newborn for the first month or so because I had samples. Then we switched to the costco brand formula because its the cheapest for the amount you get. When DS was eating a ton we were going through a can in about a week to a week and a half. But it sounds like that can really vary. 

jenb_99

The NICU nurses gave DS premixed Similac bottles. The regular Advance formula, not newborn. We finished off the premixed bottles within a day or two of coming home and then switched to powder. Similac Advance, Enfamil Premium, or any generic version of either. DS did fine with all of them. We never used newborn or gentle formula.