Which formula?

[Vap0]

Hi
I’m due in September and this time I can’t face bf again and am going to do mainly formula.
But which one?
We will use a prefect prep when at home however will also use the premixed stuff for convenience when out and about.
I’ve seen Aldi formula for about £3 less a tub than actimel. Although they don’t seem to make premade stuff. Is that right or have I missed it?
Any reviews on Aldi formula?
Am I right in thinking you shouldn’t mix what you feed baby so if it’s Actumel then it needs to be that all the way?
Therefore if we will be using premade will we need a brand that makes both?
What about cow & gate?
My little one would never take a bottle so formula is totally new territory for me here.
Thanks

Yes don't mix your formulas - we had to use comfort as my DS had colic and reflux but I'd definitely go with an established brand such as cow & gate or SMA (that's what we used).

Perfect prep machine was the best ever buy EVER! lol.

I used aptimil with my first and Hipp organic with second because too many times I'd find balls of unmelted milk that had passed through his entire system ... hipp melted/mixed far better

Aldi's first infant formula is fantastic and it's only £7 a tin!!

Used HIPP organic cause it says organic and it DD got on with it alright.

Aptimil has more connivence items like the premade with screw on disposable tops.

We used cow and gate. DS started on a prescription premature baby formula made by C&G so we decided just to stick with that brand. The nurses in Nicu and scbu felt SMA was worse for wind but essentially they're all the same.

The only thing putting me off Aldi for next baby due June is the lack of premade.

I want to be able to have premade so I’m going to start at cow & gate and then go more expensive from there. I don’t think there’s a nutritional benefit from one over the other but there’s very little out there to compare unfortunately as they’re not allowed to advertise.

Are you going to take it into hospital or do they provide it?

I can’t face even trying this time round tbh!

Check what formula your nearest shop with late opening hours has, and pick one of those brands. That may come in handy late one night!

Formula is so rigourously controlled there’s very little difference in each, mainly price! Do I would go with what pp suggested - one that you can buy in all shops near you in case of emergencies.

Addressing the premade milk questions; we bought cow and gate starter kits for the hospital (because they're the cheapest ) and use aldi mamia all the time at home. We continue to buy cow and gate premade for situations where it's required, and we've had no adverse effects on either of my twins. They don't seem to mind having different formula on the small number of occasions we give it to them.

That is very interesting hereyougo and something to keep in mind

Similar to hereyougo for my twins we used Hipp Organic at home with the prep machine, and Aptamil ready made bottles when out and about

Thanks all for your feedback.
I had heard that they all are basically the same minus the price.
Our closest shop is aldi so I think they sell aptimel and their own brand. We are pretty good at not running out of essentials here, only run out of nappies once and never put myself in that position ever again so would just make sure we had loads in.
Hereyougo thanks for sharing
I like the idea of the saving of using Aldi own brand but also need pre made as I’m not massively organised and with a toddler running around I’ll need an easy solution.

So maybe I’ll use aldi for perfect prep and aptimel or cow and gate or whatever else for holidays and when we are out and about.

Has anyone else swapped formulas as I am suggesting? Any problems? Or has all gone smoothly?

Rockinrobin - yes I’ll take it to hospital. I think it depends on your area, and even your nurses. I was planning on bf last time so took none and they weren’t forthcoming in offering me any even after my feeding baby for ever and then she puked it all up so needed to start again and was in tears. On the other hand an nct friend in the bed next to me was give handfuls of the stuff. So I think it just depends. Apparently here if you’re planning on formula you have to take your own from the start.

It all depends how long you’re in for, doesn’t it? If it was 6 hours I’d do without but not if it’s 3 days. I’ll ask my midwife when I see her again.

Thanks for the thread OP.

Aptamil and C&G are made by the same company, there is no difference. And as a pp said all formula is vigorously controlled so there can’t be much difference. I used Hipp.

I used Aldi formula from 9 months as breastfed before and it was absolutely fine. Used both stage 1 and stage 2 (as stage 2 basically the same, it's all
marketing guff).

Formula is tightly controlled as a PP said, I switched between a few brands (aptimal, Hipp, C&G, Aldi) for each of my 3 without issue although when they were small they were mainly BF so their gut had matured slightly.

I used SMA premade with no issues. I did have to carry a pair of scissors around with me as they were the only brand that's premade didn't come with a cap.

There are differences between in the ingredients. For example aptamil profutura no longer uses palm oil, which is not good for you (or for the environment). It also doesn’t have maltodextrin which is basically just sugar. It’s definitely an improvement from the previous aptamil Formula.

There are some differences between stage 1 infant milk and stage 2 ‘follow-on’ milk (eg iron content) but stage 2 only exists so that companies can lawfully advertise a product, advertising of first milk being banned.

We used cow and gate and our daughter thrived on it - happy to use it again if BF doesn't work our this time again .

Anti colic bottles are a must tho no matter what.

Good luck!

Vap0 I remember you from the pregnancy after infertility thread - I'm so pleased to hear you are having another. Congratulations

With my DD I BF and FF-swapped formula brand at about 10 weeks as moved country and no other choice. I then swapped again to a brand that had ready to use formula. With my DS I have used 4 different types of formula (Abroad on holiday) without a problem. I think I would use one with pre mixed formula and then consider changing for a cheaper one when you know they are alright with it after 6 weeks or so. Good luck!

They’re all much of the same in terms of nutritional content, the exception that Hipp is organic but it’s tightly regulated so there’s no bad choice. I’d personally avoid Aldi’s own but only because you say they don’t have ready made. If you’re planning on not BF at all then you’ll need to take ready to feed into the hospital, preferably those packs with the teats provided since they probably won’t have anywhere to do bottles. And I always find it easier to use ready made when out and about (just chuck a carton and a clean bottle into your bag and go) but that’s just me! However, I don’t think you’re supposed to switch back and forth? As the ingredients do vary slightly and switching like that might cause baby some discomfort... check with your doctor/midwife/health visitor maybe?

I didn't realise Aldi don't have ready made. They're massively missing a trick there.