If you are not breastfeeding- question?

12bailey18 · May 2011

I'm not breastfeeding and I've thought about stocking up on formula. Not sure if this is a good idea since she may do well on one over the other. DS stuck with Similac the whole time so I never run into that problem. Has anyone done this or thought about it? Formula is so expensive and we go through so much, it'd be nice to get a head start but I'm a little hesitant. Just seeing if anyone else has stocked up?

3Girls3xsTheFun · May 2011

I was lucky, my first DD would eat anything. I could switch from brand to brand and she never noticed. So, I used all of the formula checks and then switched to BJs brand formula.

We considered stocking up before DD2 came along and just never got around to it. Good thing -- she had a soy & dairy allergy and we had to use prescription formula. I know it's not the norm, but it does happen.

I assume you can return formula though. So, if you start buying now just save the receipts. Even if you can't get cash back for it, you should be able to exchange it for whatever formula you have to use or for store credit.

aliciabee · May 2011

Oh, I posted a similar question yesterday. Get ready to get harrassed! Here's how that went:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733916.aspx

But anyway, mixed in with the hatred was some helpful hints. Also, the ladies on the August '11 board were much more understanding and helpful. Here's that link:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733898.aspx

Good Luck!

12bailey18 · May 2011

3Girls3xsTheFun:

I was lucky, my first DD would eat anything. I could switch from brand to brand and she never noticed. So, I used all of the formula checks and then switched to BJs brand formula.

We considered stocking up before DD2 came along and just never got around to it. Good thing -- she had a soy & dairy allergy and we had to use prescription formula. I know it's not the norm, but it does happen.

I assume you can return formula though. So, if you start buying now just save the receipts. Even if you can't get cash back for it, you should be able to exchange it for whatever formula you have to use or for store credit.

Great idea- thank you!!

12bailey18 · May 2011

aliciabee:

Oh, I posted a similar question yesterday. Get ready to get harrassed! Here's how that went:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733916.aspx

But anyway, mixed in with the hatred was some helpful hints. Also, the ladies on the August '11 board were much more understanding and helpful. Here's that link:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733898.aspx

Good Luck!

Guess I missed that yesterday, thanks for the links...and the heads up-LOL

ExpatFamily06 · May 2011

I was also lucky with ds #1 in that he never had any problems with the formula I chose for him, same with diapers/wipes/detergents/etc. but I am not stocking up on any of that for this one (nor did I with ds #1). I don't want to risk having a butt-load of stuff that ds #2 won't be able to use and then I can't take it back.

scorpiomom2005 · May 2011

I'm not bf-ing either, but I'm waiting to see what they give her at the hospital, and how she's going to do with it first before "stocking up". My son ended up switching formula's about 4 times before he ended up on Isomil. Check with your local grocer though to see if they will do exchanges, if you do want to buy a few cans.

itsmevkb · May 2011

Even if your first baby never had any issues I would refrain from stocking up since every baby is different. What about putting money into a savings account so that at least you'll be stashing away some money? My other advice would be to buy generic, not name-brand, as it is far cheaper. I've used the Target brand with both of my children.

memali26 · May 2011

I wouldn't stock up. DD did fine on Target Up & Up (saved us SO much money!), but I know the LO I babysit had to go through 3 different formulas before they found one that worked for her. Every baby is so different I'd be afraid I'd get stuck with a bunch of formula I couldn't use.

Also, I think some stores will let you return formula, but I'm fairly certain they can't put it back out on the shelves to resell, it has to be destroyed. I could be wrong on that, but I don't think I'd plan on being able to return a ton of it - a few cans, maybe.

alubins · May 2011

aliciabee:

Oh, I posted a similar question yesterday. Get ready to get harrassed! Here's how that went:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733916.aspx

But anyway, mixed in with the hatred was some helpful hints. Also, the ladies on the August '11 board were much more understanding and helpful. Here's that link:

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53733898.aspx

Good Luck!

I saw you mention this over on Aug '11 and had to check it out here. Aruiz1982 is a troll that's been lurking on other boards, making most dumb remarks on 2nd tri. Apparently, she made her way over here....

KatieRL1979 · May 2011

I wouldn't stock up either. If you want to purchase a few of the small cans of a few different brands I guess you could do that and not spend as much but I wouldn't bother stocking up until you're sure you want a weeks' supply of something. In the hospital Enfamil tends to be the popular sample from what I've seen, and I used that with DD after I could no longer breastfeed. She did great on it.

Desert*Flower · May 2011

You could also start picking up gift cards (for target or your grocery store - they usually have them right by the register) to use for formula and diapers. Then you don't have to stock up on anything you may not use.

Stellasmom · May 2011

I wouldn't stock up, just in case she doesn't handle what you choose well, but I would highly recommend going generic. It is literally less than half the cost of name brand formula!

lucylea · May 2011

Another tip is to check with your pediatricians office. I used to work at one and we had an entire closet (think 100 cans) of samples that we were just supposed to hand out. Unless moms asked for them, though, we didn't hand them out because there were a couple complaints from breastfeeding moms that they were offered formula. If they didn't get used by the expiration date we had to just throw them out. :-(

Also, Costco has a generic Enfamil that is roughly $20 for two large cannisters, very reasonable.

aniceucchik · May 2011

We are not stocking up just because IDK what type he will be able to handle. I also know nothing about formula, as we EBFd last time. I will be starting with soy, due to DS1s dairy allergy and moving to a nutramigen if he cant do the soy. I only have one can of soy right now b/c I dont want to waste a buncha money on something that wont work for us. Target is like 2m away, so I can always run out and grab another in emergencies

aniceucchik · May 2011

memali26:

I wouldn't stock up. DD did fine on Target Up & Up (saved us SO much money!), but I know the LO I babysit had to go through 3 different formulas before they found one that worked for her. Every baby is so different I'd be afraid I'd get stuck with a bunch of formula I couldn't use.

Also, I think some stores will let you return formula, but I'm fairly certain they can't put it back out on the shelves to resell, it has to be destroyed. I could be wrong on that, but I don't think I'd plan on being able to return a ton of it - a few cans, maybe.

This is true. Any returned infant formula is returned "red" at my store (i work in retail) and is immediately thrown away. However, as long as you have a receipt you can return whatever you want.

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