How to choose formula?

[Tink2312]

Hi all,

I have posted this in the formula feeding bit but thought I may as well post it in here in case anyone doesn't stray between formulas and has some advice!

Was after some advice on what to consider when choosing formula... its all a bit confusing and I'm not really sure what the difference is between the brands as I'm UK based it seems that SMA, Apitmal and C&G are the main 3 brands? Is that right? I'm not really sure if one is better than the others or if they are all really much of a muchness?

I thought I heard or read somewhere something to do with the make up of SMA meaning its not as good as the others and originally I think this is what we were going to opt for but now I just don't know! lol. So any help/advice would be massively appreciated.

I am planning on ff from birth if that makes a difference, I'll be 36 weeks tomorow and this is my first so any helpful pointers would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks

 

[EmzyJA]

oooh i could also do with this advice so will be looking out for the responses to this one. sorry i cant help though.

my dad used to use SMA with his little un's. but i dont know much about it all i'm afraid. x

 

[pinkneon]

I've often wondered this too ... Thanks for posting!

 

[playgirl666]

hi when my lo was born we put her on the sma gold but it was to heavy on her stomach it kept makin her sick and this has happened to a few of my mates babys to, so i put her on c&g and she was never sick on that it seemed so much better, also i found with the sma that it went off to quick as well hope this helps.

 

[Kimmer]

I don't really like SMA, found it too heavy for baby's tummy. The hospital gave her Aptimil, but as soon as I read that it contains fish I put her on a different one. She's now on Cow & Gate Infasoy because she's lactose intolerant.

All babies are different and it may take you a while to figure out which one suits your baby.. but they may be fine on the first one you try

 

[smam]

Both me, my 2 sisters and my partner were fed on SMA gold and my DD was too so if I do decide to FF it'll be the same to begin with unless it upsets him! Definitely wouldn't feed him anything that was derived from Fish and myself and the OH are vegetarians although he won't be brought up the same, I don't think its fair forcing it on them.

I work at Sainsburys and fill the baby aisle and I get confused about all the different brands and Formulas. I think I'll try a different progress formula as the SMA one made my DD and littlest sister very uncomfortable.

 

[Peachypoo]

aptamil all the way... by far i found it closest to breastmilk, i had to give both as i could only feed my lo from one side and she didnt like any other milk.

Never liked sma as ive heard all sorts of issues with it, also cow and gate would be my second option...

 

[kazpeza]

ooh im toying netween aptamil and cow and gate now i cant decide,i used cow and gate with my last one and had no problems

 

[Tink2312]

thank you all! posted on facebook as well and definitely getting a lot more mentions of aptimal over anything else, bit yucky the thought of fish being in it though I've got to be honest, and I not vegi!

I should have added a pole at the start thinking about it but never mind

I think we'll opt for either Aptimal or C&G anyway, probably Aptimal and see how it goes, I wanted to try and stock up and be prepared but maybe I'll just get a few in ready just in case.

Has anyone any ideas where you can buy in bulk from? I thought Costco might be an option but its only twin packs I think and I was hoping to locate proper wholesale packs!

 

[kazpeza]

i wouldnt buy in bulk incase it doesnt suit baby

 

[Pippasdvision]

We started off on cow and gate with our last and made himreally unwel so we were recommended SMA White which worked perfectly

 

[ke29]

Think its trial and error, around here health visitors are promoting actimel

 

[LuckyStarr]

I was told Aptimal was the closest to breatmilk so decided to give that a go. I have a couple of ready made cartons in my hospital bag and one big tub in the kitchen, i will see how that goes with Isobel before i buy anymore.

Lucy x

 

[summer rain]

Aptamil and Cow&Gate in the UK are made in the same factory; in fact in the ROI some cow and gate products have been rebranded as aptamil and vice versa. The cow&gate ones are often cheaper but there is no difference in composition.

 

[mumoffive]

Aptimil and cow and gate are the same manufacturers if i remember right.
I would stick with either of these. The reasons are:

1) You can buy ready milk with most of the types. Handy when you are going out and need milk thats just ready to put in a bottle and heat up.
2) In both these brands you can use some of their 'gentle on tummies' milk for baby's that are particularly colicky. My ds was a nightmare and i use aptamil..the one that was gentle on tummies. For my dd she settled with cow and gate comfort.

The good thing is, if you start on either of these brands, you can choose within the brand of milk that suits your baby. It saves you from 'switching' between brands which causes worry that its making the situation worse! I hope that makes sense.

 

[hels08]

with my daughter i gave her SMA gold simply because it was the cheapest brand lol. she was fine with it, never sick, in fact the first time she was ever sick was when she had chickenpox when she was 5!

 

[Tink2312]

i wouldnt buy in bulk incase it doesnt suit baby

I wouldn't buy until we've tried and are happy, but after that would save an awful lot of money if I can find a supplier somewhere that sells more than 2 tubs in a pack

Thank you every one, very helpful.

And interesting that its from the same factory anyway for C&G and Aptimal - definitely a useful bit of info.

Thanks again everyone

 

[Tiny]

Aptamil has been recommended to me, as it is meant to be kindest on bubba's tum. Not sure if you are also thinking about bottles, but I have been recommended Dr Brown's.

 

[evewidow]

when i had ds1 in the hospital they gave me c&g to give him so we stuck with that as it seemed to agree with him . maybe see which ones your hospital provides for 1st feeds and check out what they sell and have good availibility of in your loacla supermarket/the place you will be buying.
but as others have said it can be a case of trial and error.

 

[Tiny]

when i had ds1 in the hospital they gave me c&g to give him so we stuck with that as it seemed to agree with him

My hospital is pro-BF and won't provide anything in the way of bottles and milk if you are planning on FF.