Formula

Updated on January 15, 2008
J.M. asks from Brockton, MA
12 answers

I am due with Baby #3 in 3 weeks. My first was on Similac Advanced and my second on Enfamil Lipil. Has anyone tried the Bj's brand? I noticed it is now made by Enfamil and has the nutritional info and DHA/ARA levels are exactly the same. The only difference I have noticed is the quantity and price. Can anyone think of anything else I should look for before considering this brand for my son?

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C.A.

answers from Providence on

I have just recently (2 weeks ago) switched my 3 month daughter to the BJ's brand (she was previously on Enfamil). It'sa a lot cheaper and the cans are much larger which last longer. She has done very well on it and as far as I can see there is no difference between it and Enfamil. I also compared all the ingredients and nutritional info and found they were the same. The only thing you will notice is the consistency of the powder is a lot thicker (almost grainy) but once mixed with water it's fine.

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

By law, formula has to have the same components of nutrition to be sold in the US. Brand name or not, it's all the same. The only time there is a difference is if it's "organic", "soy" or with lipids. I used just the Parents Choice with my son when he weened himself off the breast and never had any problems. When in doubt ask your doctor. Good luck.

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C.H.

answers from Providence on

Hello,
I have always wondered the same thing b/c you are right the ingredience are the same. So with my 2nd child I started her on Enfamil and had to do some switching due to stomach problems so she was on Gentlease for 4-5 months then I switched her to regular and after about 2 months of that my husband and I decided to try to Bj's brand and she never noticed the difference. I was expecting that she wouldn't take it due to taste or she would spit up but she was fine. So now I'm also pregnant with my 3rd due in 5 weeks and once I get this one settled on regular formula I will probably put he or she on the Bj's brand too. My sister-in-law has a 6 month old and has given him Costco brand since 1 month and he's fine also. Good luck with #3.

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A.M.

answers from Hartford on

At first we used Similac but then I tried different store brands until I found one that worked well for our son. IN the ended up using Walmart Brand which was around 10.50 a can. I tried to breastfeed but did not have much luck with it and I knew I would be going back to work.

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

I was VERY hesitant on using an off brand with my first and my OB and pediatrician both said don't spend the money, buy the off brand! They all have to follow the same FDA rules and have the exact measurements which is why the labels differ. The markup for the name is insane. The only thing I had heard is that the color of the off brand is slightly different but I never saw that. I used Parent's Choice from Walmart which is comparable to the BJs and had no issues. My daughter is two now. Best of luck.

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J.W.

answers from Hartford on

Breastfeeding is the cheapest and healthiest! I hope that is an option for you :)

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C.D.

answers from Providence on

Honestly, I've found Bright Beginnings, Wal*Mart, Target, and BJ's brand are just as good, if not better, then Enfamil. Most of these store brands are made by the same "big" manufacturers (as you've found out). As a mom of 4, I say save your money!

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S.C.

answers from Boston on

I used the BJ's brand with my daughter, after trying Similac for a few weeks. The BJ's formula was MUCH more inexpensive, and in my mind, basically the same. My daughter has had no problems, and I highly recommend it.

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L.E.

answers from New London on

Breast feeding is best, or try nutramagean. I'm not sure if I spelled that right! You pronounce it new-tram-a-jin. It's pricy, but the best for upset stomachs. It's very gentle and works well with the majority of infants.

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L.T.

answers from Boston on

Hi J., I have heard that all formulas have to meet certain requirements and that there really is not much difference from the brand name to the store brand as far as meeting the crucial guidelines set fourth for the formula. The only thing may be that it seems that every year they come up with a different "it" factor in the formula (i.e., lipil, dha/ara, etc... the formulas I used for my 2 kids differed in that they were 3 years apart and had the newest IT factor included) the store brands may be a little behind in manufacturing the newest ingredient that is being pushed by the formula company. So, as long as you are reading the labels and they are close in most categories I did NOT see the need to buy the Brand names as opposed to the store brand, as cost is a big factor in my budget. Good Luck!

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L.K.

answers from Boston on

Hi, I have 2 children who are now 3 and 1.5 and I did use Similac Advanced in the beginning until a pharmacist told me about th Mother's Choice brand at Wal-mart that has the DHA/ARA. I switched my first to the Wal-Mart brand which was over $10 cheaper for a bigger can. My daughter came when Target had come out with a brand that was the same. I brought both labels to my pediatrician and he said it was pretty much the same thing so go for it. I heard the BJ's brand was the same too, but had never tried that with my kids. I saved a lot of money and my kids did great on it. I would go for it if your child will tolerate it. It adds up to be a lot of savings. If you start the new baby off on it, they won't know the difference. Good luck and Congratulations! :)

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J.W.

answers from Boston on

Hello. Wanted to let you know that most formulas are the same. It really comes down to wether or not you want extra iron, and a pricy bran name. Really unless your child has issues with formula and needs a special type it all gives your baby the propper nutrition. Ask your Pedi if you are concerned. My Pedi suggested the lower priced brans for me knowing it was my third baby and money was tight. Try to get the Pedis office to give you samples of the formula. A lot of time they have them and don't give them out unless you ask. It's worth asking. I have personally tried the BJ's brand and it really was no different for my son. I waited a full week and saw how he reacted to the formula before I made up my mind if it was okay for him. All formula seems to be fine for him. Also why don't you try the bran name's website. A lot of them send out free samples, and plenty of coupons. I got them all. Needed them. Wether or not I continued with their brand it took minutes on the computer and saved money with the samples. Plus some of the neighbors benifited from the coupons I didn't use. Or I left them at the store next to the formula for someone else to use. Well hope this helps. Enjoy your baby.

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