How do you know which brands to use?

[clairesmiles]

Hi everyone,

I'm sat making a list of things that i need to buy for my 1st baby (coz i have a bit of OCD like that) and im wondering how on earth you choose which brands to use for things like baby formula!?

I'm planning on going straight to formula, but which one is best? and nappies, im thinking of using supermarket branded ones. Wipes! my SIL baby is allergic to certain types, so do i have to buy a selection of different types in case?

I'm having a bit of a pregnancy melt-down today i think lol xx

Go for the cheapest formula. The only difference (assuming your baby doesn't have reflux or allergies ) is the price. Don't buy too many nappies before baby is born - depends on the shape.

And, well, it is absolutely your choice whether or not to breastfeed, but as someone who wasn't keen on the idea but decided to give it a go I am so so so glad I did and grateful I was able to. It's just freeing. No bothering about carting stuff about or measuring scoops or worrying if you run out.

We started with huggies nappies and wipes but we didn't like them so swapped to pampers.

Friend started with pampers and swapped to the own supermarket brand.

Just personal choice really.

It's a suck it and see thing! Sorry not helpful. Just don't buy too many as you'll be stuck using them!

We just went for the cheapest formula, Cow and Gate. But just buy a dozen or so cartons - cartons are easier for the first few weeks and are also recommended - on the off chance it doesn't agree with your baby. Ditto nappies, something like Pampers are a good bet but again just a pack in case the fit is wrong. You can experiment later. We've always used Pampers Sensitive wipes and had no problems, whereas the more normal wipes I.e. Pampers pink ones do make DD go a bit red.

Moderation is key - just get enough to get through those first few days.

You figure out what is best for you and your baby. It's all about what suits best. A million people can offer advice but you'll really figure it out and make your own choices when you're in the thick of it. Supermarket own brand stuff can be fine, but you might prefer a particular brand, too.

Crack on with your lists though - I loved lists and spreadsheets when I was pregnant, I at least felt I had a modicum of control over the whole thing (a fabulous illusion) and also a way to contain the excitement I felt, I was half petrified and half giddy with joy. I was planning and writing lists for months.

Yep, agree with thehouseoflego its just a case of suckit and see. I bought all premium brands with my first born and they weren't always necessarily the best. With my third I was using Tesco nappies because my dd was so tiny and pampers were a bad fit. Wipes, I just buy what is on offer at that time. I've no allegiance to any brands. Totally agree with ralphrecklesscardew too, don't dismiss bf just yet.. its free, its good for baby and very portable ha ha.

A tip i've been given is not to buy too many bottles/teats. YOu dont know if your baby will like them or not and might have to go through a few different brands before you find one they will accept! Im planning on BF too so not going to buy any bottles until I either give up or start expressing, whichever comes first

Thank you all :)

Like you say i know all this planning will pretty much go out of the window once the baby comes but i suppose it's about trying to get involved with something to do with the baby in this time where i just have to wait around lol!

Thanks again xxx

Planning for formula - choose something cheap and easily available in your usual local shops. The content is so tightly regulated that there is no 'best'.

Aptamil gives me the rage because it markets itself as if formula is like chocolate, or sausages. You know, there is a bog standard sausage and then there is the posh 'Tesco Finest' or whatever with higher meat content and better ingredients. That just isn't true with formula. They are basically just charging you extra for the prestige of their brand. They also got away with their total bollocks advertising slogan of 'closest to breastmilk' for a long time, and it has seeped into the consciousness. No formula is more or less like breastmilk than any other.

Different formulas seem to suit different babies, or they like the taste, but start with the cheapest and easiest and only spend extra if you need to.