Formula Feeding Thread!!

[cr8zyforaf]

DD is also on the Gentlease after many switches. She was extremely gassy and according to my doctor, this is the most broken down formula out there (our next step was prescription formula). The gentlease helped a lot - the mylecon drops never worked for us - I ended up using Gripe Water (found at a nutrition store or online) and that help tremendously.

We also tried soy for one weekend and it was horrible. At first, she seemed much better but by evening, she was screaming in pain - she was extremely constipated. The doctor said that some babies have a much harder time with soy.

I also found it was very helpful to burp DD constantly while she was feeding (she gulps so much air when she eats - no matter what kind of bottle we used) - I was burping every 2-3 ounces and I found that I could get a really good burp if I rubbed her left side - almost like I was trying to push a bubble out of wallpaper that I just hung (that is the description the book used) - patting her usually made her puke (she also had reflux).

I’ve also supplemented with watered down pear juice to help with the constipation. I give her about two ounces of water/juice a day spread out between feedings. If I don’t, she gets constipated.

[Surftraitor]

here's a cross post from LJ. Looking for advice...

Poop. Its my life. Its my husbands life. Life sucks.

Last Tuesday our ped recommended soy formula for DS due to his constant vomitting (which began to smell like stomach acid instead of spitup). At first, soy seemed to be the answer. He rarely spit up. No gas, no fussiness. Nada. He went a couple of days without pooping, which is fairly normal. On Friday, he pooped but it was solid. Like a people turd. He cried and cried trying to get it out. The ped said this was common and recommended slightly diluting formula and giving him some diluted juice. This went on all weekend. Juice didn't seem to help, he just seemed to go more often. On Sunday we bought another brand of soy to see if that was the problem. No luck. He pooped 6 times. All hard stool which he cried getting out.

On Monday I called ped again. He recommended diluting the juice less and said to switch to Good Start (non-soy, apparently most like BM) if no improvement after a week. Another week? I told DH that if we didn't see improvement by Friday, I'm making the switch. I don't want my kid suffering thru another weekend. If the Good Start doesn't work, then we go to Nutrimigen (aka Gucci formula). Ack. I'm still looking for my kid's instruction manual. Did it get lost inside me on his way out?

Anyone else have similar experience? If so, what did your ped recommend?I really hate giving him so much juice. Right now I'm giving him pear juice 2x daily (2 oz. juice, 1 oz water).

[DianeCourt]

surftraitor: Good luck! We've been on Good Start since the beginning & really like it.

[Nikkid]

I've been putting dark karo syrup in his bottles and that did the trick for us. Good luck!

[cr8zyforaf]

Surftraitor - I never had the vomiting issue but we went through the EXACT same thing with DD...switching to soy was the WORST thing I did for her. It made her so constipated that even juice wasn't helping. We started out on Symilac with Iron which made her constipated, then switched to soy which was horrible - she did the same thing - pooped a big rock sized turd and screamed for 30 minutes trying to get it out.

Now, each baby is different but I would suggest taking DC off the soy immediately (pedi said that is much harder to digest for some babies, mine being one) and try either the Gentlease - doctor said that is the most broken down formula out there before the 'gucci' formula or Good Start – the one your doctor recommended.

Also, have you brought up the possibility of reflux with the doctor - I mention this because you said the puke smells like acid? A mom in my daycare DD had horrible reflux and it sounds (the vomiting part) the same as what you described. I would bring this up with your doctor - the mom said once she was put on reflux medicine, she was like a different baby. Did the vomiting start with the soy switch?

DD has gotten two ounces of pear juice since she was about 6-8 weeks - I just recently stopped at 5 months now that she is starting fruits and veggies. It helped so much with the constipation.

[newmommy]

My DS went from Similac w/Iron(screamed every night for one week)---terrible gas. Then to Soy----he had a horrible reaction, screamed, gassy, vomitted and turned red...then to Nestle's Good Start---a God send!!!!

I highly, highly recommend it to everyone, DS is thriving--gained 2lbs and grew two inches in his first month of life :D

[ktdelsur]

I don't have experience with this but a friend of mine w/ 3 children swears by the Karo syrup. She uses Good Start also.

Quick question...since no one answered it before. hehe

Did any of you notice a change/disruption in your DC's eating habits when you started daycare? We're on week 2 and he's going longer between bottles (which isn't bad), taking about an ounce less, and sometimes taking WAY less at lunchtime then not eating again for about 4 hours (about the time we get home).

[amtaylor]

I can't help with the daycare question since Mackenzie hasn't started daycare yet. She starts on Monday, so I'm very interested to hear the answer :)

[Surftraitor]

Thanks to everyone responding to my pleas for help.
cr8zyforaf--We tried Gentlease right before soy. He seemed okay for the first few days and then whamo! we got the acidy vomit. At the same time he was just starting daycare, so perhaps I jumped the gun in taking him off of it so quickly. I did talk to the dr. about reflux, but he doesn't think DS is suffering from it as he isn't crying/uncomfortable (except when he has solid poops).

Chicken and other Good Start mommies--which type do you use? I was comparing the orange label and purple lable. Both say "supreme" (whatever that means). Orange is DHA/ARA, so I bought that. Since DS is having issues, should I have purchased the other one?

[2002BeachBride]

Hi Ladies!

Hope you can answer this for me:

How soon after you feed DC formula do you expect a reaction? My DD is BF but had some formula with her outmeal for lunch yesterday - she sreamed last night and once during the night...could the formula have been the culprit so many hours later?

Thanks:)

[Marisa]

Actually, it could be a food reaction anytime within 48 hours, though 24 hours is more common.

Was it the first time she had formula? Was it the first time she had oatmeal? (Oatmeal can actually be aggravating to some babies as well.)

[newmommy]

Surftraitor-
I got the orange label, for the very same reason you did! No problems at all...DS has been on it for a few weeks now : )

HTH :)

[DianeCourt]

Chicken and other Good Start mommies--which type do you use? I was comparing the orange label and purple lable. Both say "supreme" (whatever that means).

I think the only difference between the purple & orange label is that orange contains DHA/ARA. It's a very BIG difference! The purple doesn't have it. I don't think the "Supreme" means anything - it's just part of the brand name. I would definitely go with the orange label!

[kimthebride]

Chicken and other Good Start mommies--which type do you use? I was comparing the orange label and purple lable. Both say "supreme" (whatever that means). Orange is DHA/ARA, so I bought that.
We buy the Supreme with DHA/ARA per my Ped. My son is transitioning from being BFd to being FFd, and took to it with zero issues! I know so many moms who use this, even though they got Simila & Enfamil free...their babies had problems with those, and GS saved the day. ;) So I gave away all the free stuff I had and went straight to GS.

[jo&sean]

I thought I would pass this info along in case not everyone heard...

EVANSVILLE, Ind. February 21, 2006) - In keeping with our commitment to provide safe and healthy nutritional products, Mead Johnson Nutritionals is initiating a voluntary recall of one batch of Gentlease™ powder infant formula in 24 ounce cans, batch number BMJ19. This action is being taken because a portion of the batch was found to contain metal particles.

In the rare instance that an infant were to aspirate the infant formula into the lungs, some of these particles, if present, could present a serious risk to the baby's respiratory system. There is also the small risk that these particles could damage the baby's throat. Mead Johnson is not aware of any infants who have had any of these problems as a result of being fed infant formula from this batch. Any injuries associated with this problem would likely manifest themselves within 3 to 4 hours. If you have any concerns about your baby's health you should consult your baby's health professional.

The batch code is located on the bottom of the can. No other Gentlease™ batch or infant
formula from Mead Johnson Nutritionals is affected by this action. Consumers who have a can of Gentlease™ with this batch number should discontinue using the product from the can and call Mead Johnson toll free at 888-587-7275. Consumers are asked not to return the product to their retailer.

[cr8zyforaf]

Oh, jo&sean - thank you so much for this information...off to check my cans now.

[cr8zyforaf]

Thank you so much for posting this - I have two cans from this batch - one half used....I just got off of the phone with Mead Johnson and am waiting to hear from my peditrician. They assure me that so far, there have been no injuries and that if she were going to get sick, she would have done so in 3-4 hours of injesting the formula. I am sick over this - we've been feeding her from this can for 3 days....

And to top it off - the lady acted annoyed because I didn't have box to put the formula in for Fed Ex to pick it up and I wasn't going to be home (I work in a secured facility and cannot have Fed Ex showing up to pick up a package). I have to get a box and take the formula to my mom's house for Fed Ex to pick up.

Where did you get this e-mail? I am a member of their club and I haven't gotten anything.

[AndreaMMS]

I am SO PISSED at Enfamil!!!! I recieved the recall email, but only because I had specifically asked them a question about Gentlease when N. was a few weeks old.

I just sent them an email:

Thank you for the email. Thankfully, I am not using the Gentlease anymore (I'm using the regular LIPIL).

However, I have several friends who are using the Genltease - and are members of the Enfamil "family beginnings" program- and apparently they had not received an email! I am EXTREMELY upset that they had to find out about the recall from ME. And yes, one of them was using the contaminated batch! WHY DID THEY HAVE TO FIND OUT FROM ME ???????? I am very disdurbed by this. Why doesn't Enfamil email ALL the parents you have information on when there is a recall????? I would have assumed that would have been the case, and that that was a perk for signing up with Enfamil online.

To be honest, I am now worried that if there was ever a recall of the LIPIL, I would have to hope to have good luck in having someone tell me about it, even though I too am a member of the "family beginnings" program.

I am angry that Mead Johnson wouldn't make the effort to contact all customers they have information on in the case of a recall. I am considering switching formulas to a company that has a better recall-infromation policy.

Sincerely,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How dare they not contact everyone they have info on!

We trust these companies with out babies lives!

[LexyLou]

Hey everyone. Since there is no front member page it's hard to search through the thread to see what formula everyone is using. I'm just curious. DD is 5.5 months and I'm starting to wean her to formula but she's super sensitive and I had to cut out dairy from my diet for the first 4 months, etc.. I'm going to try Gentlease again (I tried it for a couple of days) but it seemed to make her realyl gassy and uncomfortable so I was curious what everyone else is using.

Could you all just post what formula you use so I can make a list?

[DianeCourt]

Could you all just post what formula you use so I can make a list?

Lily's been on Nestle Good Start Supreme DHA/ARA since 3 weeks with no issues.

[JRPAGV]

Nathan is on ready-to-feed Enfamil Lipil w/ Iron. He used to be on the powder form, but this seems to agree with him even better. We tried GoodStart Supreme DHA/ARA, but it madehis diapers a less desirable color (went from yellow to green). :D It didn't seem to improve his gas or anything either. We also tried Similac Advanced w/ Iron, but it gave him brown, liquidy stools.

[dragonfly_71]

We use Similac Advance w Iron

[ktdelsur]

Right now we're on the Target-brand Soy Formula (been having stomach issues that keep coming back every time we try to transition back to Enfamil LIPIL w/ Iron ever since he had a stomach virus)...same stuff as Similac Isomil but $11.99 instead of $22.99!

[sem426]

we started on enfamil w/iron and DD was very gassy and constipated. we are now using sam's club brand w/iron and she is doing great. no more problems. and it doesn't hurt that the cans are alot cheaper than enfamil!

[cartersmommy]

Carter is on Isomil Advance Soy, and has done really well. Just for reference we started him on Similac with Iron and he was gassy and fussy so we switched hiim and he was like a different baby.

