Pediatrician recommended tips for choosing the right formula for your child. I’m honored to be a Similac Strong Moms Ambassador, a sponsored blog partner, this year.
Liam was about 4 months old when I knew I had to do something. He was dubbed the ‘spit up king’ and wasn’t getting enough food because of it. I nursed him as much as I could, but I just couldn’t keep up. His pediatrician even recommended supplementing the nursing with formula.
Then, the questions and guilt began to stir. How could I possibly know how to pick the right formula? What kind does he need? How do I afford it? How much formula do I supplement with? How do we travel with formula? Etc.
After a bit of research, we were on our way to supplementing with formula like pros. It became a blessing knowing that Liam was getting a full belly and that I could even go on a date with my husband and know he wouldn’t go hungry!
Thankfully, Similac has gathered some excellent tips to choosing the right formula from the nationally syndicated pediatrician, Dr. Sue Hubbard.
Tips to Choosing the Right Formula
- Lifestyle – There are many different options when it comes to formula. Typically, you can find it in ready-to-feed, concentrated liquid and powder versions. They all range in convenience and price and your lifestyle will determine which one is better for you and your family. Since I am a stay-at-home mom, the powder version worked best for us and our budget. However, if you’re on-the-go a lot and have the budget, ready-to-feed may work best for you.
- Ingredients – While the FDA oversees all formula regulations, not all formula is created equal. Generally, “formula contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support your baby’s health. But some infant formulas, like Similac, have added lutein, which is a nutrient to support your baby’s eye development.” says Dr. Hubbard. Be sure to do research ahead of time to compare your brands of choice before making your purchase.
- Water – Most US cities have wonderful tap water that doctor’s approve of for use in formula. However, this is all determined by your location. Of course, if you have concerns about your water source, talk to your doctor first and if necessary, you may need to boil the water first, use bottled water or use the ready-to-feed formula. Thankfully, in my city, we had no issues with the tap water and it worked just fine with the powdered formula we fed to Liam.
- Watch – Most baby’s have an adjustment period with formula from as little as two days or up to two weeks. You’ll need to watch your baby and see how he/she is reacting to the formula to know if that formula is right for your baby. In some cases, your baby may need a special formula (like soy, low-lactose, or hypoallergenic formula). In our case, Liam still had the bad case of spit-ups and still spit up with the formula. However, we did notice that some formula brands upset his tummy more than others. Just be observant and you’ll know what’s best for your baby.
- Age – Depending on when you begin supplementing with formula can determine what type of formula is best. They make specific formulas for infants, 6-12 months old and even toddlers, all with a specific purpose to complement the introduction of solid foods and more active lifestyles. Choose the one that’s best for your baby’s age and development.
And I just have to thrown in a tip of my own. Once we found a few formulas that worked for Liam, I would be on the constant look-out for coupons and sales for those formulas. Then, I’d stock up when I had both coupons and a sale, to get the formula at it’s lowest price. Every little bit helps!
I wish you all the formula success in the world! I still can’t believe I’ll have a new baby in February! Eeee!
