What baby formula is your Pediatrician recommending? It could be Enfamil, Similac, or maybe even Nestle’s Good Start. Do you know what they are forgetting to tell you? How to save your money.
The top name brands in baby formula are excellent, but are formulated to meet the same requirements as the store brands sitting on the shelves right beside them. When you are in the store getting ready to pick up a can of formula grab a can of Enfamil, Similac, Good Start, and the store brand. Turn them all around and start comparing the nutrition information. You are about to be shocked. Almost all of them will be within a percentage point or two of each other. Your baby can be just as healthy, and grow just as rapidly on the much cheaper store brand as they can on the name brand formula.
Is there a difference justifying the cost difference? In some cases there is. If you have a baby with a very sensitive digestive system, or problems with colic, you may want to try some of the name brands varieties designed specifically to help your baby. There are formulations designed to be more gentle. Some store brands offer a gentle formulation, also. There are a few other differences which can affect the taste, and the consistency of the milk. For most infants these variations are not important. If you have a fussy eater, you may want to try a different formula to see if they accept the new formula more easily.
Buying store brands is not the only way to save money on baby formula. If you prefer the name brand products, then make sure you get the Sunday newspaper, baby magazines, and sign up on your brand’s website to receive coupons. You can find coupons which can save you 1 to 2 dollars per can. This is a huge savings for you, since your baby may use several cans of formula per week.
Before you get to wrapped up with saving money on formula, talk to your pediatrician. Ask them exactly what they want to see in the formula. Most pediatricians will request the formula be iron enriched, and contain DHA. Your doctor may recommend other nutrients they see as necessary for your infant. If the Doctor just spits out a name brand, such as Similac Advance, just reply you are considering other options and want to know the nutrients and calories required for your baby. Many doctors are just giving the quick answer most parents want. Your baby deserves a little more attention, and you should know the nutritional requirements. This allows you to make the best decisions possible in selecting a baby formula, which can save you money.
Choosing to save money on baby formula is not going to reduce your baby’s nutrition, it just guarantees you have extra money for the other important items your baby needs. It is your choice, spend more on formula, or buy the cute outfit to make your baby look fabulous.