[DanaLynn]

Emma takes Enfamil w/iron.
I have two cans of similac w/soy up for grabs. PM me if you are interested.

[amtaylor]

We use Parent's Choice brand (Wal-Mart). It's the same as similac advanced, but half the price :)

[1_mommy]

we use enfamil gentlease
tried prosobe at first...kai hated it. we also have problems with kais sensetive tummy (dairy mostly)
havn't had any problems with the gentlease

[Jillians Mom]

Jillian is now on Nutramigen. She was on enfamil, then isomil, then gentlease now nutramigen. she was gassy and fussy with all of the other ones. The nutramigen is expensive but for a happy baby its well worth it.

[PilotsWife]

Aidan and Ryan are on ready-to-feed Similac Advanced with Iron.

[jo&sean]

Addy has been on Gentlease since 3 (or 4?) weeks. She was gassy the first couple of weeks but leveled out and has done well on it since. Hope you find something that works for you guys.

[Nikkid]

We also use the Parents Choice brand and love the price. All my kids were constipated in the beginning but after using dark karo syrup for a little while they got over it.

[LexyLou]

Ok, so I'm transitioning DD from BM to formula using Gentlease and have noticed a couple of things:

1) She poops EVERY time she gets a bottle with more than 3 oz of the Gentlease...they aren't runny or anything, but is this normal? I feel like we are back at the newborn stage of breastfeeding. Does this decrease once their bodies get used to it?

2) I cannot get it to completely dissolve. There are always some lumps. I try shaking (even though the Dr. Brown's bottle says not to), I stir to no end and still there is lumps! What's up with that?

3) It tastes pretty gross. I tried it and yuck! Is the regular enfamil better tasting? DD doesn't make faces when she takes it but she always pushes it out by 4 oz and I can't get her to take more. When I give her bottles of EBM she takes 6 oz easily...so obviously she's not loving the taste...I know there is nothing I can do about this, just complaining.

I know she's not constipated and she's not anymore gassy than before but she is a little more fussy. How do you know if a formula isn't the right one?

I'm thinking I might just try the regular enfamil and see how she does and if it doesn't work go back to the Gentlease...

[ktdelsur]

We didn't have to "transition" too much but hopefully this will help you:

She poops EVERY time she gets a bottle with more than 3 oz of the Gentlease...they aren't runny or anything, but is this normal? I feel like we are back at the newborn stage of breastfeeding. Does this decrease once their bodies get used to it?


When DS first got formula at 2 weeks old (long story)...he cried, had gas and lots of poops for a day or two but was fine and dandy after that. Someone who has done more of a transition might be able to help but I would think it would decrease very soon once she is used to it.

I cannot get it to completely dissolve. There are always some lumps. I try shaking (even though the Dr. Brown's bottle says not to), I stir to no end and still there is lumps! What's up with that?


I use Avent bottles, but I know a lot of folks that love the Dr. Browns. Just make sure the water is as warm as possible when you put in the powder - that helps it dissolve more in my experience. We loved the consistency of Enfamil over Similac - if it makes sense, Enfamil is more like a fine sand and Similac was more lumpy like flour. Unfortunately after having the rotovirus, DS isn't crazy about Enfamil anymore (we were on soy for two weeks to get his system back to normal but it made him constipated after awhile) so we're now on Carnation Good Start Supreme and doing very well *crossing fingers*.

It tastes pretty gross. I tried it and yuck! Is the regular enfamil better tasting? DD doesn't make faces when she takes it but she always pushes it out by 4 oz and I can't get her to take more. When I give her bottles of EBM she takes 6 oz easily...so obviously she's not loving the taste...I know there is nothing I can do about this, just complaining.

You're a braver woman than I to try the stuff. The smell alone when they burp is bad enough. Yuck. The only thing I can think of here is that formula is a bit thicker and maybe she's full after 4 right now - once she gets used to it maybe she'll take more (folks, anybody step in here and correct me...)

[dragonfly_71]

We tried Gentlease at some point and DS was constipated the whole time. We had tried the Gentlease because with the regular Enfamil DS was really gassy and spit up a lot. Well with the Gentlease he still spit up, he was still gassy and now he was also constipated. We also tried Nestle Goodstart and with that his whole bottle would come right back out after a feeding as projectile vomit. So that was no good either. We finally tried Similac Advance and he did great with that and still does.
As far as the lumps are concerned I also use the Dr. Browns bottles so I don't shake his formula but I still boil the water so I always make his fomula in a pitcher with the boiling water. That way I never get any lumps. Then I fill it in the Dr. Browns bottles and keep them in the fridge.

[ktdelsur]

LexyLou:
Just curious...but why are you transitioning with Gentlease and not "regular" formula?

[AndreaMMS]

It tastes pretty gross. I tried it and yuck! Is the regular enfamil better tasting?

Naomi was on the Gentlease for a while, and is now back on the regular Enfaml. To me, they both tasted exactly the same.

[LexyLou]

ktdelsur-Well, I think DD has a little bit of a dairy intolerance. I was allergic to dairy as a child and so was DH. He was able to use soy formula but I was even more allergic to soy than milk so I want to avoid the soy...DD was really colicky as a newborn and although I don't know for sure if it was the milk, I cut it out of my diet....

I guess I'm just nervous to put her on regular formula with fear that she will not handle it well at all but I might just try to regular enfamil and see how that goes and if it's bad I'll put her on the Gentlease.

I was mixing her morning cereal with prune juice on the day I started the transition. She's now on to one full bottle of formula and one bottle with 2-3 oz of formula. I didn't give her prune juice yesterday (but I did give her pears) and she didn't poop yesterday and today she strained and strained and had a hard turd. I felt badly for her. I don't know if it will be better on regular enfamil or if this is just how it goes when you transition to formula....

FTR-She's not gassy....just constipated, and cranky.

[LexyLou]

Naomi was on the Gentlease for a while, and is now back on the regular Enfaml. To me, they both tasted exactly the same.

That's good to know. I was going to do a taste test myself but haven't gotten around to it.

[LexyLou]

Ok, so Ella has been getting supplemented with the Gentlease for 7 days now. It started with 2 oz on Monday and today she was up to 9 oz.

I've been mixing her oatmeal cereal in the morning with prune juice just to help keep her motor running. Mon-Thur there were no issues...she was actually pooping everytime she got the bottle and she didn't seem to be in pain or anything. Friday she started to get a little cranky but still not gassy or anything and she even pooped twice.

Saturday she didn't poop at all and was a total crank pot but still no gas or looks of pain.

Today she pooped twice but had to push and strain so hard that her whole face turned red and she got tears in her eyes and spit up while pushing. Both times she pooped it was one solid rock hard lump...this sounds like classic constipation to me.

What worried me even more is that there was blood in the last poop....does this mean she's having an issue with the dairy?

I don't know what to do...do I keep giving it to her with the prune juice or do I stop the formula? Is this normal? I mean, if she can't handle 9 oz of Gentlease how will she handle 30 oz a day of regular formula...ugg, I just feel so badly for her.

Any suggestions?

[gmooter]

LexyLou Hi there! Sorry you are having so many issues with Ella. I agree with you that it sounds like she is constipated. Usually if it's a reaction to dairy, the stools are runny with the blood. I bet if her bowel movement was hard as a rock, she just tore some tissue on the way out and that's why there was blood. As for keeping her stools softer, I know people have had really good luck adding some dark karo syrup to each bottle. I'm not sure how much but I bet you could find it on these boards somewhere.

Also, I had to quit BF'ing early on because if issues with my DD. My DH is lactose intolerant so they thought she might be too (although it's very rare). So, we switched her to lactose free formula and she was a different baby within 24 hours of switching. So, that might be another formula you could try if you think Ella has dairy issues. Hope that helps!

[junkinmytrunk]

Jillian is now on Nutramigen. She was on enfamil, then isomil, then gentlease now nutramigen. she was gassy and fussy with all of the other ones. The nutramigen is expensive but for a happy baby its well worth it.


ditto for pierson. my BM gives him wicked gas and i was so careful w/diet.

[lil_nance]

Hi, I'm another one doing the BF to FF transition. I hope to wean completely to formula by his birthday. We want to start TTC #2 and it's safer for me to not be BF & preg. Currently I'm giving DS 1 or 2 4oz. bottles of formula per day along with BFing 3-4times. We're using Similac Advance which is what we had from the hospital. Seems to be fine with it so far. Should he be getting larger bottles? He's 8.5mo. and about 20lb. I look forward to following along and getting support.

[jo&sean]

Hi Ladies,

I don't have time to read all the way through but have a question about soy formula. Are any of your babies on soy? If so, what made you choose soy? Basically, DD's main teacher strongly recommended trying soy because nothing else seems to be helping her with some issues she is dealing with. Mainly, she has been having allergy symptoms and she has been arching her back a lot after eating. Her teacher says that her tummy just seems really upset and hard after she eats at school; however, I have not noticed that at home but after thinking about it, she always wants to be in her excersaucer or have one of us hold her so she can stand up after she eats. She eats with no problems or fussiness at night though.

So if you chose to go on soy, what were your reasons? I am not against it and I guess it wouldn't hurt to to try it but I want to make sure I am making as an informed decision as I possibly can. I will do some research on my own too.

TIA!!

[newmommy]

Question for you girls:

Has anyone's DC ever get gas from a bigger nipple size? DS will be three months old tomorrow--and I've just recently tried level 2 Dr. Brown nipples...and for the past two nights he has had gas and hasn't STTN as he had for the past two weeks...wondering if it could be the change in nipple??


TIA

[gmooter]

Chicken, I do think that changing nipples size can give them more gas at first. Until they get used to the new flow, they swallow more air. My DD got used to it after a few days!

[newmommy]

Thanks! I'm glad to know that could be the reason for his gas pain! Thanks again!

[newmommy]

do you all sterilize your DC's water for formula?

[cartersmommy]

oh girl, there's not enough time in the day for that! :p
no, i just use normal tap water :)

[newmommy]

heeeheeee
thanks :D

[amtaylor]

sterilize!? What's that? ;)

[ajlanden]

I know I could look back in this thread and find where everyone mentions it, but what kind of formula does everyone use? We used Similac Advanced with DD. I am thinking of going with something "ahem" cheaper with #2 when we wean. I want to get some ideas of what to try!!

chicken-We used tap water too. :D

[amtaylor]

We use Parent's Choice (Wal-Mart brand) and it costs me $11.88/can. Definitely much cheaper and we've never had a single issue :)

[cartersmommy]

We use Target's generic of Similac, but the soy based. we started out on isomil. DS has had no problems with either one.

[Nikkid]

We buy the nursery water at Wal-Mart that also has fluoride in it. For formula we also buy the Parents Choice Wal-Mart brand but ours is $12.88 a can. Still pretty darn cheap though and we also have not had any problems.

[jki]

We use Kirkland - our pediatrician recommended it.

It's $19.79 for two 1 lb., 9 oz. cans.

[bunny nose]

oh girl, there's not enough time in the day for that!
no, i just use normal tap water


sterilize!? What's that?


Ok- so you guy are telling me that you use water straight out of the tap? I was doing that but felt horrible, so now I boil water every morning and leave it in bottles to cool for when I need them. I can make my life a little easier by just using out of the tap?!?!?

