How to Choose a Formula

[FTMJul26]

I am due with my first baby in July and plan to breast feed but want to have a formula chosen and maybe take some ready to feed bottles to the hospital just in case it doesn’t work out but how do I choose a formula! Obviously when reading about them they all say they’re the best and with all the recalls etc atm it just makes me so nervous. Thanks in advance for any advice

It’s all marketing OP! They all meet the required standards which are based on evidence, even the supermarket own brands. Go for one which is easy to access for you- sold at your local shop or regular supermarket. Not that there is anything wrong with swapping between brands- that is also a myth to encourage brand loyalty!

But it sounds like you plan to breastfeed so definitely look at learning lots about breastfeeding in pregnancy, do an online course or go to a group and you can avoid lots of the hurdles some people face in the early days by knowing technique and latch technique. There is some brea evidence which shows babies who are given small amounts of formula in the early days and then none for a few months have a higher risk of dairy allergy so if you avoid using formula as a one off (obviously there may be medically indicated times which is different) then it’s best to try and avoid

Honestly, id use your time to learn about breastfeeding if it’s important to you. There are online courses you can do, and I’d recommend Olivia Hinge’s book about infant feeding. Research local breastfeeding resources such as ‘cafes’ and lactation consultants. Breastfeeding is hard work initially! Be prepared for that. In my experience if you want to do it, it’s better to persevere and not give formula unless there are weight concerns after a few weeks. We only used formula for a couple of months once mine started nursery, we used Kendamil as it’s made in the Uk

@Potatomashed @Peonies12 thank you for your replies. Yes i definitely hope to breastfeed and have booked into a local class so hopefully i will feel more confident about it after that! I haven’t heard of the Olivia hinge book so will look that up thanks for the recommendation

If you plan to breastfeed then I wouldn't take formula. If your baby needs additional feeds for any reason then you can be supported to express or formula can be given to you in hospital if it is clinically needed.

If you do want to look at formula milk then the best place to look is First Steps Nutrition. They are the only, completed, evidence based and unbiased resource for formula feeding information and are completely free from any commercial influence.

I purchased some of the small ready made bottles. As it turned out I didn’t use them as BFing worked for me (and still is 8 months later).

I’ve heard HIPP is the one that tastes closest to breast milk but I don’t know how true that is.

To echo a PP, they all have to include the same stuff in them, and 100% look to see what is stocked in your usual supermarket and in the local open-all-hours shop as you never know when you’ll run out.