I have decided to occasionally use a bottle of formula, and am slowly beginning weaning from nursing. I prefer organic products, and used Earth's Best formula with my older son from when he was 9mths-1yr. I had tried the similac organic, but it never seemed to dissolve. Anyway, with my 6.5mo now, he seems a little more particular about tastes, etc. I want to try to Earth's Best, but I was wondering if anyone had formula suggestions particularly for babies that had been used to breast milk. (On somewhat of a side note, my baby is a BIG BIG spitter upper - reflux without pain or weight issues, so I haven't had him on meds or anything even though they were prescribed.) Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Thanks all! I decided to go with the Earth's Best, and he seems to like it well. I'm happy with their philosophy, their non-use of sugar sweeteners, etc. So, I'm glad it's best for my son, even if it is on the more expensive side. We are still primarily nursing, and using formula once or twice a day is helping me continue going. I am completely pro-nursing, but I need to do what is best for us (both for him and for me). I'm proud of the nursing I have done with both of my boys (9mths with my first, and going on 7mths with this one), so I have no need for anyone to try to make me feel guilty. I had a hard enough time coming to terms with my decision for what is BEST FOR US. Thanks.
I know that my daughter uses' the Good Start Formula. My grandaughter is on the next stage of the can which is for 6mos to 1yr. She has never had a problem with it. I don't know if you can get it where you are, I am in Ontario, Canada.
Enfamil is good as well, she used this on my grandson.
Any chance you can just continue with your far superior breastmilk, even if you pump? It is estimated that there are over 100 nutrients in breastmilk that science is still trying to identify. Before you decide to switch, you may want to Google "rocket fuel found in infant formula" and "BPA in infant formula."
Last year Good Start got slapped with a fine for false advertising and some expensive, neonatal formula got recalled as well (this is from the CDC):
"A recent study concluded that powdered infant formula can cause serious illness or death in infants. The infants are typically diagnosed with Meningitis,Salmonella, Sepsis or Bacteraemia. These illnesses can often lead to brain damage or death. Powdered infant formula can be contaminated with harmful bacteria during the manufacturing process or contaminated if not handled properly. Doctors often diagnose the illness as Meningitis, Salmonella, Sepsis, or Bacteraemia." http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5114a1.htm
Someone even mentioned Goat's milk rather than formula (I have no idea on that one, but it is worth checking into). If it is possible, then that is a way to supplement in a chemical free manner.
Good luck!
:)
When I had to start chemo and had to immediately stop nursing my daughter, we asked our pediatrician the same thing.
His advice was to stick with the big name brands for 1 simple reason: they have the clinical studies to prove their product does what it's supposed to do. Even if you compare labels, and they're similar, other brands don't, so as a pediatric specialist (and under our unforeseen circumstances), he recommended going to Similac/Enfamil.
I'd ask your pediatrician to see what brands they recommend (especially if you're concerned about Organic).
I went with GoodStart, not only will they send you bigger checks (to offset the cost), but they don't advertise like the other 2 competitors do, so most of their money is spent on research. I'd just avoid Soy - I read that giving babies formula with soy is like giving them 5 birth control pills.
I'd sign up with all 3 companies. Each will send you free samples and then your son can choose which he likes the best. Any checks you receive that you don't you, you can swap with other moms who many need them or who has checks you can use (try freecycle.org or craigslist).
Don't do soy, bad, bad,bad - like giving your boy or girl extra estrogen which too much of an "ok" thing can cause health problems. I goofed because I wasn't informed and started using Similac Soy (at 6 months combo w/breast milk) because my little boy wouldn't drink regular Similac. At around 8 months, I later ended up purchasing goat milk and sweetening it w/light Agave nectar (organic), then once in a while I would go to the local health food store and buy Meyers powder goat milk and would still sweeten it a little since breast milk has a sweet taste. Goat milk lacks three nutrients (can't remember which ones) but I was also supplementing w/vitamins & pumped breast milk. Used goat milk or powder up to 1 year old then switched to raw cow or organic milk (whatever fits the budget). If the raw stuff grosses you out, go with Cindy H's post about GoodStart and add probiotics (Nature's Way Primodolphilus). Formula in general lacks the fat (saturated) that is needed for growth.
Hi- Unless there is some reason you have to, why wean now? 6 months is very young and if you start supplementing w/formula you won't be nursing much longer. Since he has tummy issues I would think breast milk would be the easiest to digest and no doubt it's the best food for him. No judgement just my opinion.
Wish I would know more as my daughter is having TWINS, in July and she is planning on breast feeding.....ummmmmmmmLouisianan