[njnewyearsbride]

ped told us to boil the water for the 1st 3 months.. now we just use filtered water from the fridge.

we use similac advance with iron

[cartersmommy]

oh yea, just out of the tap. i haven't ever boiled his water. he's had tap water since he was 5 weeks old! :)

[chefker]

We have well water, so I use bottled for mixing formula.

Not that our water isn't safe--we had it tested for potability--but I'm just paranoid. :) I'll drink it from the tap myself, and I've never had a problem!

[amtaylor]

Yep... we used water straight from the tap when she started on formula at week 3. We had county water then. Now we have well water controlled by the state, so we use bottled water. I've heard horror stories of drinking bleach water, so I don't risk it... but that's just because we live in state park housing

[ajlanden]

Straight from the tap here too!

Yay, it makes me happy that so many people use store brands with no issues. Do they have iron in them?

[amtaylor]

The Wal-Mart brand has iron plus the DHA & ARA. It's very similar to both Enfamil DHA/ARA and Similac Advanced

[newmommy]

DS will be four months in two weeks, and the other day he needed 10oz...now that usually doesn't happen ...usually it's up to 6 sometimes 8.....now I want to wait until he's four months to give him cereal, but do you think he might be ready now??? He is eating at least 6oz every three hours! I'm wondering if he needs more to satisfy him...the Dr. is supposed to call back today-still waiting for his call :rolleyes:


Also, my family is riddled with food allergies, so am I crazy to even contemplate this???

[cartersmommy]

i don't think you're crazy, but i would be cautious in starting the cereal before 6 months. he may just be going through a big growth spurt and needing more food right now, but it very well may slow down in a few days or so. i would give it a little bit longer and then see if he's still doing it. esp. if you have food allergies in your family, i would be really cautious.

[sem426]

we used bottled water. never boiled.
we use Sam's Club formula w/iron. it's basically the same as enfamil and haven't had any problems.

[ktdelsur]

He is eating at least 6oz every three hours! I'm wondering if he needs more to satisfy him.

DS takes about 6 oz every 3 hours here and he'll be 5 months in two weeks. Maybe once a week he'll demand more until he's had about 9, but that's it. I don't think you have to hurry to start solids. I think my pede said unless he's taking more than 40 oz of formula in a day, he's cool without solids for now.

[newmommy]

thanks!

[newmommy]

Pedi just called me back, and he said he thinks DS is probably needeing a few extra calories(he woke up every three hours last night)......Now I'm really feeling confused.......DS seems to be very interested in our food lately....how do I know if he's/I'm ready;) ??

[cartersmommy]

have you tried giving him a little more in his bottle? maybe another ounce? i honestly think it's a growth spurt, but he could be ready.... it just seems really early to me. but that's just my opinion, everyone has their own. you just have to do what your gut tells you. he will be just fine whatever you decide to do :)

[allyray231]

DS ia 10.5 months old and was still at 30 oucnes a day. Now that he is eating a lot more food he is down to about 20-24. Is that OK?

[newmommy]

So I did go with my gut, and mixed two ounces of formula with 1tblspn cereal, and he LOVED it :eek: I was shocked!

At first he kept smiling and laughing/kicking, then became frustrated so I gave him his bottle-----then I alternated the cereal with his bottle, and finished off with the cereal. He burped, then looked so drowsy---I put him in his crib, and he went out like a light. For some reason I feel like he needed something thicker in his belly--we'll see how he feels when he wakes up!

Thanks again!

[cartersmommy]

chicken-- awesome! so it's not too early! i'm glad he liked it and you sound so much more relieved.... i totally understand how stressful it can be in deciding what's right for your baby! good luck with the cereal! it can't hurt him at this point, i don't think, so just have fun!! :)

[dragonfly_71]

Amanda: are you using the regular Target brand Soy version? Is that a generic version of Similac? We are using Similac Advance but I would like to switch to generic but I haven't figured out which generic to try.

[cartersmommy]

We are using the Soy version. HTH!

[ajb524]

I have several $5.00 off similac coupon checks. PM me if you are interested.

[karlatta]

Question - I am formula feeding my one week old daughter. She was born nearly 5 weeks early and is TINY. Did anyone have good luck with a particular bottle/nipple with a preemie? I'm using Avent with her right now, and they seem to be a little big for her. They're much bigger than the binky the hospital sent home with her (a Wee Soothie) and I think she's having a hard time adjusting.

Thanks!

[ajb524]

Karla-My son was a preemie as well and we used the Gerber Preemie bottles. I found them at Target. They only hold 2 1/2 ounces and have a smaller nipple on it. It wasn't long though until he outgrew it and then I started using Dr. Brown's bottles for Gas issues. He did fine with those and we started using them when he was about 3 1/2 weeks old.

P.S.- I did a quick search and drugstore.com has the preemie bottles, but you might want to check target b/c they were only $2.99 for a 3 pack there and drugstore.com wants $7.49

http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/149902/300.jpg

[bunny nose]

I boil my water before giving to DS. I know some have said they just use straight from the tap, but since I've been doing it and we had issues with formula, and gas and other stuff, I don't want to change now that things are good.

Anyway- is it ok to just let the water cool to room temp then make bottles as needed? I've been putting it in the fridge and warming it when I make the bottle.

Thanks for your input!

Karen

[Nikkid]

We buy the baby water at Wal-Mart and just leave it out on the counter and make his bottles with it. I've never warmed a bottle for him, I was told in the hospital he could have it at room temp. With my first son I did the same as you because they didn't have nursery water then. I just boiled the water, let it cool down and then put it in a containter and left it at room temp. Then I made his bottles as we needed them.

[amtaylor]

We give our bottles at room temp as well. I don't think we've ever warmed a bottle. She will even take them straight from the fridge!

[bunny nose]

Thanks- you have just saved me a lot of time :)

Karen

[dandelionbeautiful]

We give our bottles at room temp as well. I don't think we've ever warmed a bottle. She will even take them straight from the fridge!

same here. i didn't want to have to worry about trying to warm up a bottle if we were out and about and DD needed to eat so we've done room temp. bottles with bottled nursery water from the beginning.

[heidi0622]

I have a number of $5 Similac checks, PM me if you're interested in them.

[Tiger]

For those who use room temp water and make bottles as you need them...how do you get the formula to mix up completely and not get a lot of bubbles in the bottle? I have tried doing this and I always end up with globs of formula that don't mix up completely and tons of bubbles in the bottle.

[amtaylor]

I've used room temp the entire time and I haven't had that problem. Maybe it's the brand? We use Parent's Choice (Wal-Mart)

[karlatta]

I use room temp water (not special nursery water, but just regular bottled water), and I don't get too many clumps. I use a kind of swirling motion to mix the water with the formula.

Maybe it's the formula? I am finding more clumps with the formula I'm using now (Similac NeoSure) than with the formula I used to use (Enfamil EnfaCare).

[tray622]

We use room temp water too and dont have problems with the clumps. We use Good Start (purple can). I do know when we tries Gentlease and Nutramigen, we had to stir it up first and then shake since it was clumpier.

[gmooter]

I know the perfect trick for the bubbles! Mix the bottle and then put a drop or 2 of gas drops (Mylicon or Costco has generic ones for like $3) in the bottle. The bubbles dissolve in seconds!! This was the best trick I ever discovered!

[gmooter]

I have a $10.00 coupon for Enfamil. If you're interested, PM me!

[tray622]

I know the perfect trick for the bubbles! Mix the bottle and then put a drop or 2 of gas drops (Mylicon or Costco has generic ones for like $3) in the bottle. The bubbles dissolve in seconds!! This was the best trick I ever discovered!

Good idea! I forgot about this one!! I have heard this from numerous people.

[Tiger]

Thanks everyone.

I think the reason I was getting clumbs was because I just wasn't shaking it enough because I was worried about all of the bubbles. The mylicon is a great idea though!

[jrsygirl]

Hey everyone..hope you can help out with some advice...
My twins are on their third formula and still have horrible gas. They have also started spitting up more than usual. Sometimes its what I would consider "normal" but other times it seems the rgurgitate their entire bottle.

The pediatrician has made a few suggestions none which seem to help much and in my gut i still feel like the formula is the issue.

Right now we are Enfamil Gentleease which I also dislike because it doesn't come in premixed. We were on the Enfamil Lipl which was even worse for their gas and originally on Similac Advance.

Anyone else go through this? I thought Gentleease would solve the problem and while its better than the previous two its still not making my babies happy (although it doesn't slow down their eating!)

We use Mylicon frequently.
We use Mylanta in dire situations when they are screaming at the ped suggestion but he only wants us to do that when absolutely necessary.
They sit up during and after ever feeding for a while.
We burp after every ounce.
The ped. had us add some rice to the formula since the mixes are kind of watery and the thicker seems to stay down better (we didn't have the spitting up on the premade).
Their mattresses are elevated.


Thanks for any suggestions.

[ajb524]

Have you tried Gripe Water?

Here's a thread about it- http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=4890&highlight=gripe+water

I tried it with DS when he was a newborn and it works a lot better than mylicon

[jrsygirl]

Thanks! I definitely will try the gripe water.
The ped. also switched him to soy as a trial. Just curious if anyone knows how fast you should be able to see a difference..If after a few days its not working is it too soon to give up? Or should we give it a full two weeks?

[njnewyearsbride]

so a friend of mine is having some sleep issues with her 3 month old and told me that another friend suggested adding an extra scoop of formula to thicken it to help him sleep..

this sounds so wrong.. anyone know?

[jrsygirl]

I agree That sounds wrong. I would think that thats messing with the nutritional content of the mix and wont necessarily make them more full. Our ped has us adding a scoop of ricecereal which will thicken it and fil them up and add calories without oncreasing the volume. No matter how much we try and give them they seem to stop at 5oz and wake up hungry less than three hours later. The cereal has helped fill them up more with the same 5oz.

[jrsygirl]

question for thise of you using gripe water..
How regularly do you use it? I'm finding us using it preventatively in every bottle and wonder if its ok..or if we should just be using it when he has a gas attack. I skipped adding it to a bottle and he had a screaming fit last night.

We just finished trying the soy (Prosobee) which worked well but before I switch to him to soy FT I wanted to see if the Nestle would work for us since so many of you have had good luck with it. If it does I'd rather use that than a soy formula because there are so many negative health risk study articles of soy use. Whatever works for him we will ultimately switch her to as well (we have twins). Right now we're mixing two formulas and its a major PITA.

[cr8zyforaf]

I would say not to add an extra scoop of formula. Also, be careful with the cereal...I did this at 3.5 months and things went from bad to worse because she just couldn't digest the cereal. It works for some babies, but doesn't for others.

[Marisa]

DON'T add an extra scoop of formula without specific medical instructions! The recommended ratio of formula:water is designed to have the right balance of minerals that an infant's body will be able to process. Adding more formula than is stated on the can can give your baby an excess of these minerals and in some cases can be fatal.

[njnewyearsbride]

DON'T add an extra scoop of formula without specific medical instructions! The recommended ratio of formula:water is designed to have the right balance of minerals that an infant's body will be able to process. Adding more formula than is stated on the can can give your baby an excess of these minerals and in some cases can be fatal.

thanks marisa thats what i thought...
is there anywhere i can look for a specific article or something to show my friend?

