Which is the best forumla?

got-it-spend-it

I bought of cartons of Aptamil before LO was born as I felt like it took the pressure off if I did have BFing problems. They're still upstairs, and baby is now nearly 4 months old! I don't necessarily think having some formula in is a bad idea.

I think it really depends on baby; I don't think any one formula is better than another.

I do agree with Feely that it is so important to get as much BFing support as possible. The first week or so are hard (or were for us) but it is so worth sticking with it.

feelinggood_2

JBD wrote: »

As far as I know you can use the powder from birth. You certainly could a few years ago. I don't think cartons have been available for that long anyway.

Having read through a few things, it seems it was a recommendation the European Food Safety Authority made a few years back, that ready-to-feed formula is used for babies under 4 weeks old, and that powdered formula is made up correctly (most people don't follow the instructions fully) because of Salmonella and Enterobacter sakazakii.

candygirl

I've never heard you can't use the powder before a certain time, and it doesn't say anythng on the tin:oCartons are quite new on the scene aren't they?;)

csh_2

feelinggood wrote: »

Having read through a few things, it seems it was a recommendation the European Food Safety Authority made a few years back, that ready-to-feed formula is used for babies under 4 weeks old, and that powdered formula is made up correctly (most people don't follow the instructions fully) because of Salmonella and Enterobacter sakazakii.

Never heard anything like this from MW. RTF formula is a relatively new thing and never heard a health professional say powder milk wasn't suitable from birth.


Re the OP, I've used C & G for both babies and had no probs

feelinggood_2

candygirl wrote: »

I've never heard you can't use the powder before a certain time, and it doesn't say anythng on the tin:oCartons are quite new on the scene aren't they?;)

I think it was about 2004 it was recommended. There used to be something on the FSA Website about it, but I'm having a dim day and can't find it! I've not heard any health professionals mention it, but then again many health professional advocate making formula milk up incorrectly.

smartie12

feelinggood wrote: »

Having read through a few things, it seems it was a recommendation the European Food Safety Authority made a few years back, that ready-to-feed formula is used for babies under 4 weeks old, and that powdered formula is made up correctly (most people don't follow the instructions fully) because of Salmonella and Enterobacter sakazakii.

How stupid!!

There was no such thing as ready made formula when I had DS and he (as well as every other baby I knew) survived me making powdered formula. I'm sure food safety agencies, governments etc get bored and get desperate to think of the next scare story.

Back to what the OP asked... I would say SMA but each baby is different. If for whatever reason BF doesn't happen (and don't feel guilty) I would just try one brand and see how it goes.

Glamazon

OP - It will depend on bubs.
My Jack was on C&G but I changed him to the Aptamil comofrt as he was grunting alot in his sleep. It helped alot and after being on hungry baby for about 8 weeks he's back on the Comfort milk.

You might want to try a few of the RTU cartons before you commit to buying a full tin just to see what bubs likes and what nappies are like.

Like Feelie said, try to get as much BF Support as you can if you find you are struggling. You should have a local Booby Club (BF Support at a local Surestart) and all MW and HV's are BF trained.

feelinggood_2

smartie12 wrote: »

How stupid!!

There was no such thing as ready made formula when I had DS and he (as well as every other baby I knew) survived me making powdered formula. I'm sure food safety agencies, governments etc get bored and get desperate to think of the next scare story.

Agencies recommend the optimum course of action, and it is up to each parent to decode if they want to follow the guidance or not. I don't think it is stupid. The risk might be small but the risk is still a risk. I don't think sharing information is ever stupid.

Glamazon wrote: »

Like Feelie said, try to get as much BF Support as you can if you find you are struggling. You should have a local Booby Club (BF Support at a local Surestart) and all MW and HV's are BF trained.

About midwives and health visitors - they are often woefully under trained and I'd never use them for breastfeeding support.

A booby club is a fab idea though, women who've seen other women breastfeed are much more likely to succeed with breastfeeding.

cazscoob

i was reccomended to use Aptimal as it was easier on the stomach and easier for baby to digest? not sure if this is true but i know a few people who had constipation problems with SMA.

Fitzio

I think all of the milks are similar and no-one can say any of them are better or worse for you to try. Occasionally, one may not agree with a couple of babies, but it’s fine for the other millions of people using it so you can’t really judge by other peoples’ experiences. I use Aptimil as the marketing blurb says it’s closest to breastmilk. Other people have picked C&G because they like the free cow when they sign up to their website and they can keep with the same brand for jars etc when weaning. Others use SMA because their mums used it and it’s more widely available in garages etc. if you were to run out one night. Everyone has a reason, but they are all as valid as the next one. Good luck with the breast feeding, and definitely give it a chance and get lots of support if it’s what you want. But don’t worry if you switch to formula – it’s not the end of the world!