Hi Ladies. I am currently supplementing with formula for my three weeks old daughter and I have a question about mixing formula. I started her with Similac and she seems to be doing fine with it. Then I sent my husband out to get another can and he came back with Enfamil for fussiness and gas. He thought it would be good for her. Anyways I can't take it back to the store to exchange it because he lost the receipt. My question is I don't want to waste the Enfamil, is it possible to mix the two formula together like half a scoop of Similac and half a scoop of Enfamil so it's not that drastic of a change for her?
Thanks.
It should be fine. Definitely mix the two so that it's not too much of a change for her but she should be okay.
But after this try to stay to consistent w/ formula.
I don't kno w why people say to stay consistent with formula. I nursed and supplemented with 2 of mine and neither my breast milk or the formula was the same all the time. Give it a try and see how she does with it. If there aren't problems, you are good to go! If you feel better mixing it, there shouldn't be a problem with it since you add the same amount of water to each scoop.
.... there is no rocket science about Formula or mixing it or with breastmilk too.
At least, I am saying this because... although my son was breastfed, I had to when he was older (but still a baby), supplement with Formula.
I used all different brands. He NEVER had a problem with that.
And I still always nursed him, too, and always on demand. I used the Formula, not to replace or substitute for nursing... but as a 'chaser' after nursing. Therefore, my own milk production did not decrease and I still had plenty of breastmilk.
I ditto, Goingon4boys, below.
The formula I used with my son was Enfamil and/or the Kirkland brand from Costco. And sometimes, Earth's Best brand.
But with Formula... ALWAYS put water in the bottle first, then add the scoops. Otherwise, if you put the scoops of Formula in first then the water... you will not have enough water in the bottle. And then, the Formula will be too concentrated. And...if the Formula is too concentrated, it will overload a baby's kidneys.
I think it will be just fine. They both call for the same amount of water per scoop, so it's safe.
Stores WILL NOT EXCHANGE OR REFUND MONEY ON FORMULA, EVER without a receipt!!!
Since formula is a WIC item stores are not allowed to exchange it or take it for a refund. A prescription is required at the WIC offices to get one particular formula instead of another. The baby has to go to the doc each time they need to try a different formula and each time the prescription is written.
So many formulas are vastly different prices they just can't take one back and then if it is less than the one being exchanged they can't give you money. If it is obtained through WIC it can cost that store their government contract, that means no food stamp business or WIC or state charges, nothing, they get cut off and that means probably closing their doors.
I know this is not a nice thing for parents who do not need WIC but it is the most fair thing they can do. I have a hard time if my milk goes bad and I don't have a receipt. It is also a WIC item so they won't exchange it out unless I have a receipt for it. Fortunately I always have several receipts in my purse that has milk on it. But there have been a couple of times that I was out a gallon of milk.
I would try it and see if she does better or worse. Otherwise I would find a birth choice/birth right office and donate it.
I suggest that at most stores you can take it back even tho you don't have a receipt. If you paid for it with a credit/debit card many stores can access the original sale on the computer and return your money. Others will just give you store credit.
My son used about 5 different brands of formula plus breastmilk and never had an issue with the changes. I would try a bottle of straight Enfamil and see if she takes it. If she doesn't, then mix the two together. My son never had a problem with the taste or digestive issues when switching formulas and I never mixed two together.
It's probably fine if you mix it, but I agree to stay consistent after this. My little guy had to switch formulas a few times and it was hard on his tummy! Each one is formulated differently and can react differently with each body, so since you're supplementing anyway, it's probably fine for this time.
I use many different types of formula for my 9 week old and did so as early as 1 week old. I had to use all of those samples that I got from the different companies, it saved me a lot of money as I didn't have to buy formula for almost a month. My child adjusted fine to each one and if anything I think it made her more adaptable (the first 2 kids I stuck with the same brand the first month and then they refused to change). I think switching around also helped me figure out what formula she would do best on. Currently we are using Target brands gentle formula and Gerber gentle formula. You will be fine mixing it.
I mix and matched all the time, depending on what was on sale and what I had coupons for. I just stayed away from the "special" ones, if you stick to the basic similac, enfamil, or good start... I think they are all pretty similar.