[Marisa]

This article discusses increasing the caloric level of formula for preemies:

http://depts.washington.edu/growing/Nourish/Concform.htm

Specifically, it mentions that the main dangers in concentrating infant formula, the reason why it should be closely monitored by a physician and used in special circumstances only, are --

-- dehydration
-- renal solute load --> damage to immature kidneys
-- higher percentage of fat in each feed = dilution of protein and nutrient content

That's just one article I could find by googling... I'll see if I can come up with anything else.

Here's something from the "International Formula Council" (members are Mead, Nestle, etc.) -- regarding the addition of cereal to bottles (they say not to do it):

http://www.infantformula.org/faqs.html

[allyray231]

Why do people think thicker=better sleep and happier baby?? I don't get it!

[jrsygirl]

AllyOur ped recommended the rice cereal for two reasons: 1. That the consisitency of the powder is slightly thinner than ready mades (our formula doesn't come in ready made) and the rice at a very low ratio (she gets a half a teaspoon per five oz. )- it helped to thicken it and helped it stay down a little better for our daughter who was spitting up a lot. It has helped in that aspect.
For our son we added slightly more because he was waking up after only an hour starving after drinking a 5oz bottle, no matter how much more formula we gave him- we tried increasing his bottles to 6-7 oz. and no matter what he would stop at 5oz. (-probably because his little tummy could just not hold more) the cereal helped fill him up and added another hour to his feeding schedule which was helpful!

I totally agree with everyone else though that you should only do it at your pediatricians direction.

[allyray231]

jrsygril I totally get the spitting up-my son had that and it seems to help your son which is good. You are right though-it should come from a ped.

[Marisa]

I asked my mom (RN, IBCLC) for more info on the 'adding-extra-formula' danger, and she sent me this article from 2003 (it's a PDF file):

http://www.hst.org.za/uploads//files/infant_milk.pdf

The relevant info is on pages 14 and 15.

I was surprised to read about the one study where they asked mothers to scoop formula as they normally would at home -- and found that there was quite a difference between the weights of each scoop by the same mom. They said that in some cases the largest scoop had up to twice as much formula as the smallest scoop, when the mom was under the impression that they were all the same size.

[njnewyearsbride]

thanks

eta: makes sense about the amounts.. i know sometimes i noticed air pockets in the scoop... which would mean less powder than other times

[tray622]

I would definitely not add an extra scoop either for the same reasons listed above. For us, when we started solids her sleep actually got worse befpre better and we didnt start until a bit after 5 months. Trying to understand sleep and newborns just stinks all the way around :)

[AusMarchBride]

njnewyearsbride Get your friend to check the instructions on the formula can. On mine (Nutricia), it states the following: "Use only the enclosed scoop - Under or over dilution is dangerous"

There's also another large warning section on the cans I use that states in bold and capitals: "Follow instructions exactly. Using more or less powder than indicated will either lead to dehydration or deprive your baby of proper nutrition. DO NOT change proportions without medical advice."

So on my brand, it's pretty clearly indicated that adding an extra scoop is a very bad idea.

[bunny nose]

Just a question for those who add some cereal to the formula- Do you use a different type of nipple to feed the bottle? I tried it once and it seemed way tot hick to come out of the Dr Browns level one nipple. Should I use a bigger nipple or the Y cereal nipple for that bottle?

Thanks
KAren

[jrsygirl]

Karen The Ycut was to wide for us. Its for a really thick mixture I think. We used a #2 nipple and used a pin to widen it a bit. It took a few tries to get the right flow. Now we have two nipples that work and we just use those for every bottle and wash and swap in between. Depending on how thick you make the formula you may need to try a few options to find the right flow.

[ajb524]

We are using Enfamil A.R. for DS's spit up issues. It's a lot thicker than the regular enfamil. It's thickened with rice starch (not cereal) and we use Dr. Brown's bottles with level 2 or 3 nipples. I tried the Y cut, an can't tell much difference with them. I'm going to just save them for when he starts getting cereal mixed with his formula.

[jules1025]

sorry if this has been posted before... don't have time to read through the thread!

Is there a ratio of water to powder formula, say if you want to just make a 2 oz bottle or something??

[jules1025]

nevermind... I figured it out. :o Sorry... new to this whole FF thing. I've been EBF.

[bunny nose]

Karen The Ycut was to wide for us. Its for a really thick mixture I think. We used a #2 nipple and used a pin to widen it a bit. It took a few tries to get the right flow. Now we have two nipples that work and we just use those for every bottle and wash and swap in between. Depending on how thick you make the formula you may need to try a few options to find the right flow.

I guess we will have to try trial and error. I have a couple of level 3's. Maybe I will try that.

Thanks Karen

[amtaylor]

My daughter is 8 months today and has really declined in the amount of formula she'll take each day. For the past 3-4 days we are lucky to get 18-20 oz in her a day. She still eats the same amount of solids as before, so I know that's not the cause. Any ideas? Did you child do something similar?

Thanks!

[sarahncraig]

I read on page 5 to dispose of the formula after an hour if your DC drank out of it. Why is this? TIA.

[AusMarchBride]

sarahncraig The reason for discarding formula after one hour is anti-bacterial. Once a baby's saliva has come in contact with the milk, and especially if the milk is warm, it's a fabulous environment for bacteria to start growing. The amount of bacteria after an hour probably wouldn't do any harm to an adult, but as babies immune systems are not so well developed, there are risks for gastrointestinal bugs.

So the formula companies will tell you to discard it after an hour. The formula doesn't immediately turn bad after 61 minutes ;) but I guess they have to draw a line somewhere so they make it one hour. I know my DD has taken more than an hour to drink her bottle on a couple of occasions, and hasn't had any problems but I wouldn't let it get to 2 hours.

[sarahncraig]

Thank you so much, AusMarchBride! I really appreciate your response.

[allyray231]

AmberI know it does happen with kids but 8 months seems young to me to be taking in less. It might just be a phase. I would offer her as much as usual and see if she takes it. DS was still taking in about 25 ounces at that age. I think if you keep it at the high end (20 ounces) it might be ok.

Does she take a sippy cup? Maybe try to give her some more at meal times if you use one.

[amtaylor]

Thanks! She has a love/hate relationship with the sippy. It just depends on her mood. We have tried that once or twice. She's doing a little better and is getting closer to 20oz/day. Hopefully it is a phase and she'll get over it soon!

[Kopper]

I have a taker for the checks. Thanks! :)

I have (9) $5 Similac checks available to the first person who PMs me. We are supplementing with Enfamil so I can't use them. Oh, if this isn't the right place to post let me know and I will delete it.

[savannahgrl]

I was wondering if a few of you could answer some questions for me. I am currently pregnant and I am trying to prepare for the baby's arrival, but have some formula feeding questions. Bare with me, I am also a first time mom and I am clueless to all of this. ;)

1- When the baby is born (first few weeks) how many ounces do they/should they be eating in each feeding? How long until you begin feeding them more ounces?

2- How many bottles do you suggest buying before baby arrives and what sizes did you use/need the most?

3- How much formula did you buy before baby to be prepared for bringing baby home?

Thanks so much for any information!

[cartersmommy]

1[- When the baby is born (first few weeks) how many ounces do they/should they be eating in each feeding? How long until you begin feeding them more ounces?When DS was first born, we did both FF and BF, but he took about 2 oz. a time from a bottle. Then he worked up from there.

2- How many bottles do you suggest buying before baby arrives and what sizes did you use/need the most?I would buy at least 6 or so. We did a load of bottles every night before we went to bed, so that we had new ones for the next day. We also (if it was needed) would wash a bottle that was dirty out with a bottle brush if we had an extra feeding one day.

3- How much formula did you buy before baby to be prepared for bringing baby home?I actually had planned on BFing, so I wasn't prepared except for the samples I had gotten in the mail. I had one can of normal and one can of soy based formula.

HTH!!

[ajb524]

1- When the baby is born (first few weeks) how many ounces do they/should they be eating in each feeding? How long until you begin feeding them more ounces? I BF in the beginning, but DS was a preemie and in the hospital for the first two weeks of his life. He had to be given his food via the feeding tube until he could learn how to take a bottle or nurse better with me. They started him off at an 1 1/2 oz of breast milk, and by the time we got him home he would take around 2 oz (he took it from a bottle better than he did nursing so I pumped for a while). When he starts acting hungry when he finishes the bottle I increase his amount by a 1/2 an ounce and that usually does the trick.

2- How many bottles do you suggest buying before baby arrives and what sizes did you use/need the most? DS would eat every three hours (still does) so I bought 9 bottles. That way at the end of the day I still had a few clean one's so that I didn't have to worry about getting them out of the dishwasher as soon as they were finished. As far as the size of bottles- I bought the 4oz. Dr. Brown's bottles to begin with. Some people said it was a waste of money and to just go ahead and get the big one's (8oz) so I didn't have to buy more in the future. I liked having the smaller one's to start off with since he was only taking two ounces. The big one's just seemed so big when he was so tiny. I used the small one's until he was about 3 1/2 months old. Even though he's taking 4-5 oz now (and using the bigger bottles) I still use those 4 oz bottles when we are out shopping because they are smaller and I figure I'll get some more use out of them when he starts getting juice. Plus I figure I'll just reuse them if/when we have anymore children.

3- How much formula did you buy before baby to be prepared for bringing baby home? I didn't have any on hand because I breastfed. I started supplementing at around 6 weeks. I'm sure the hospital will send you home with some, but I would go ahead and buy a small can of it. Just don't buy a huge amount of it in case it doesn't agree with the baby. Or if you do make sure you keep the receipt for any unopened kind so you can return it if you have to switch to a different kind. Hopefully you'll have an easy baby that will eat whatever ;). We've been through 3 different kinds now and finally have a keeper!

[karlatta]

1- When the baby is born (first few weeks) how many ounces do they/should they be eating in each feeding? How long until you begin feeding them more ounces?
DS took 2 ounces at each feeding. Then we started slowly increasing. A six weeks, he's now taking 4 ounces.

2- How many bottles do you suggest buying before baby arrives and what sizes did you use/need the most?
I think we have 12 or so bottles. I could get away with 9, but I'm really bad at washing them every night. And I'm forever leaving a used bottle or two in the diaper bag.

3- How much formula did you buy before baby to be prepared for bringing baby home?
None. Both off my babies have been put on special high-calorie formula while at the hospital. So I needed to buy that formula when we got home. Buying formula early would have been a waste, because I'm sure I wouldn't have picked out the kind that we ended up with. And the hospital has sent baby home with a free can both times.

[Taurus]

Sorry if this topic has already been addressed in this thread.

DS is 5 months and is taking 30-32 oz of formula in 4 feedings/day. We are in the process of introducing cereal as well. We have used Dr. Brown's bottles since we started having major gas issues when he was a newborn, and I have never minded the various parts or the cleaning. However, I'm thinking of switching to another bottle type for the remaining months he is on formula so that we have fewer bottle parts to use and pack, especially while traveling this summer. This switch would be solely for my own convenience and isn't something I *have* to do at all, but I was just wondering if anyone who used Dr. Brown's had any experience switching bottle type/brand after awhile or has any thoughts on the issue. I think DS's system has really matured; he is an amazing eater and has no feeding/gas/spit up issues at all. We tried several bottles before settling with Dr. B's (b/c of the gas), and he drank from all of them no problem. I have no doubt he would drink from anything we offer him. It's just one of those minor things that would be a nice convenience, but I will absolutely do what is best for him.

