Bring formula on holiday or change brand?

[trrk]

Just wondering what most people with formula fed babies do when travelling? Do you bring the brand your baby is used to or just buy a different brand while abroad? We are going for 3 weeks so would be heavy to bring what we need with us. Plenty of formula available in the country we are going to but not Kendamil which is what we are using at the moment. I know they are all nuitritionally the same but changing brand all the time can affect digestion and we will also have jet leg and disrupted routine to deal with. What gave others done for long trips and did it work out OK?

I wouldn't change brand.

Are you going to the US? I only ask because I think they are still experiencing shortages there so it would be more of a risk to not take your own. We went to the US last year and shipped all our formula in advance but we were staying with family so that made it easier. I was so glad we did as the shelves were literally bare!! I realise that’s not always an option but if you’re in a hotel I’m sure they might help you out?

How many tins do you need for 3 weeks?

From experience definitely take own. My baby could not tolerate change in brand. It would make for a miserable 3 weeks for all!

Absolutely pack your own. Just isn’t worth the stress. When I went on holiday with my daughter pretty much all the suitcase was for her stuff, I packed the absolute bare minimum for myself!

Can you buy kendamil from boots? We used cow and gate but ordered enough for the holiday to pick up after security in the airport and carried it in an extra bag on the plane. Means you still need to carry it on the plane but at least you don't need to worry about it through security etc and doesn't use up your hold luggage space. Like pp, i wouldn't want to change brands - the change of water would be enough of a change for me!

How old is your baby, if also eating a variety of foods, changing the formula is easier than if younger. Also is any of the brands here available there, you could switch in advance gradually

Thanks all. We are going to New Zealand which is a big milk producer so lots of local brands. Also Aptimal but we found our baby was getting constipated on that before we switched to Kendamil. Baby will be 7 months so we will have started weaning but it’s a bit of an unknown what she will be eating by then as we are starting weaning next week when she is 6 months. I think most nutrition will still be from formula. Thought about the Boots option but lots of extra luggage might be an inconvenience when transiting in Canada and onto our domestic flight once arriving in NZ. It’s a family visit so we could also easily (but expensive) ship out formula before we go - might consider that option.

2-3 tins won't be too much of a hassle surely?

If you're not wanting to take it with you, I'd change over slowly before you go to a brand you know you can get over there.

As you're seeing family out there, could you get them to ship you a couple of tins ahead of time, so you can manage the transition here, before your holiday?

It’s roughly 1 time a week right? I think 3 tins in luggage will be fine tbh. Means you fill that space out, but then that space will be free to fill with gifts no doubt from family in New Zealand on the way back.

Can you take baby milk in though unrestricted?

3 weeks sutely you would only need 3/4 tins? Not that much or weight really.

To be honest I'd be more bothered about feeding on the plane and just take my usual tins with me.

We had an awful time on Qatar flights when DS was 11m.

It’s 4 tins max surely??
when my GD was 4 months we went to Ibiza for 2 weeks and my DD took all ready made formulas ….,and she still didn’t go over her allowance ( she said she couldn’t be arsed with making up bottles on holiday)
can’t see what the drama is here🤷‍♀️