Questions for those who FF

namara5532 · June 2012

Although I EBF, I would like to go out sometime with DH without DS. I've tried pumping and hand expressing, and my body just doesn't have a let-down for anything but the baby. So I'm considering getting some formula for a couple of bottles so we can go on a date. I have a couple questions first for those who know about formula.

1. We want to buy something inexpensive since this is probably not going to be a regular occurance. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheap/generic brand? Any brands we should probably stay away from?

2. If I bought the powder kind, is there any reason I couldn't premix it for my brother (who will be babysitting) so he doesn't have to worry about doing it right? Would I be better off just leaving him instructions on how to do it?

mylove2005 · June 2012

1. We want to buy something inexpensive since this is probably not going to be a regular occurance. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheap/generic brand? Any brands we should probably stay away from?

Any one is fine you can do the target brand that is a good generic brand.

2. If I bought the powder kind, is there any reason I couldn't premix it for my brother (who will be babysitting) so he doesn't have to worry about doing it right? Would I be better off just leaving him instructions on how to do it?

You can premix the formula and leave it in the fridge. It is good for 24 hours in the fridge and it is good for 1 hour out of the fridge.

kaybe24 · June 2012

We use the generic from Sam's club, the one similar to Enfamil. Ditto on being able to premix it and keep it in the fridge.

sweetky_06 · June 2012

All brands have to adhere to the same standards. If it's not a regular thing, spending $15 versus $22 once a month isn't a big deal. We use Similac (you can sign up on their website and they send you free samples and coupons) but I know a lot of people like Target's brand.

I would just premix it - it can stay for 24 hours in the fridge - that is, if your LO will take it cold. If not, have the water pre-measured in the bottle sitting on the counter at room temp and just tell the caretaker how many scoops to add and shake. Once LO starts drinking from a bottle, it needs to be finished within an hour, even if it goes back in the fridge. Formula doesn't have those magical anti-bacterial properties that BM does!

raefre · June 2012

I think once DH bought Wal-mart brand fussy tummy formula (don't know the name of it). After we started using it, DS started coughing--coughing, as in sort of wheezing/hacking whenever we were not feeding him. Changed it to Similac Advanced and we haven't had the issue. (I don't have a problem with generics or with Wal-mart or have to have a particular brand as we switch between Similac and Enfamil; however, when he started coughing, that scared me so I refuse to use Wal-mart brand whatever when it comes to feeding the kid. I'm also a little shy of trying other generic products due to the coughing.)

Oh, if you refrigerate the bottle until used, get a mug or cup of hot water and leave the bottle in it for a minute. Will warm right up.

tl;dr Don't get Wal-mart brand formula meant for fussy tummies. Other brands, I don't know.

Haley.Beth · June 2012

When I was supplementing, I gave dd Parent's Choice (Walmart generic) and we never had a problem. I can't tell the difference between it and Similac in dd's disgestive functions, so we only use Similac because it's what WIC pays for. I premix my powder. I just fill up a pitcher with what I was going to use that day (it's only good for 24 hours) and pour what I need into a bottle when I need it. The only instructions I would leave babysitters is how much and how to heat it up.

Tip: You might want to practice bottle feeding by having dh or someone else give him a bottle every once in a while leading up to your date night. Sometimes bf babies refuse to take bottles. I say have someone else give him the bottle because otherwise he'll refuse just because his regular food source is right there.

03bertie · July 2012

sweetky_06:
Formula doesn't have those magical anti-bacterial properties that BM does!

I don't believe that was the question here.

As a Mom who BF for a bit then switched to formula my only suggestion would be that whatever formula you choose you should consider a few trial runs at home before leaving LO. Its a whole new thing for them and LO may not take it as well at first. We use the Enfamil GentleEase and have had success, but those first few feedings were rough. Just something to consider.

sweetky_06 · July 2012

03bertie:
sweetky_06:
Formula doesn't have those magical anti-bacterial properties that BM does!
I don't believe that was the question here.
As a Mom who BF for a bit then switched to formula my only suggestion would be that whatever formula you choose you should consider a few trial runs at home before leaving LO. Its a whole new thing for them and LO may not take it as well at first. We use the Enfamil GentleEase and have had success, but those first few feedings were rough. Just something to consider.

I wasn't knocking FF - I just know when I switched from BM to FF that I was used to leaving BM bottles in the fridge for hours to be finished later, so I just wanted to point out you couldn't do that with FF, and why.

namara5532 · July 2012

Thanks for the advice. DS drank some of the formula, but it definately doesn't seem to be his preference. I got to be out for a few hours. It seems though that may be his limit for now. As much as I'd want him to be used to formula when I go out so I can be out longer, that's just where the limit will have to be for now as I don't want to supplement. Thank you all again for the help.

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