TIA!

[cartersmommy]

I never used the Dr. Brown's bottles, but we use the Avent bottles, and we had gas issues with formula in the beginning, but since we switched formula, DS has been great with the avent bottles. They don't have muliple parts or anything, so that is great. HTH!

[Hawaii2SJ]

I have never used DrBrowns either but hear its great for the gassiness and it's a PIA to clean. We never had a problem with gas but DS used Avent from birth to about 3-4mo then refused that nipple so now we use Playtex nursers/disposable drop-in. I squeeze most of the air out before putting the nipple into DS's mouth. Don't know if that really makes a difference but like I said we never had issues with tummy gas.

Similac Advance Lactose Free vs. Regular Similac Adv. Due to the fact that DS was hit with the rotovirus over a week ago, we have been using the lactose free formula. I've noticed he is not sleeping very well thru the night anymore AND has a *lovely mess of a diaper at 5am. Before the virus he slept great and woke up around 6-7am, no prob & no poop. He's also pooping about 4-5 times a day usually right after his bottle, it use to be 1-2x before this. I know he's over the virus but we're still using the lactose free formula. SO, does lactose free formula just run right thru them?? When we switch back to his regular formula will it get any better?? (I haven't switched back cuz I wanted to finish off the can & wanted to make sure his stomach well enough)

Anyone experience something similar?? TIA

[jrsygirl]

Since we're on the topic of stools :) I have a question.. what is considered normal? My twins stools are completely opposite. One has what seems normal..a yellowish mushhyish stool. I actualy thought he was constipated because he screams when he goes- and has to be wiped before he can complete his bowel movement.. but his stool is not hard just thick.

on the other hand my daughters are a dark greenish almost black and sticky..every now and then she has one that is lighter but her typical one is dark. They are on different formulas currently but even when they were on the same mix hers were much different.

We have a ped. appt. next week but I was just curious what all your experiences were.
Thanks!

[AusMarchBride]

jrsygrl My DD was on EBM for the first 6 weeks, and then on EBM/FF for the next 6 weeks and since then is 100% FF. Her stools on the breast milk were typical, mustard-seedy light brown and passed at every feed. But when we started supplementing with the formula the change was immediate to that hideous dark green/black colour, toothpaste consistency and she only goes about every 2-3 days.

I asked the paediatrician, and he said the colour is due to the amount of iron in the formula. Iron is not absorbed very well and is excreted as that awful colour. The greenish black poo that all the baby books say is bad and should be investigated is normal on many of the iron enriched formulas.

I'd maybe look into changing formulas for your son though. When we first started supplementing, DD was screaming whenever she passed wind and especially when she actually poohed. It was awful to watch and listen to because I knew she was in pain. I thought she was constipated but the definition of constipation in babies is hard, pelletty type stools, the straining/pain is not indicative of constipation.

We switched formulas (we use HA-AR hypo-allergenic and anti-reflux types, just because that was the one that was suggested and we have a vomitty baby) and the screaming and straining stopped within a day. Now she has no problems and the only way we can tell she's poohing is the intense look of concentration she gets :D

I haven't named the actual formulas we use because I'm in Australia and we have different brands. But for your son I'd definitely look into changing formulas to see if you can ease his discomfort. As for your DD, sounds normal to me.

And I cannot believe I've written such a long post about poo :eek: The joys of motherhood ;)

[LexyLou]

Does anyone have any GoodStart coupons they don't need? I got some when DD was first born but she was BF and they've expired. I'm starting to transition her and wanted to try the GoodStart.

TIA!

[jrsygirl]

AnnThanks for the long post! We have a ped appt next week so while i agree from everything I read that it is an iron absorption issue I will definitely as him!

for my son we are now on formula #6, he has gotten better with the soy ready to feed (funny but the mix still causes him a lot of gas) but he's still having random fits. no where near as bad as he was though. I'm thinking of trying the Nutramigen.

anyone have any experiences?

[Mindy3094]

I think I should join....(although I am pretty scarce around here since DD arrived)....

DD - Ella -
4 months old
Weight: 12 lbs 4.5 oz
Length: 24.5 inches
She was EBF for 2 months. At her 2 month appt, we discovered she had only gained 5 oz in a month so we started formula supplements. She was getting probably 75% BM. I started pumping in between feedings to up my supply but was never able to get her off of the formula as she took a liking to the bottle and would only nurse for 3-5 minutes on each side then she was done, even if the breast was still full. I started transitioning her to solely formula about 2-3 weeks ago and now she is only nursing in the morning. It was a hard decision to stop BFing but in the end, I was making myself miserable and feeling myself get angry with Ella so I knew then I needed to stop. I definitely feel less stressed now and am content with knowing she got the BM for at least 4 months even though my original goal was 6 months.

Formula -
Enfamil Lipil, but will switch to a store brand shortly
She currently eats 6 times a day (sometimes a 7th short feeding in the early morning around 2 oz), every 3 hours, anywhere from 3.5-5 oz per feeding. She generally gets 3 short naps per day and sleeps 10-11 hours at night. She is getting around 24 oz per day.

Bottles -
Avent
I just started her on the #3 nipple. She had a little dribble down her chin but seemed to take the faster flow well.

Here's my question for you all -
She had her 4 month WBV yesterday and got her lovely shots. I talked to the ped about her lack of weight gain because even on the formula supplements her weight gain was very slow. We talked about how much she is eating and the ped says it is low for her age/weight. She wants to see her eating 28-32 oz per day. I was kind of puzzled on how exactly I am to do this as I feed her until she is done with it -- she'll either spit it out or keep turning her head or just outright refuse the bottle. The ped suggested going longer between feedings to make sure she is pretty hungry and will eat more. Sure, I can do that, but then that seems to cut out a feeding per day and I am back to where I started. This is today so far -

7:15am - nursed both sides (probably 1 oz total), took 4.5 oz formula

11:15am - took 5 oz formula (tried to give her an additional oz but she didn't want it and kept spitting it out)

If I feed her in 3 hours at 2:15pm then again in 3 hours at 5:15pm, then again at 7:30pm before she goes to bed and say she gets 5 oz at each of those feedings (which is highly unlikely), then I'm still only at 25.5 oz.

So, how do I get her to eat more? I am really at a loss here. The ped suggested trying to start her on rice cereal once a day but also thought that she might not be ready for it yet because she is not taking that much formula. I think I'll give it a try this weekend and see how it goes. Maybe that will help her get more calories?

Anyone had to deal with this? She is still gaining weight, but just so slowly. At this rate, she won't double her birth weight until 9+ months. One of the reasons I moved her to the #3 nipple is to see if she'd take more formula if it came out more quickly.

If anyone has any insight, I'd greatly appreciate it. :)

[amtaylor]

I have a $5 similac formula if anyone would like it :)

[Hawaii2SJ]

amtaylor I'm interested:)

[savannahgrl]

Thanks cartersmommy, ajb524, and karlatta for answering all of my questions! Now I feel better knowing what to expect! :)

[Dan's*Girl]

I'd like to join this thread if thats ok with all of you wonderful ladies.

DS- Peyton
3 weeks old today
breast fed during the day, formula at night
Using~Similac Advance with Iron, will change to store brand when samples are gone.

We had to give Peyton forumla on his 5th day because he was having a nasty allergic reaction to the Percocette I had from my C-Section and my breast milk was making him sick. We did formula for 24 hours to help clear his tummy and BF hasn't been the same since. I try to BF during the day and only do FF at nightime, but lately he has been doing the tug of war thing with my BB's during the day since the flow isn't as strong as the bottle, I get frustrated and sore and stop and give him formula. I feel like a failure, which I hear is normal but still ya know?

My dad bought me a brand new electric breast pump that I'm going to try and see if we can continue BM during the day, but thru a bottle and FF at night. If it doesn't go well we will transition to only FF him. :::sigh:::

I do have a question, its probably in this thread somewhere, but with a 3 week old I dont have time to search.

Question He eats 4oz at every FF right now and during the day will go 3 hours between eating, at night though he wants to eat every 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The dr said to wait until its been 3 hours at night, but then he is unconsolable and its rough to have him scream so much he throws up. Is he eating to often at night? How can we get him to sleep for 3-4 hours at night after a bottle like he does during the day?


Thanks ladies!

[jki]

Question He eats 4oz at every FF right now and during the day will go 3 hours between eating, at night though he wants to eat every 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The dr said to wait until its been 3 hours at night, but then he is unconsolable and its rough to have him scream so much he throws up. Is he eating to often at night? How can we get him to sleep for 3-4 hours at night after a bottle like he does during the day?

When he wakes at night, are you sure he wants to eat? Does he take a pacifier? Can you soothe him or rock him back to sleep instead of feeding him? When you do feed him, how many ounces does he take? How big is he? A general guideline is that your baby should take half his weight on ounces... so if he's 10 lbs., he can take 5 oz. per sitting. Also, he should take 2 - 2.5 oz for every lb. of weight over 24 hours. So if he's 10 lbs., he should take 20-25 oz. per day. If he is within these guidelines, I'd just keep feeding him on demand.

Mindy3094: Sounds like my DD - my ped was so concerned that I had to take her to a feeding therapist to have her mouth/suck evaluated. Cassidy was on a #4 nipple since she was 6 weeks old for the same reason! Anyhow, the feeding therapist concluded she had no issues, just maybe a small tummy and small appetite. FWIW, after she started eating table food, she really started to chub up.

I probably would NOT start rice cereal, if I were you, as it has fewer calories than formula. Has your doctor discussed a higher calorie formula with you? The most important thing the feeding therapist said to me was *NOT* to force feed. When she pushes the bottle or turns her head, she is done.

I give her lots of breaks. I had more success with smaller bottles every 3 hours vs. larger bottles every 4 hours. I moved up to a bigger nipple. I tried a million different bottles to see if there was one she liked better. I tried a bunch of different formulas to see if she thought a different one was tastier. Do you warm the formula? Cassidy eats WAY more of a warm bottle vs. a room temperature one.

Hang in there!

[newmommy]

Does anyone know if there is a generic version of Good Start brand anywhere?

Also has anyone ever switched between the orange/lilac labels?

TIA

[DianeCourt]

Does anyone know if there is a generic version of Good Start brand anywhere?


Any generic with DHA/ARA will probably work. I don't think there's one specifically labeled as a Good Start generic.

Also has anyone ever switched between the orange/lilac labels?


We've been using the orange label from the beginning & plan to stick with it. I think the only difference between that and the purple label is that the orange contains lipids (DHA/ARA). I think if you gradually mix them together & increase the amount of the new kind like you would with any formula switch, baby should be fine.

[newmommy]

Thanks!!!!!

[Em7.31.04]

What is a normal amount of spit up?

I'm BF and FF my 4-week-old. He seems to spit up much more with formula than he does BM. Not sure if this is an issue with the formula or the bottle? (We're using Avent bottles/nipples for formula, and Medela bottles with Evenflo Combi nipples for BM.)

We're still trying out formulas that we've gotten as samples. Have tried Similac Advance w/Iron and he seemed to do pretty well. Now trying Enfamil Lipil with Iron, which I think makes him spit up more than the Similac.

As we consider trying other formulas...Is it necessary to consult with DS's pediatrician? Or, can we just try them? I know there are formulas specifically for babies who spit up a lot, etc, and I'm wondering if we should just try one of them or if we need to talk to the Dr. first...

