Formula - Prebiotics (Aptamil) vs organic (Hipp)

[oysterpots]

DS has been on Aptamil, chosen because of its claim to be 'closest to breastmilk' and because it contains prebiotics (DS had to have big doses of antibiotics the first week of his life). I bf him until it got too much (I had mastitis followed by thrush) and decided to move to ff. He's now 6 weeks and for the past week has been almost exclusively ff other than two bf per day.

Now I'm wondering whether to switch formula to the Hipp organic one, as he's had so many chemicals in his short life already. I was thinking of adding infant acidophilus to this, which would incorporate the prebiotic element.

Any opinions? What would you do?

DOnt knwo anything about the differentr formulas sorry (though I would choose organic myself) but if you leep giving some breastmilk your DS will continue have some protection from your milk,

sorry about the spelling (bad night)!

i hate to say it oysterpots, but all formula is pretty much the same. they all contain the same ingrediants and will nourish your baby in the same way. you could speak to your HV about the different varieties within the range (soya etc) but they will all do the same job tbh.

hope that helps

Really? So I could save myself the cash and just buy the cheapest. Hmm...

Hipp Organic is certified by the Soil Association so that is a difference from the rest though, right?

What about formulas which claim to be 'easy digest'? And is it a bad idea to keep swapping brands or not if they are all pretty much the same?

So many questions!

HiPP organic. It is so creamy.

How can Aptimal say it is closest to BM? I thought that was illegal.

Don't keep swapping. May give baby tummy ache.

I can't believe they are all the same.

i think its because aptamil has prebiotics similar to the antibodies etc that would be in breastmilk

It is illegal, NAB. It doesn't stop them.

Why would swapping give the baby a tummy ache??

that means cow and gate should be joint closest along with its prebiotics too then

stacey, prebiotics are in NO WAY similar to antibodies
not at all, ever
sorry

I had heard of some people who changed their baby's milk and then theyu had bad tummy aches.

I thought they all said they were closest to breastmilk I think C&G does in their packaging.

I guess they all have a different way they are 'closest' eg texture/consistency, taste, ingredients, amount of a certain product, smell. So Aptamil might smell the closest to breastmilk, well la-di-da.

I'd go for the Hipp Organic one now that I know it's cheap - but C&Gate was the cheapest available in my local shop (and name I recognised) so that was that.

ok mrsbadger sorry just a thought.

ds has enfamil for reflux so thats the only one i know about!

Antibodies are not the same as prebiotics.

There are no antibodies in formula.

Prebiotics are derived from sucrose and glucose (neither found in breastmilk or indeed, in cows milk which the formula comes form). Not everywhere is convinced of their safety or effectiveness

such as Australia and NZ

I liked cow and gate and aptamil purely for the scoop leveller built into the side of the tub . No more rootling about trying to find a knife to make up the bottles, you just used the one that was there - is that a bit sad??!!

p.s. that link did say to do the changeover gradually as it could cause stomach upset:

It is important that infant diets are not changed suddenly as this can cause digestive upsets. The packaging of Karicare Gold Plus Infant and Follow-On Formula does not contain instructions for transitioning off these products, however NZFSA recommends that parents and caregivers choosing to make a change to an alternative product do so in a gradual manner. This could mean replacing one to two feeds a day over three to four days.

if i were you i would use whatever is stocked at your local shop. tends to be sma or cow & gate, i promise you all first formula's are pretty much the same. its about as different as different brands of bread. they are made the same way, using the same ingredients and aimed at the same people, there might be a slight variation in taste/consistency and thats about it.

That's really interesting - thanks everyone.

I'd just started him on the Aptamil Easy Digest formula because his tummy has always been a bit dicky, so I'll see how he goes with that. Then I think I might go with the Hipp Organic and add my own prebiotics, seeing as I've already spent £24 on them! But will make it a gradual transition.

How did you get on with aptimil easy digest?

My little one really settled down when i started using it.

Use the one that is easiest to get hold of - FWIW Cow and gate was great for ds1, Farleys for Ds2, SMA Gold upset both of them, but some people love it. The scoop leveller on the side of the Cow and Gate box is a brilliant idea, and influenced me far more than all the claims to breastmilk similarities ever did.

Reported again

Fuck off trying to sell formaula for £37.99

On an 11 year old thread