How do new mothers decide which formula to feed their newborns?

So many and so expensive! - baby formula
United States
December 11, 2007 10:15am CST
It amazes me every time I see a commercial for baby formula or I'm stocking the shelves at work! There are so many different brands and types of baby formula that it makes my head spin. When my first daughter was born over 40 years ago she had Carnation evaporated milk mixed with water and sometimes a little bit of Karo syrup. She was always a healthy baby and she's a very healthy adult today. It wasn't until my third child was born that I think Similac came on the market and even then there was only a choice of two. How do the new mom's do it today? Not only is it expensive but there are so many to choose from. How do you know which one is the one your baby needs or will even like? Is there a secret to the selection process?
5 people like this
7 responses
@amitavroy (4819)
• India
11 Dec 07
I feel that if a mother does not know what to feed and how to feed a newborn baby that it is better to consult someone who knows about it or you can always go to the doctor to know about the things which are essential while feeding a baby. Because it is very much clear that food is the main source of energy for the baby and also at that time babies need a lot of essential white diamonds and minerals that was their body cells are growing every time. Sir if there is some deficiency during this period then you are in big trouble so consult the doctors bear the professionals with who are waiting their to give you advice on situations like these.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
12 Dec 07
Well, ctry, when my oldest was born(over 40 years ago), she was placed on Similac formula. The rest were also because they needed iron. I really never had to make a choice myself. It wasn't until my last one came along in the 70s that she had to go on something different because she was allergic. None of the soy formulas worked well for her, and after much trial-and-error, I finally started giving her plain Vitamin D milk at the age of one(for which I'd probably be arrested today, LOL.) That seemed to work better for her than any of the previous ones did. The formula today is very expensive!
@Gemmygirl1 (2867)
• Australia
12 Dec 07
Well, although i went with one of the dearer brands i think it did the trick, although, i'm not sure it matters. I have a friend who used an inbetween one & another friend who used the cheapest - all of our kids are healthy & have never had any problems. As for the child liking the formula, well, you'll soon find out whether they want it or not - if it doesn't stay down then you need a thicker formula (it's for reflux i believe) & i guess if your child refuses to drink it then they don't like it! The one i used (S26 Gold) was the one my Mum used on us 3 kids so i went with that one! My daughter's now 18 months, healthy, active so i guess that one was a pretty good choice!
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
12 Dec 07
I can understand your worries because I am a mom. Before my child was born, I felt very confused to selete which would be best for my baby. I will consult my friends and hear their suggestions. Also I will search the information via the net and make up my mind.
@devilsangel (1817)
• United States
12 Dec 07
Well mind you I'm not a new mother, but when I was it was fairly easy for me to figure out what to give my children. I nursed both my children but I also had to sub formula at times because I was also working and their daycare only kept pre-made bottles for a few hours before tossing them. I used Isomil with Iron. I had to use a soy based forumla because of their digestive systems. I actually consulted their doctor before picking a forumla for them this way I could give them the best for their systems.
@OllieW (15)
11 Dec 07
At first my daughter did not have a choice - my own milk for 9 months, as you say, formula's too expensive and too much hassle with all those bottles etc. But when I went back to work, expressing milk was unbearable for me, so I bought a few different pre-made 200 ml packs and let my daughter choose.
@kurtbiewald (2625)
• United States
11 Dec 07
utterly intolerable I think