[Marisa]

Emily - Some spitup is definitely normal, especially in the first six months or so, since babies' digestive tracts are not yet mature. But there's no clear answer to your first question -- the spitting up could be caused by some element of the formula that is irritating to your DS's stomach (milk or soy proteins are common culprits). It could also be caused by him eating too much or too quickly from the bottle (when he's nursing he's working harder, and the milk stops flowing when he stops sucking, as opposed to the bottle, where the milk keeps flowing and he's obligated to keep drinking). At his age he should be eating anywhere from 3-5 oz. per feeding (his stomach probably wouldn't hold more at once) and you can still try feeding him slowly and burping after every oz. in case it's trapped air that's causing the milk to come back up.

Definitely consult your DS's pediatrician before switching to a 'reflux' formula. Those formulas are thickened with rice starch, and your ped may have other alternatives for you to try before introducing a new food like that.

[jbenny75]

Hi ladies- I have a question about nipple size. DS is a little over a week old. He is eating Enfamil Lipil w/ Avent bottles. He was eating like a champ at first, getting up to eating between 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours, using a size 1 nipple. He then started taking only 1-1/2 oz without much gusto. He had also been getting up only about every 3 hours at night, then started getting up every 1 and a half to 2 hours to eat. By accident, I used a size 2 flow nipple that came with one of my larger bottles. He sucked down 3 oz. with no problem. After reading somewhere that some babies can be lazy and if they have to work too hard to get the formula out, they just won't eat, I decided to try size 2 again- just now before going to bed he ate 3 oz heartily. He gave me a nice burp after each ounce.

My question is: Is he too young to bump up to size 2? He didn't seem to have a problem with the flow rate, he was swallowing just fine, burped okay, ate more and seemed to enjoy it more. What do you think? TIA!

[DianeCourt]

Is he too young to bump up to size 2?

If he's eating as well as you indicate & not choking/gagging, I'd stay with the #2's. Let your baby be your guide. Every baby is different & the ages on the Avent nipples are a guideline. (We switched to #2 nipples at 3 months.)

[flyerwife]

Em 7.31.04 Spitup varies from baby to baby. My 4 yr old spit up alot more than my 7 week old does now. However, even with some spitup after each feeding my ped. never switched his formula. Does he seem content even though he's spitting up? If so, it's probably not that much of a problem, maybe try giving him alittle less and see if he still spitsup. Also, try the same bottle on BM and formula and see if that helps. As far as switching, our ped. said not to switch unless we talked to her first.

jbenny75 As far as I know nipple size is really up to the baby. That being said we only used 1 size the entire time with my 4 yr old, he never seemed to need to switch (I think we stated with a 2 or medium) and he always sucked his food down. My 7 week old started on the medium on the gerber bottles, it's what came with the bottles and they seemed to work for him. There were several other bottles that he didn't like, maybe the flow was too slow for him on those?

[jbenny75]

Thanks for the answers. We did all of our feedings last night with the #2 nipple. He ate, burped, and slept great! He ate between 2.5 oz and 3 oz and slept between 3 and 3.5 hours. This is instead of 1-1.5 oz every 1.5-2 hours. However, he does seem a bit gassy this morning. I'm sure that's to be expected changing nipple size...will he adjust? I'd really like to stay with the #2 if he continues to do so well. I gave him a bit of Mylicon, which seems to have done the trick. He was just a little bit fussy, not much.

[Mindy3094]

jki Thank you for your response! It makes me feel a tad bit better knowing that some babies actually don't eat like they are supposed to. It's just weird- I mean intuitively you'd think that they'd eat when they are hungry and get enough, but apparently with some, that is not the case.

Moving her up to the #3 nipple helped tremendously. So did offering her 6 oz at the beginning. Before, I would offer her 4 or 5, then if she ate that, offer her another oz. Well, I think in me doing that gave her time to realize her belly was full enough and she lost interest in more of the bottle. I have been able to hold her off til 3.5-4 hrs sometimes and she'll take more, but now it seems every 3 hours and she is sucking down between 5-5.5 oz per feeding. A few times, she almost took the whole 6 oz. Of course, she does seem to have one low feeding per day (today it was only 4 oz at noon) but we are getting there. Yesterday, she got 27 oz so we are making progress towards the 28-32 oz the ped wants to see.

The ped didn't say anything about a higher calorie formula, I think mostly because she isn't *that* concerned with her weight gain. At birth, she was in the 75th percentile. At 2 months, she was in the 25th percentile and at 4 months, she stayed in the 25th percentile. I think if she would have dropped in percentiles between 2 and 4 months, we would have gone a more aggressive route. The drop between birth and 2 months was due to a BF problem (drop in supply) as she was exclusively BF at that time.

We did try the rice cereal. I really don't think any got in her belly though! Seriously, it was all over. If any did get in, I'd doubt it was more than 0.5 tsp. We did it in between feedings and she still took 5 oz at the next feeding so I thought it was alright. I have a baby scale and will be monitoring her weight. If her gain slows down, I'll cut the cereal for now. But since she is only getting a tiny bit, I think it's alright. (I wish I had all of the answers, ha ha)

Thanks also for reinforcing the not force feeding thing. I tried that one time and she spit up all over me. :) Honestly though, when she is done, there is really no getting anymore into her. She turns her head, spits it out.....whatever to tell me that she is done.

Thanks again. Hopefully she'll continue to increase in the amount of formula she is taking in.

[jki]

Mindy3094:
Sounds like things are going better for you! :) I can't tell you how much formula I wasted.... I used to make an EIGHT oz. bottle every time, just in case she wanted to eat more! Cassidy was the same way - if she finished the bottle and then you stopped and made more, she'd never eat the extra 2 oz. you made for her!

Cassidy was born at 8.5 lbs. and did not regain her birthweight until 6 weeks. She's been below the 50th percentile since. It was really hard because her brother was a voracious eater - 17 lbs. at 4 mos, whereas she did hit 17 lbs. until she was 9+ mos!

Good luck!

[ktdelsur]

My almost 7-month-old is not cutting down on formula now that we have introduced solids. Shouldn't he automatically want less formula?!

Today, he had:
- 6 oz bottle of formula, 1/2 jar apples
- 8 oz bottle
- jar of squash
- 8 oz bottle
- 8 oz bottle
- then I thought he was hungry and made a bottle, but he ate two oz and spit the bottle out and fussed. Then he went to sleep, so I put him to bed.

My pediatrician said he should be down to 16 oz a day of formula by the time he's 9 months old. At this rate I think that sounds like a joke! !?!?

[DianeCourt]

My pediatrician said he should be down to 16 oz a day of formula by the time he's 9 months old.

This is the formula schedule included in the feeding guide my public health nurse gave to me. According to it, 24 - 32 oz of formula in addition to solids is a typical amount for his age. Looks like your son is taking in just that, so I wouldn't be worried.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid197/pe65ebde44ddfacd8b5063903d7843f37/f0fccae6.jpg

[jennapeach]

First post, as I recently weaned DD off the breast...

Wow! I don't think Micki even takes 20oz in a day! She seems satisfied and I do feed her on-demand. She's getting Good Start (orange). Her growth has been constant - in the 25th%. She didn't do well with the stage 2 nipples - they flowed too fast for her and she kept choking on formula. I guess I should try again. Any ideas on getting her to eat more?

[Dan's*Girl]

Several important questions

1) My DS eats 4oz every 2 hours during the day and every 2 /12 to 3 hours at night. He is 4 weeks old. Is this normal?
Sometimes its less than every 2 hours during the day, often its 1.5 hours after the last feeding, we try everything we can to make him stop crying and sucking his hands, even a pacifier but nothing works until we feed him, so we do it even if its only been an hour and a half. :confused:

2)I recently ran out of samples of the Similac Advanced with Iron, he has had that since birth until now (4 weeks). Well I can't afford it, so we bought the same thing only the generic brand. The generic brand seems like a thinner formula and it has less bubbles in the bottle. So far he eats it ok, but doesn't seem as full as with the thicker Similac. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it really thinner and does it make a difference?

Thanks so much.

[Marisa]

Ramona -- a lot of times the first several weeks of a baby's life is like one giant growth spurt. He may be growing so quickly right now that eating only every 2-3 hours doesn't cut it. He may need smaller, but more frequent feedings for right now. 4 oz. every 2 hours would be like 48 oz. a day (I know you're not giving him that much) -- but he should be eating in oz. roughly 2 to 2.5 times his current weight. If it's 10 pounds, he should be eating 20-25 oz. for example. Since you know he's been hungry frequently lately, try splitting that amount up into smaller feedings, every 2 hours or less during the day (aiming for at least one longer stretch at night).

As long as you are preparing the new formula with the scoop that came in the container, and according to the package directions, then you should have nothing to worry about as far as that goes.

[myshel]

ktdelsur: The chart that DianeCourt posted is exactly what my ped told as we started solids. FWIW, DS's formula intake didn't really go down until this month, at 11 months. Even now, because he's teething, DS will drink a ton of formula in a day and forgo the solids at one meal. Don't stress. You're doing the right thing!

[ajb524]

Ramona- I can't really answer your first question, but I did want to tell you that we started off using Similac advance. When I switched to Enfamil I noticed it was a lot thinner. Maybe the generic version is more like enfamil. They are both fairly similar, but I think you are right about similac being thicker. Also, I didn't notice similac keeping him full longer than the enfamil did. Have you signed up with similac to get their coupons? They really help out a lot when buying formula. If you have family or friends nearby that wouldn't mind sign them up as well.

[Dan's*Girl]

Thank you to everyone for the advice. He is eating every 2 hours during the day and every 3 at night, it seems like so much but hey he wants it.

Another question now, since going strictly to FF in the last 48 hours and changing to this generic brand formula, he has only gone poop once, it was a hard log and hurt his belly. He was up screaming last night and is really constipated, what can I do???
Should I change formula??

Thanks

[ajb524]

Ramona- I always just give Sean 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of water. He generally has a BM within 4-6 hours. He went 4 days without one and as soon as I gave him a little water he went.

[cr8zyforaf]

ramona - I had to give DD diluted prune juice..she went a week without going and then when she did go, it was extremely painful for her. This was recommended by her doctor.

[amtaylor]

I have a buy one get one free coupon for any 12oz can of Good Start formula. It's only good at Food Lion though... PM me your address if your interested :)

[Mindy3094]

Ramona - My ped also said to dilute some juice, 1:1 ratio and that oughta do the trick with constipation. When I switched DD over to formula, she really started grunting a lot and her poo definitely got thicker. I haven't had to give her the juice, but just in case, that is why my ped said to do.

[DanaLynn]

ramona - I added 1 tablespoon of prune juice to every other 4 oz. bottle until my dd became regular. My ped told me to do that and it worked.

and be prepared for a few blow-outs. ;)

[aprilbride03]

I have a Nestle Good Start coupon for $11. PM me if you would like it.

ETA: Coupon is now taken!

[jrsygirl]

ramona we just had the same problem. Our ped told us to give him an ounce of water once a day especially since it is so hot and humid here. Since then he is much better!

