What formula to choose?

[TallulahTaboo]

Just that really....?

BF isn't an option so I'm now looking into formula feeding. However there's so much great and negative information online I'm struggling to make a decision. I appreciate any decision might have to be changed when they are here but in the meantime I'd like to pack my hospital bag and have a few cartons and perhaps a tin at home ready.

Can anyone share any feedback on any brands? Experiences?

Thanks ☺️

Formula is very heavily regulated, so the good news is there is no wrong choice (all brands are nearly the same, at least in terms of nutritional requirements/safety. If you can find it, Dispatches did a really good programme on this). This is obviously allergies aside.

Things I took in consideration therefore were mostly price & convenience. Go with something you can easily get in your nearest supermarket and you can afford. There is a markup on the big brands and you will go through a LOT. So it's okay to consider price.

Some babies have preferences, mine didn't. We ended up using Aldi formula (Mamia) which has a very pleasant smell (some formula have a weird smell, which I found difficult to give to my baby even knowing rationally it was perfectly fine), it's very affordable and was conveniently close for us. But in situations where it was difficult to make bottles we would use premade Aptamil.

I didn't like the smell of Soma, but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it. I had a friend who used Hipp Organic and was pleased with that, but occasionally had trouble getting hold of it.

We use Cow and Gate which has been fine. Tried Aptamil previously however found my son was really gassy with it...which is crazy as it’s the same company! There are so many brands out there, when I gave birth, our hospital used both C&G and Aptamil but I’ve heard good things about HIPP 😀

Used cow and gate, for the price point knowing it was the same nutritionally as the more expensive brands.
You get through so much.
I only used it from 9-12 months before I switched to cows milk though so have no experience of using with newborn.
Also available easily.
You may find you are led by your baby, if they are not getting on with one you may decide to switch.

As others have said they're all much the same so just go with the cheapest. Aldi do their own brand one which ds1 went onto at 3mo when I stopped bf.

My first was on cow and gate, but this ones gonna be on aldi own, as its only round the corner from me so easyer to get xx

I used cow & gate with my son and had no issues. Cousin used aptamil and had lots of problems (however who's to say it was because of the formula). Aptamil i think if I remember was the more expensive one. Personally I'd even use aldi to save money if there was one closer to us. Like other poster has said its super regulated that they'll all be great quality.

I used aptamil which was great. Sma smells vile so couldn’t use that.

Best thing to do is have a look in your local shops and see which brands do the starter packs (they come in I think 70ml bottles and pre sterilised teats) as you will need to take them to hospital with you. Aptamil, cow & gate and hipp organic do them but not all are available everywhere.

This is all really really helpful, thank you. I've always been brand conscious so it's nice to hear that supermarket pen brands are just as good, if not better! We are close to an Aldi and Tesco so I'll have a look at both of them this week.

Can't thank you all enough, thanks 😘