Which formula brand to stockpile?

[jenjacobs]

I so recommend a baby sling whether it is the Over The Shoulder Baby Holder or another brand. I invested $40 into OTSBH and it was worth every penny. Wish I had it for the first three and not just the last one. I have a front baby carrier and it was okay, but loved the sling.

OMG yes a sling - I wear DD everywhere. Babies love to be snuggled with mom and it frees your arms up. I have a hot sling and I LOVE it. so much easier than lugging a stoller or carseat everywhere. I've seen them on clearance at Marshall's for $19.99.

[castocreations]

I didn't stock pile anything ... I had planned to breast feed but that didn't work out unfortunately. :( I've now gone through two types of formula because the first one caused baby excessive gas and pain. So now we're on to another kind and I don't know if it will work either. If we'd stock piled I'd be in trouble now.

I did stock pile diapers, but not a ton of any one size. We just barely got through all the NB diapers before he outgrew them. He's grown so fast. :)

[CJOVANALST]

I personally stockpiled ALL brands of formula with my LOs. I used the $5 ones for the ready-to-feed bottles because they go on sale 2/$10 quite often in my area. Larger checks I used when I found formula on clearance (check the expiration date before you buy) to get large, bonus size powder for less than $5 each. The nutritional value of formulas across all brands, including generics, is highly regulated by the FDA, so do not worry about that. However, companies use different sources and amounts of some ingredients that your LO may/may not tolerate well. It is truly a trial and error process.

[hotcouponmama]

I bottle fed exclusively. Here's the funny thing that happened to us. We started off with one formula and when we finally switched, my son didn't do well.

With the other two kids, we used them all interchangeably from the the get go and had no problems.

Essentially, there's no difference between the brands - baby formula has some minimum nutritional requirements.

I will say, I found the Nestle brand to make the kids less fussy overall.

If there's a screamin' deal on it (like a BOGO catalina you can combine with forumla checks) then I'd stock it. Just because you want to nurse (and more power to the moms who do it and do it well - it just wasn't anything I ever wanted to do) - but you might start trying and there is a fair percentage who try and don't succeed at it for whatever reason - physiological, mental stamina, medical reasons - I'd rather have a little supply.

If you run into a formula that doesn't work, you can swap it with someone, donate it, or pass it along to someone who can really use it.

[1buffy007]

I planned to breastfeed but it didn't work out, I was glad I had some formula at the house. The hospital will give you a diaper bag with formula in it, Goodstart, Similac, and Enfamil all had different bags with free samples in it at the hospital where I delivered. I work with formulas in the WIC formula in my state and we don't recommend switching constantly, that is what is hard on the baby's tummys--if you end up needing to switch formulas you need to transition them (mix the new and old formula at different levels until you are using all the new formula-a correct transition should take 2 weeks). I chose Goodstart Natural Cultures because it's the closest to breastmilk and since I wanted to breastfeed what I could the two methods worked well together. As far as household items, I love my arms reach co-sleeper which attaches to the bed and has a side that comes down so you can see baby sleeping in her own bed right beside you. Also, I got a co-sleeper that you put in your own bed and I've loved it for times when I lay down and nap with her. Which formula you use doesn't really matter, just don't switch unless you have to. The readyto feeds are more convenient but once you open them you have to use quickly or they'll spoil. I chose the powdered kind that you add water or breastmilk to and mix cause that lasts the longest.

[tmsmalley]

I also agree not to stockpile formula until the baby arrives and you know what they'll be drinking. You cannot just switch back and forth. Each time you switch brands or styles, you need to spend about 3-4 days adding a little of the new stuff to the old stuff until eventually, you're completely on the new stuff. Some babies just can't take certain brands either. Although the nutrition is all the same, the fillers can be quite different and baby tummies are VERY sensitive.

You can stockpile in a different way by buying a $10 grocery gift card every time you go to the store. A can of powdered baby formula ranges from about $15-$25 depending on brand, style etc. so those $10 cards can add up for you towards whatever you need when you're ready.

I also don't recommend stockpiling diapers. Some babies will have reactions to certain perfumes or dyes in the diapers (mine could only use Huggies). Some babies fit one brand better than others. You can stockpile gift cards for these too. A pack of diapers runs between about $10-$20 depending on style, size and brand.

Unscented wipes can be stored (don't get scented, again, there may be allergies). Baby food and baby cereal with long expiration dates can be stored if you get a good deal (babies don't eat baby food until 4-6 months out so be sure your dates are long enough). Diaper cream, bath items, baby tylenol and motrin and mylicon drops are good too.

Also, instead of the very expensive Dreft to wash baby clothes in, you can stock up on Tide Free or All Free & Clear. That way you can wash all your clothes in it, not just the baby stuff. They are just as free of potential allergens and you won't have issues if the baby rubs his/her cheek against your shirt either.

All the best!
Tess

[VivaciousJewelz]

Thank you everybody for your help.
So far I got more diapers and wipes then I will probably need (full closet), 2 free Platex Drop-ins + 400 liners, some clothes and blankets, bassinet, stroller, car seat, crib and changing table, baby monitor, and (4) cans of Enfamil. All was free or close to it, lots of second hand though. Did I forget something?

You will never have enough wipes. Never ever. Wipes can be used for other things than baby booties (when they spit up, hands, face, getting boogers out of their nose, spit-up stains on your shirt, ). I thought I had stockpiled enough wipes for awhile (I had about 3000 before Cara was born) and I've already used half and she's at 3 months.

I wouldn't stockpile formula at all until you know what she can drink. What if she can't drink cow's milk-based formula? Also, since you wouldn't introduce formula until 6-7 months, why not just skip formula since babies can actually start solid food at 4-6 months?

If you do stockpile- I've found that Enfamil is the best with sending out samples and checks. I've gotten so much from them, but nothing from Similac and only 2 checks from NGS.

[VivaciousJewelz]

I'll also say instead of baby Dreft, you can use the Arm & Hammer Dye/Perfume free for sensitive skin detergent.

[MamaBird06]

I would say if you are a first time mom and truly want to breastfeed, having a stockpile of formula is probably going to set you up for disaster. It is a known fact that if a inexperienced breastfeeding mom has formula in the house, she will be more likely to use it at any giving stressor. Now if you have had previous children, have breastfed, and are experienced with the process and previously breastfed a lo for 6-7 and introduced formula at that time to wean by 9 months, having a small stockpile may be okay for you in your situation. I had supply issues with ds and did supplement him with formula, now i don't know if it was something i did or if i just can't make enough milk, but i do know next time around i will be more well prepared, and rather than stockpiling formula, i am stockpiling breastpumps, a baby scale, and plan to be in close contact with a lactation consultant once the time comes. I know having a new baby makes it difficult to catch all the deals, but if i were in your shoes, i wouldn't stockpile unless I had been in the situation previously and had mastered breastfeeding in the past.

eta: also since you plan to gradually wean your lo, i would think shortly before that time would be a good time to get the formula checks and try out the kind you plan to use and then if that one works for you, then trade for more of those checks/coupons while you are weaning your lo to start up a stockpile in those months.

HTH