[karlatta]

Playtex Nursers

Does anyone use these? I'm a little confused on how they work. :D

DH and I are planning a trip next month with DD and DS. We're going to be sight-seeing much of the day for a few days while we're gone. I'm currently using Dr. Brown's, but I'm wondering if a switch to these might be useful. Can you use the outside "bottle" for multiple feedings? If so, I'm thinking I might like that. Only carrying one bottle, with several liners, nipples, rings, etc. I'll be carrying tons of other stuff (as well as DS), so I'm trying to cut down on bulk and not have such a ginormous diaper bag. Would it even work that way?

Thanks!

[amtaylor]

We use the nursers and love them. The outside bottle can be used for multiple feeds since it's just kind of there for holding and never touches the formula. It will definitely save you space to just carry a bottle and multiple liners/nipples/rings.

If you have any other questions... let me know :)

[tray622]

We love the Playtex nursers. Youare able to reuse the outside bottle and just back liners. You can just clean the nipple or pack extras. Good luck on your trip :)

Oh, you may want to try them before your leave to see if DS will take it as well as what he is used to!

[karlatta]

Thanks, guys. It sounds like they may work! I'll try them out first, but I'm pretty sure DS will take them. He's taken every kind of bottle I've ever given him and regularly rotates between Dr. Browns, Avent, and Soothies.

[Em7.31.04]

We're supplementing DS with formula, and have been giving him Enfamil Lipil since we had samples. We want to try out a generic brand since it's so much cheaper. We bought some at Costco last weekend. How do we make the transition from the Enfamil to the Costco brand? Do we just give him a bottle of the new stuff and see how it goes? Or do we mix it?

Also, who else has used the Costco brand? Good experiences...?

[amtaylor]

We switched from Enfamil to Similac to the Wal-Mart brand. They say you're suppose to slowly transition by adding some of the new with some of the old. We didn't do that... we just switched her right over without any incidence. She's a very easy baby and hadn't had any trouble with eating before that, so I don't know it that helped the transiton or not.

[charissa]

Em7.31.04 - we started out on Similac bc we had samples, then bought the Costco/Kirkland brand and DS had no problems, as amytaylor mentioned they do reccomend that you do it slowly, but we didn't do it either. DS is pretty easy going with all that and he didn't have any issues. We even just switched back to Similac b/c I forgot we had all those coupons.

[Dan's*Girl]

Hi. We recently had to change to soy formula b/c DS has been very constipated. Has anyone else done this? if so did it help??

Also, how long is a non eaten formula bottle good for at room temp??

thanks

[cartersmommy]

Dans girl: we did the same thing and it helped immensely. we also battled gas and stuff and it helped with that too. the bottle is good at room temp for an hour. I don't go over that.

[ajb524]

I have a product I would like to recommend. I got this about a week ago and it's wonderful for mixing formula-
http://www.pamperedchef.com/graphics/products_200/2271_200.jpg
http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=12031&categoryCode=ET

DS is on enfamil A.R. and it's super thick and would always have clumps. This is so easy to use to mix up formula and it has no clumps. I highly recommend it.

[cartersmommy]

i have to second that recommendation. i use it too and it's WONDERFUL! thanks for posting! :)

[jrsygirl]

We had switched to soy because of our son;s gassiness and it helped immensely. Now a month later he is incredibly constipated so I don't know what to do now. I really don't want to switch formula again but now he's gassy again as well because he's all blocked up and the gas has no release either. Poor little guy. Its so frustrating too because after a month of a virtually different happy baby we had a night of no sleep and a screaming baby.

[ajb524]

jrsygirl-Have you tried giving him an ounce or two of water? Anytime DS is constipated I give him an ounce of water and he goes within 4-8 hours. He had some trouble with being constipated when we started FF'ing him and this always did the trick. Now he's used to it and I don't have to do it anymore.

[megan8473]

you can also do an ounce of prune juice mixed with an ounce of water. We switched to soy too and had the same problems and pedi recommended the prune juice. works like a charm!

[rachrich]

for constipation-try taking his temp! Sometimes that helps DD and it helps her to go pretty soon after doing so. Also-our doc also recommended 2 oz. of straight pear juice-that works but after about a day. I don't do that often though-i'll usually mix it with some water and it also helps okay too. But i think straight juice will get things moving a bit quicker.
We also did prune juice mixed with water and it worked well.

[gmooter]

I have 2 Enfamil coupons for anyone that wants them. One is for $5 and the other for $4 and they expire on 9/30/06. PM me your address if you're interested!

Gretchen

[ajb524]

gmooter- I sent you a PM. Thanks!

[jbenny75]

Question- Can formula checks that are printed with my name on them be used by someone else?

[jrsygirl]

I've never had a problem using them with someone elses name.

[gmooter]

The Enfamil checks are gone! Glad you could use them Andrea!!

[newmommy]

How many ounces should a six month old drink? DS has 3 meals a day(per pedi) and he's been drinking anywhere from 3-6oz every few hours...last bottle is at 7 every night...

TIA

[DianeCourt]

newmommy: Check out the formula schedule I copied on page 66. That gives you approximate # of feeding & ounces by age.

[newmommy]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!! There is just so much info here!!!

[jbenny75]

Question- Can formula checks that are printed with my name on them be used by someone else?

I've never had a problem using them with someone elses name.


In that case, I have available:

5- $5.00 Similac checks, good on any Similac at any retailer
2 of them are good until 11/17/06
3 of them are good until 12/23/06

4- Nestle Good Start checks, good on any NGS formula at any retailer
$11 and $1 good until 9/15/06
$11 and $1 good until 10/15/06

Does anyone else have any Enfamil checks? I seem to be getting them for everything but Enfamil.:rolleyes:

First PM gets them.

[flyerwife]

jbenny75 -- I sent you a PM. thanks.

[jbenny75]

flyerwife PM'd you.

Similac checks are gone. I still have the Good Start checks.

[Kopper]

jbenny75 - Did you sign up for Enfamil Family Beginings? I get checks about every other week. They are usually for $2-3 each.

[jennapeach]

jbenny75, sent you a PM! :)

[jbenny75]

jenna

PM'd you.

Checks are all taken. Thanks!

[jbenny75]

I have a $6 coupon for any 31.7 oz. Bright Beginnings powder formula. Good until 12/31/07. First PM gets it.

ETA a question I have (baby is napping now):

DS is 4 weeks old and on Enfamil Lipil. In the past few days, he has started stopping eating to just scream. When we put him up to burp him, he's okay. He sometimes, but not always has a burp stuck when this happens. This is in addition to our regular burping every ounce. We'll put him down again to eat, he'll take a few swallows, then start screaming again. This doesn't happen at every feeding, but is starting to be more frequent. It started out just in the evening, now it could happen at any time of day. He also spent a good part of the last few days crying and straining to push out gas, passing gas, or screaming because he had to burp. As this all started getting more frequent, he is also getting harder to soothe. I called my ped. b/c I feel he is just way tooo gassy and fussy, I thought he may need a different formula, but the nurse on-call told me he is just being fussy. "What do you think?

My feeling is that I need to call back and ask to see the doctor. I know all babies will be fussy, but it really just seems that something wrong. When do you know if it's normal fussiness or something's wrong?

[jbenny75]

I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but DS has been doing great the past two days. I guess those nurses might know what they're talking about.:o

I still have the Bright Beginnings coupon....any takers?

[jbenny75]

$5 Similac coupon up for grabs. PM me.

[dragonfly_71]

jbenny75: my DS did not do well with Enfamil Lipil. He was really gassy and constipated when we tried that. He would also stop in the middle of a feeding and cry. I never called my ped to ask if it was okay to switch formulas because I had already decided to switch and didn't want anyone there telling me no. We tried several formulas, including those for fussy babies and for gassy babies and finally settled on Similac Advance. He seemed to do best with that one. Once he was older, around six months or so I started switching him to the Target brand formula because it is so much cheaper. He is doing fantastic on it. I wish I had discovered that one earlier. I could have saved enough money during those first six months to send DS to college!

[ajb524]

I've got a couple of $5 off similac coupons. PM me and I'll send them out.

[charissa]

ajb524 - I PM'd you :)

[jbenny75]

jbenny75: my DS did not do well with Enfamil Lipil. He was really gassy and constipated when we tried that. He would also stop in the middle of a feeding and cry. I never called my ped to ask if it was okay to switch formulas because I had already decided to switch and didn't want anyone there telling me no. We tried several formulas, including those for fussy babies and for gassy babies and finally settled on Similac Advance. He seemed to do best with that one. Once he was older, around six months or so I started switching him to the Target brand formula because it is so much cheaper. He is doing fantastic on it. I wish I had discovered that one earlier. I could have saved enough money during those first six months to send DS to college!

That's good to know! He is starting to have problems again, but whenever I finally decide to do something about it, he improves. I'm totally confused.:rolleyes:

[Bloomwood]

hey quick q! Do you ladies REALLY use only sterilized water for mixing formula? I've been using a fresh bottle of normal spring water with each bottle. I realize she isn't getting flouride this way. We're supplementing with just a few FF bottles a week right now, but will be moving into exclusively FF in the future, so figure I should get this right now! Thank you.

[cartersmommy]

i have NEVEr used sterelized water for bottles, only tap water. does this make me a bad mommy?????

[ajb524]

I use regular tap water that has been filtered through the brita filter b/c I hate the way our water tastes. I heard though that it can filter the flouride (makes sense) so a couple of nights a week I use this http://www.nurserywater.com/home.html.

[jki]

I used filtered tap water.... but when we lived in an apartment building with old lead pipes, I used bottled water.

[Bloomwood]

Thanks! That is what I figured until I read the formula can that said "sterilized water"; I couldn't imagine people were really that strict, but then, I feared I was just being lazy and cheap (aka a Bad Mommy!)

[Dan's*Girl]

I have 1 $7 and 2 $1 Enfamil coupons, first PM with address info gets them! :)

Have a great day.

[losthoosier]

I use the nursery water. Its only 1 per gallon so I figure why not. But if I happen to run out I just use our bottle water.

[Dan's*Girl]

Jasonsgal~ Your coupons are on the way :)

[Dan's*Girl]

Has anyone used rice cereal to get their baby to sleep longer at night? If so when did you start doing that?

I'm asking because Peyton(who is almost 9 wks old) is eating 4-5 oz every 2 1/2 hours still and its hard at night because that is the schedule around the clock. Sometimes he will sleep 4 hours during the day, but at night he's up every 2. Dr said his internal clock will get things right on its own, but with me going back to work this thursday I need to do whatever I can to help it set faster :o

[Dan's*Girl]

I have $12 for Nestle Good Start Formula. First PM gets them :)

[jbenny75]

I have $12 for Nestle Good Start Formula. First PM gets them :)

I also have $12 for Nestle Good Start- we must've gotten the same mailing today. First PM gets 'em.

[flyerwife]

I haven't tried the rice cereal to get either of my DS's to sleep longer, but I know that at my sons 2 month checkup our ped said that if he starts waking during the night and always acting like he wants more food we can start him on cereal at 3 1/2 months.

We try to get him to eat more during the day, so he will sleep more at night. I hope that your son starts sleeping more for you!!!

[bunny nose]

Just wanted to ask something about introducing foods and the amount of formula intake with it.

I just started DS on veggies yesterday. We started with carrots. Before the veggies he had been taking a 7 ounce bottle. In the feeding where he gets the carrots he is only taking 4 ounces. I just wanted to make sure that is OK. I figure it is since he is getting something else to fill his belly. The other feedings where he gets only a bottle he takes the 7 ounces or close to it.

