RTF Formula vs. Powdered

KGsky

OK guys, need a little tutorial.? We use formula, but up until a little while ago, just as a supplement. As DD is weaning and my supply is dropping we're using more formula and next month she'll probably be about 80% formula 20% b.f. (or less just depending on supply--I'm tired of fighting).? RTF was fine for our purposes, but the powdered looks to be more bang for the buck.

How long will a carton of powdered (Similac Advanced) last if used for every feed?? Do any FF's use RTF solely, or is that a waste of $$$?? I just really don't think have the time or energy (in my mind, of course) to add mixing formula to the bottle making process.? AND I don't know how they compare taste-wise (to the baby, of course).? Does your DC discriminate between powdered or RTF?? Finally, not too sure I want to mix DD's formula with our "city cocktail" water.? Then again, this is a recession.? Thoughts?

Toosdai

Powdered is so much more practical.

My daughter takes hers at room temp and RTF, once opened, have to be refrigerated. Which means it would need to be warmed up for her to take it. It's just easier to use powdered, especially if she needs a bottle at night.

The larger container of Similac (from Costco) lasts about 2.5 weeks and that it with her having about 3-4 8oz. bottles/per day. On the back of the container, it tells you how many bottles it makes. You can use that as a guide to figure out how long it will last.

 

MJLloyd

"I just really don't think have the time or energy (in my mind, of course) to add mixing formula to the bottle making process." Eh, throw in a couple scoops and shake. No biggie.

"Does your DC discriminate between powdered or RTF?" Nope, but he's only had rtf like half a dozen times otherwise powder.

"Finally, not too sure I want to mix DD's formula with our "city cocktail" water.  Then again, this is a recession.  Thoughts?" A brita or pur filter for your tap + powdered formula is prolly still cheaper than eff with rtf.

t-lou rosales

A's never had a problem with the 2 difference. I don't buy RTF cause the powder is cheaper but if I get some I've used them. How long a powder can can last depends on how much your DD drinks. on the similac cans it actually tells you how much bottles a can can make. My pedi said it was fine to make the bottles with nyc's tap water, but I still use nursey water. Also I pre-make all my bottles for the day the night before. That way I wash and fix one time a day

Sherriberry

I use liquid concentrate.  It's in between RTF and powder. It seems this isn't an option in much of the US, but if you can find it that's what I would suggest you use. I find the consistency of the powder kinda gross.  It seems there's always little lumps in it.  The liquid concentrate helped tremendiously with DS's gas.

A&R2006

We use RTF except when traveling.  For some reason, DD has constipation issues when she's on powdered too long.  But, she doesn't seem to notice (or mind) any difference in taste when we do give her powder.

Jettaky

We have always used the powder and it really takes no time to drop in a few scoops and shake the bottle. We go through 1 large (25.7 oz or something like that) can a week. We also use a generic brand so that is cheaper as well. We use bottled water but you could get a water filter. Our filtered water goes in the fridge so I would have to warm it and I don't want to have to do that.

mabst196

We used RTF exclusively for a few months because the powder gave DD diarrhea. It is more expensive, but more convenient for home use. Going out, I still used powder sometimes or brought the RTF in an icepack. I switched her back to powder a while ago and she seems to be doing well.

Jenny0908

We use RTF exclusively.  We started her on powdered but noticed that when we used RTF she spit up less and was less gassy.  I might try her back on the powdered now that she is older and is spitting up much less.  I used to mix a whole batch of bottles at a time that way they would be made and ready to go when I needed them.  Didn't take that much longer than prepping the RTF bottles.

CreamPuff06

We are solely RTFers, powdered formula makes T very constipated.  I haven't even tried her on the powdered soy because I'd like her to be able to poop at least once a day.    Ditto on the water filter - when we used powder that's what I mixed it with.   

thomas&lynn

Our 28oz can of powdered Good Start (green can) makes 174ozs of prepared formula.