How did you choose the right formula?

LouRN09

Due to extreme bad latch/strong gag reflex (in DS2) and very mutilated nipples, I have been EP for the past week and plan to until my nipples are healed 100%. So far I have been able to pump 5x a day and get more than enough for DS, however, I know with prolonged pumping my supply will eventually take a hit. When DS1 was around 9 months old we had to start supplementing wtih formula and I chose Gerber and he did great with it. How did you choose which one was right for your LO? Especially for a LO who is much younger than 9 months old. Did you just pick one and try it and go from there? Trial and error? We've got several samples here too of both Similac and Enfamil (of course, no Gerber!!) And I know there are special cases where LO is lactose sensitive, reflux, etc. and you have to use a special formula.

Which formula do you use and why?

Kasi80

It was trial and error for us.  We started off with Enfamil and Similac (free samples) then switched to the Walmart generic regular.  That formula eventually led to constipation so we switched to Walmart's generic gentle one.  That seems to be working great.  I have also tried the Target generic sensitive one and that works for us as well.  With both containers you get a lot more formula for less in price than the name brands. 

lovebug33

We were doing Simply Right from Sam's Club because it was the cheapest. She was having issues, so now we do Simply Right Gentle. That seems to be working

CnAnA

We use Similac Ready To Feed because that's what she got in the hospital.

Also, our ped told us not to be changing up her formula too much. Pick one and stick to it. Start with whatever brand's basic formula. No soy, nothing special. If there is issues, you can always move to one of the special ones.

heathert1981

Trial and error. Finally figured it out on our fourth and most expensive brand. 

bigbootyjudi

Your supply will not take a hit by prolonged pumping. I EP and have since DS was three days old. He's 8 weeks now and I produce enough to fill his bottles throughout the day and freeze some. At 6 weeks, I had over 900 ounces in the deep freezer. As long as you pump after he eats to establish a feeding pattern for your body and to let your body know that it needs to keep producing, it will. Don't let anyone tell you that you won't be able to EP if that's what you'd rather do. He hasn't had one drop of formula and nothing has decreased. In fact, it increased.