Also- I started giving him rice cereal at 3 1/2 months to help with sleep. It does help. I give him the cereal mixed with an ounce of formula. Then I give him a bath, then a bottle and off to sleep he goes. We usually get a good 7-8 hours. Sometimes up to 10.

Karen

[jbenny75]

I also have $12 for Nestle Good Start- we must've gotten the same mailing today. First PM gets 'em.

They're gone...thanks!

[ShannonGH]

DD is 4 mos old and we just switched from bfing to ffing last week. I would have *loved* to continue to bf her but she developed colitis due to a food allergy to something that was in my diet, despite me cutting out all dairy for over 4 weeks. So...here we are. She is currently on hypoallergenic formula for two weeks, then we'll try soy based and see if the colitis returns. Hope she's able to take soy cuz this hypoallergenic stuff is pricey...and stinky.

PM me if you're interested in a $2 off and $1 off Nestle Good Start coupon.

[glensgirl]

DD is 4 mos old and we just switched from bfing to ffing last week. I would have *loved* to continue to bf her but she developed colitis due to a food allergy to something that was in my diet, despite me cutting out all dairy for over 4 weeks. So...here we are. She is currently on hypoallergenic formula for two weeks, then we'll try soy based and see if the colitis returns. Hope she's able to take soy cuz this hypoallergenic stuff is pricey...and stinky.


ShannonGH-Will your insurance cover the hypoallergenic? I supplement with that and my insurance covers it. I just had to call them first to get a prior authorization and they sent a form to my doctor. The copayment covers a 1 month supply. But it doesn't really matter now since DS is currently on a bottle strike (due to teething I think) and we hardly use it.

[ShannonGH]

ShannonGH-Will your insurance cover the hypoallergenic? I supplement with that and my insurance covers it. I just had to call them first to get a prior authorization and they sent a form to my doctor. The copayment covers a 1 month supply. But it doesn't really matter now since DS is currently on a bottle strike (due to teething I think) and we hardly use it.

Thank you for reminding me to check into this! I doubt they will cuz we have kinda crappy insurance but it's definitely worth checking into. Did you just call the customer service number on your insurance card? Did you tell them the formula was medically necessary for your child?

[glensgirl]

Shannon-Yes, I just called the customer service # and pressed the # for prescription help. I had originally asked my doctor and he said he would write a script but it probably wouldn't go through-he actually told me to breastfeed more and not to cut out dairy that there was no such thing as a baby being intolerant to breast milk. :rolleyes: Well he never even tried. :mad: At the time I was considering weaning-DS was nursing every hour, sometimes for hours on end because he was in so much pain from reflux that I couldn't take it anymore. I just told them he had a milk/soy intolerance, eczema, and reflux and the rep was very, very nice and faxed a form that day to the doctor. The doctor is the one who had to sign off saying it was necessary. $35 (co-payment) a month definitely beats the $23 per can for 2-3 small cans a week especially if you are FF full time.

[ShannonGH]

Pooey. I just called and our hmo doesn't cover it. :( Oh well, it was worth a shot. Thanks again for all the info glensgirl!

[Mindy3094]

Hey all!

I was coming in here to ask about a formula or bottle strike when I read that glensgirl's DS is having one. I knew babies could have a nursing strike but a bottle strike was news to me.

DD is 5 months old and her bottom two front teeth have just popped through. She's been on solids for a few weeks now and loves loves loves her bananas and pears (the only fruit she's had so far). Usually she'll drink between 5-7 oz in her bottle about 5 times per day plus her solids, but the past few days, she has been doing 4-5 oz per bottle plus the solids. I just went to give her a bottle at 1:30 and she outright refused it. She pulled her head back and turned her face and whined like I was killing her by giving her a bottle. :rolleyes: I finally got her to eat a whole 1.5 oz. Woohoo. Then she had 2 tbsp rice cereal mixed with a stage 1 jar of bananas. But I have been struggling for the past couple days to get her to take a bottle. Is this pretty typical with teething? And how often do the strikes usually last? She is a skinny little thing and needs all of the calories she can get.

Thanks!

[kmack]

Just popping in here to see if anyone uses Similac Advance 2 (or any other brand for that matter)? I just realized they made this product for older babies (9-24 mos). DD just turned one so i am starting to transition her to milk but she doesn't seem too interested in it yet so i will still be giving her formula for a bit. I was just wondering if it would be bad to give her just the regualr Similac Advance (a month max) or if it was worth it to buy the one specifically for older babies? Thanks!

[gmooter]

Mindy, I think that's pretty normal with teething. My DD is only in the 10% for weight and our ped says that as long as she's getting 16oz of formula a day she's OK. I think from about 6 months on she's been on 4 bottles a day, 6oz each. She may not be as hungry right now either. It's all a phase and she should be over it pretty quick. My DD was a big solids eater so if she didn't finish a bottle, we'd make up the rest in cereal and she'd usually take most of it!

[DianeCourt]

kmack: I've been looking into the toddler formulas, too. DD is 9 months old and I'm hoping she's off formula by the time she's one, but I was curious about the differences between standard & toddler formulas. I compared the labels of Nestle Good Start Supreme DHA/ARA & Nestle Good Start 2 DHA/ARA. They have the same amount of calories per serving, but it looks like the toddler formula has more Vitamin C & calcium in it. She's probably fine on the standard formula, but it might not hurt to do the comparison for yourself & ask your ped.

[Kopper]

I have the following formula checks available to the first person(s) who PM me

1 check - $5 Similac - Exp 10/24/06 - taken
2 checks - $3 Emfamil - Exp 8/31/06 - taken
3 checks - $2 Emfamil - Exp 8/31/06 - taken

Since the Emfamil ones expire soon let me know if you want all or just some of them.

[Em7.31.04]

What brands of organic formula are available besides Earth's Best? TIA!

[amtaylor]

Wal-Mart has it's own brand of Organic formula - Parent's Choice. It's also very affordable :)

[ShannonGH]

Everyone else may already be aware of this but since I'm new to FF, I thought I'd share:
Ask your pediatrician's office if they have any coupons. I did and they gave me a stack of about 20! Lucky for us, since DD is on the pricey hypoallergenic stuff.

[Dan's*Girl]

First PM gets the $11 of Enfamil coupons I have. :)

[Mindy3094]

Thanks gmooter. (sorry for the late reply) She has been doing better but still her formula intake is on the low side, between 20-24 oz being closer to 20 oz. I am definitely trying to make it up on the solids which is helping immensely. The teeth are all the way through the gum but have I'd say about halfway to go until they are fully in. She has a ped appt next week so we'll discuss it with the ped more then. Thanks!

Parent's Choice Formula
Do you all know that if you call the number on their website - 1-800-485-9918, and ask for coupons, they'll send you some? You probably all know that already, but thought I'd post just in case. They'll send you some every month but you do have to call every month and request them. It's not automatic.

[Dan's*Girl]

Coupons are gone, thanks!

[bunny nose]

Do you all know that if you call the number on their website - 1-800-485-9918, and ask for coupons, they'll send you some?

Ok- I admit it, I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know!!!! ;)

Karen

[kristin9903]

I have 2 $5.00 off checks for Similac. First PM gets them!

Coupons taken!

[amtaylor]

Thanks gmooter
Parent's Choice Formula
Do you all know that if you call the number on their website - 1-800-485-9918, and ask for coupons, they'll send you some? You probably all know that already, but thought I'd post just in case. They'll send you some every month but you do have to call every month and request them. It's not automatic.

That's awesome! I wish I had known that back in November!!

[bunny nose]

* They are gone *



Good Start coupons up for grabs. First to PM me gets them.

Have a great day!

karen

[losthoosier]

Quick question? How often do you buy new nipples for the bottles. My mil seems to think I need them as she says the milk is coming out to fast. My dd is only 5 months old and is on size 2 nipples. I think they are fine and when she gets lazy and doesn't swallow is when she chokes...... just looking for other opinions?

[jrsygirl]

nipple sizes well new nipples will make the milk slow faster unless you go back to 1's. my twins are 4 mos and they use size 2's and sometimes when we give cereal in their bottles 3's.

[ShannonGH]

How do you know that your child is ready to move up to the next size nipple? My 4.5 month is using level 1s and I hesitate in moving her up a size because she has reflux and I don't think a faster flow would help matters any. Any other babies out there with reflux doing okay with level 2s?

[brooke]

Shannon...I had same confusion -- finally moved Declan up to 2 nipples when he seemed to be 'fighting' the bottle for a faster flow. He's almost 6 mo. and we're still on the 2s...he seems to drown when I try the 3s...

[Em7.31.04]

PSA: I saw Similac Organic for sale on www.1800diapers.com. I haven't seen it for sale in any of my local stores, just at this site. Thought you might want to know...

[cr8zyforaf]

shannon- my DD is on size 1 still at 11 months - I tried moving her up but she gags and chokes. I would try moving up and see how it goes - if it doesn't work, you can just revert back.

[ShannonGH]

Thanks Kim. I thought I'd be the oldest babe on size 1s so glad to know I'm not alone. ;)

[Dan's*Girl]

I have $12 in Nestle Good Start coupons. first PM grabs them!

[Dan's*Girl]

Coupons are gone! Have a great day everyone!!


Anyone ever get Parents Choice coupons???

[DianeCourt]

Does anybody ever get checks for Toddler Formulas? We've been buying Nestle Good Start from the beginning, and they stopped sending us checks, oh, probably when DD was 6 months old. I'm wondering why they haven't been sending me checks in an attempt to sell their Nestle Good Start 2, which is supposed to be for babies 9+ months. Let me know how you're getting your toddler formula checks! I'm already on their mailing list from before, so I don't get it!

[bunny nose]

Anyone ever get Parents Choice coupons???

I emailed them and asked for them. I am waiting for them to come. Someone posted a phone number here not to long ago. Look back though the last few posts.

Karen


Found it- here it is:
Parent's Choice Formula
Do you all know that if you call the number on their website - 1-800-485-9918, and ask for coupons, they'll send you some? You probably all know that already, but thought I'd post just in case. They'll send you some every month but you do have to call every month and request them. It's not automatic.

[Dan's*Girl]

Awesome Bunnynose, thanks!

[emmjay]

Enfamil checks are taken!

How much does the Parents' Choice formula cost? I am currently supplementing with the Earth's Best and it's pretty expensive.

[Dan's*Girl]

How much does the Parents' Choice formula cost? I am currently supplementing with the Earth's Best and it's pretty expensive.

emmjay-I get the Parent's Choice at WalMart and its exactly the same as Enfamil and Similac and I get a HUGE container(25.75 oz can) for $12-$13. I use Soy so its a dollar more than the regular. DS hasnt had any issues with the switch and we use one large can per week, instead of 2 or 3 of the smaller(12.75oz cans) $12 each cans of the enfamil.
Check it out!


Large can
http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/images/products/pcf_prod-soy-baby-formula.jpg

[jennapeach]

Hey Ramona!

Is the Parents' Choice more similar to Similac or Enfamil? I found Similac to have a really nasty (metallic) smell and it was super frothy - took forever for the bubbles to go down. Whereas, Enfamil was less frothy and I can't remember it having such a metallic smell. We feed Micki Good Start now, which I found to be more like Enfamil, but she tolerates it better.

Just wondering if you had any input on this?

Thanks!