Formula

mrs.cam

So it looks like there is a very good chance we'll be FFing due to medication I have to take....so I'm researching formula.

I'd really like to stick with a name brand like Enfamil but I realize it is pricey.  I'm just wondering how many cans of formula you twin Moms go through in a week or month?  Especially for 0-3 months.

Thanks for your help! 

 

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i can't remember how many cans we went through at that time... but i can say- it's a lot   When I buy formula I buy 6 cans at a time usually - so we don't run out ever.

you can start with enfamil or similac (these 2 are the ones most hospitals will have avail and send you home with tons of samples of).... but know that your babies might need something special. Hopefully not - b/c the special formulas are even more money - and rarely have coupons.

If you do use the regular enfamil/similac- then your babies will also do great with the generics avail --- they are exactly the same- but 1/2 the price.  I use the Target, Walmart (both made by the same company - same exact formula) and BRU formulas - i can go between them all  (including the name brand) and my boys have no problems which = to me, they are all the same for my guys.

BizEB

Don't buy much before your twins get here.  We had to switch formulas a bunch of times to find something that worked for DS. 

We used Similac Sensitive with my son, which was lactose free.  He couldn't handle full formula or even Enfamil Gentlease (low lactose). 

The special formulas are pricey but you might find, as I did, that you can switch over to fuller formula when your LOs get older and are able to tolerate gas, lactose better.  We had DS on a regular organic formula by 6 months. 

MoMandA

When I started supplementing I called about my pediatrician about formula. He said that the FDA regulates formula so heavily that store brands are fine, as long as you have the appropriate kind (e.g. one of my LOs has reflux and needs gentlease formula). I don't know how much you would need if you exclusively FF.

I see you are 15 weeks along. If you are asking because you are thinking about stocking up, I would wait. We went through a couple kinds before we found one that the babies tolerate well.

 

mrs.cam

I'm not planning on stocking up, I just wanted to get an idea of how much the name brand would cost me per week or month.  If we can afford it, that's what we'll do.  Obviously if not, we might have to go generic.

txdaisygal

A friend recommended something to me that I'll pass on -

They found that Sam's Club had great prices on Enfamil, and that the formula checks/coupons were the only coupons they would take. It was cheaper for them to buy Enfamil at Sams with the formula checks than to buy the generic at Costco so they switched memberships to Sam's. 

leviandlandensmom

Costco brand formula is great and so inexpensive. I used it for my 8 month old when he weaned himself. The pediatrician said it's just as good as the name brand. Pretty much all off brands are just as good, they have to be since it's regulated by the FDA.

kimarino13

At 2 months we are going through 2.5 cans a week.

seattlestef

I've never paid attention to how many cans we go through so I can't help you there, but I just wanted to chime in a ditto on the generic formula. I talked to the nutritionist at our NICU and she said that the generics are the same thing, but just half the price. We used Similac Neosure for the first 4 months and then switched to Target Generic and saved SO MUCH MONEY!

Also, I'd sign up on Similac and Enafamil's websites so they'll start mailing formula checks and coupons to you before your due date. I used this a lot while trying out formulas.

lgurian

we are down to 6 oz/4x day (it was more before we started solid foods) and we go through a can every 4 days. they are on goodstart (we tried a bunch before finding that GS is what worked for M-and i am not about to buy and make two different kinds) and it is $22 can. 

janjag

kimarino13:

At 2 months we are going through 2.5 cans a week.

we are doing about the same until recently.  1 lg can every 3 days.

just the past couple weeks it's started to taper off a bit b/c we're adding more solids.

Rangergal9

With DD we used Enfamil and went through at least a can a week... but with the twins we plan to use generic because we want to be savvy and save money and the formulas as basically the same.  We are going to wait until they are here before worrying about what formula they need because like others said you have no idea if they need regular or the special stuff (which is very pricey).  We also shopped at BJs, which was a lot cheaper.. larger sized cans, can use all the coupons you want too.

lisa&andy

When they were taking 30-32oz/day we were spending $300-350 a month on Similac Sensitive. Think about getting a gift card to Walmart, Target, or Sams and put money on it for their formula and you can then use it once they get here and find what they will take.

SoldiersGreenBean

mrs.cam:

I'm not planning on stocking up, I just wanted to get an idea of how much the name brand would cost me per week or month.  If we can afford it, that's what we'll do.  Obviously if not, we might have to go generic.

Why are you stuck on using a brand name?

RoseWhite

kimarino13:

At 2 months we are going through 2.5 cans a week.

 

this. 

blairsgirl

I wouldn't buy much.  We started with Similac Early Shield and very shortly after started switching due to reflux and milk protein allergy.  Now they are on Neocate and I get it through the pharmacy.