Product Spotlight: Formula and Formula Feeding Accessories

meggyme

I'm sure there's a lot of overlap with the bottles/accessories thread (https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12734769/product-spotlight-bottles-and-accessories), but are there any formula specific gadgets and gizmos that you would recommend or recommend against? What is/was your best tips for getting good prices? Coupons? Samples?

kapowfal

I had to start supplementing at 6 weeks. We were in the Dr's office once or twice a week for weight checks. I would ask at every visit for a sample of formula. I mentioned to a nurse I felt somewhat guilty even though the staff encouraged asking. The nurse said they get so many samples and to not worry about it. Coupons were a life saver also.

mayoduck

I'm hoping to breastfeed, but prepping myself to be able to adapt as necessary, my family is allergic to a protein in cow milk and MH's family is lactose intolerant so I anticipate my baby will not be able to digest normal formula for one reason or another. Obviously, I'll be sure to share this concern with baby's pediatrician but do any STM's have experience with dairy intolerant babies? Which formula did you use?

mihaelams1

I had to start supplementing at 4 months, it turned out I was only producing 2oz at a feeding so the lactation consultant herself got some ready to feed bottles of formula from a drawer and had me feed my son in her office. Needless to say I cried a lot that day, but eventually learned to accept that I tried everything and just couldn't make enough milk. 
One thing that was really different was the logistics of feeding on the go. Even if we normally used Dr. Brown bottles, the vents don't allow easy mixing, so we carried Tommee Tipee (sp?) bottles with pre-filled water and formula containers (they fit right into the bottles). And the Dr. Brown bottles were suggested by the daycare, since they fit best in their bottle warmer and fridge. That's one question to discuss if you plan to take the baby to daycare after the leave is over, because you don't want to end up with a set of bottles that's not compatible with whatever gizmos they use. 
And definitely sign up with the formula companies. Enfamil often sends $10 off coupons (checks, actually). Target also has discounts and deals for formula in particular and baby department in general. That's when I was stocking up. 
If we end up having to formula-feed again this time, I plan to look into the HiPP formula, since I heard lots of good things about it, that's it's easier on the baby's stomach. 

chocolatelemons

@mayoduck My son was not intolerant to breast milk but he spit up A LOT and seemed uncomfortable after feedings. The doctor thought it was reflux and he was eventually prescribed medication. With that said, he did better with formula. We started with the Whole Foods organic brand which my son didn’t take to. We ended up with Happy Baby Organic after a lot of research. I would have been happier with one of the European brands, because I read a lot about the additives to certain brands that are unnecessary. 

swishwishmommabear

I use to get regular coupons from enfamil through good old mails also Costco had great deals every other month or so on top of their reduced warehouse prices. 

I got enfamil coupons after registering on their website  https://www.enfamil.com/offers/baby-formula-coupons-samples. And for costco, check the monthly coupons book. 

dtspmama

I EFF both DDs and will do the same with this DD.  We were fortunate to be able to use Similac ProAdvance NonGMO with both and plan to start there with this babe, and hope she won't have any issues.

One gadget that we have that I thought was ridiculous when I first read about it is a Baby Brezza.  It seems so ridiculous - formula isn't that hard to mix! - but in the middle of the night this thing is a LIFESAVER.  We obviously would've survived without it, but it made our lives so much easier!!!

kbear28

This was a life saver for being on the go Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Portable Travel Food and Baby Bottle Warmer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I110D8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PUGcCbRFJNXYS

Once I had to supplement at 6 months we used Nature's One and had no digestive issues at all. https://www.naturesone.com/babys-only-organic-dairy-dha-formula/?sku=22902-1