Choosing the Best Formula for Your Baby

Choosing how to feed the baby is one of the hardest choices for moms to make. There are so many choices out there and if you choose not to breastfeed, you need to choose the formula that is best for you and your baby.
All formulas in the United States market are FDA approved and there are guidelines that each manufacturermust follow when manufacturing baby formulas. They must contain certain ingredients, though the exact mixtures may vary.
Below is a comparison of the three top name brand baby formulas and the two top store brand baby formulas.

Brand #1. Enfamil.
Enfamil is the brand that is the most often whose samples are distributed in hospitals and doctor's offices in my area of the country. It is a favorite because it has a light texture that does not clog in bottles when shaken. Coupons, special offers, and free samples can be received by signing up for their online club. Enfamil is also a favorite because of its new "Triple Health Guard" formula that is supposed to help in the areas of brain and eye development with the ARA and DHA, immunity, and growth and development. It is available in a variety of mixtures such as soy for milk allergies and nutramagin for delicate digestive systems. You can purchase it in powder form, and concentrate in large cans as well as single serve ready-to-use bottles. Prices for normal digestive system powdered formula range from $23.00 to $27.00 for a 24 ounce can. You can buy it in most grocery, drug, or warehouse stores or have it shipped directly to you.

Brand #2. Similac
Similac is also a favorite brand whose samples are handed out at many hospitals and doctor's offices around the United States. Its texture is a little stickier and does need to be shaken a little more than the Enfamil as it clumps up easier. This company also offers coupons, special offers, and free samples by signing up for their online club. It is a favorite brand because its makers claim that it is the closest formula to breast milk and it is the only brand with the "Advanced Earlyshield" mixture of prebiotics and antioxidants to support the development of a healthy digestive system. It comes in several mixtures for varying feeding needs such as soy, organic, and sensitive. It also comes in new easy to pour packages and is kosher. It can be purchased in liquid ready to serve cartons or in powdered form. Prices vary, but the 24 ounce can of powdered formula is usually between $23.00 and $27.00 a can.

Brand #3. Nestle Good Start
Nestle Good Start compares to the other brands in that it has the DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development, but what makes it different is that it is the "only brand made with 100% whey Comfort Proteins" which are made with your baby's comfort in mind and helps the baby's developing digestive tract. This brand is not given out as samples from hospitals and doctor's offices as often, but free samples and special offers can be received by joining their online club . They also offer various mixtures for various feeding needs such as Gentle, Soy, and Nourish. It can be found at most retailers and the prices range from $22.00 to $27.00 for the 24 ounce can of powdered formula.

Brand #4. Parents' Choice by Wal-Mart
This is a great brand for the penny pinching mom. It is usually priced around $13.00 for the 24 ounce can of powdered formula. For those who are concerned about store brands versus name brands, there is no reason to be. This has all the essential ingredients that are required by the FDA and compares to Similac in texture and ingredients, just a little less expensive. It can be found in several different mixtures as well, such as soy, immune support with iron, and rice added. Single serve samples can be ordered in several different mixtures. It can be found in powdered form as well as liquid ready to serve bottles.

Finally, Brand #4. Target or Up and Up
Target brand has recently switched their store brand name to Up and Up and I am not sure of any changes to the product. This was a personal favorite of mine with my youngest baby as it is between the texture of Similac and Enfamil; therefore, it mixed really well when shaken and did not cause any problems with digestion. Just as with the brand names it meets all the FDA ingredient requirements and has the DHA and ARA for healthy eye and brain development. As with the Parents' Choice it is easier on the wallet at around $13.00 for a 24 ounce can of powdered formula and can be found in both ready to serve concentrate and powdered form as well as several different mixtures for the differing feeding needs of babies.

Which brand you use is essentially up to you as a parent and what works best for your family, baby, and budget.