Question for formula feeding moms

~*sierra*~ · #1 July 22nd, 2010, 05:37 AM

What's the difference between the 'stages' (or was it steps?)? Like is it a huge deal to give the different steps to a baby? I ony ask because i ordered the freebie backpack from the maternity store and i know it has formula in it and i want to give it to SIL for her to give to payne, but i'm pretty sure they send step 1, and i dont even know what age baby is supposed to use step 1, is that just for newborns? gah formula is confusing!! lol

IamMom · #2 July 22nd, 2010, 06:04 AM

I'm one of the very few FF moms on the board I think, so hopefully I can give some insight (however I no longer formula feed any of my kids - whooooo hooo!!!) I've never known formula to be confusing honestly....maybe I just never went thru the right steps...but I was very headstrong on only FF until 12 months - then whole Vit. D organic milk. So I only used one kind of formula the whole 9 months or however long they were on formula. There are some formula brands that do one thru 12 months and then 12 + months "stage" formula, but I don't feel a baby needs the extended formulas unless they have some kind of eating difficulty or problem. They should be getting all the nutrients they need after 12 months from food and milk.

Just my 2 cents - hope it helped!

**jessie** · #3 July 22nd, 2010, 06:33 AM

I'm still pumping, but I supplement formula now because I don't make much. I actually asked this question to the head of pediatrics before I left the hospital after having Jax because I was unsure how bf'ing was going to go for us. He said you can just use the beginning stage all the way up until 12 months. There really is no need to switch to the different stages because BM does not really change either (yes, it does change slightly but not drastically).

Is your SIL weaning from the pump? I am currently in the process of doing so. Since going back to work, it is way too much stress.

~*Bethy*~ · #4 July 22nd, 2010, 07:40 AM

there's no need to switch unless the baby has sever growth problems and is really underweight, where formula would keep that extra fat on them. Ive always stopped formula a few weeks before their first birthday, then switched to whole milk.

Adriana's Mommy · #5 July 22nd, 2010, 08:28 AM

I formula fed my son and I only switched to one special formula to try to rule out milk allergies.. Other then that, he's on one brand and then I'll switch him to Organic Milk around 11 months old..

I know they make special high calorie human milk fortifer for low weight babies.. I've seen those at work, but only used on babies that need the extra calories..

Here's an example (these are vary expensive too.. It's crazy!)

Similac� Human Milk Fortifier

Nami · #6 July 22nd, 2010, 08:41 AM

Chris was on 1 until he was 12months then we went to 3. With Alissa we are moving onto 2 but only because she's so small and doesn't eat good so it was suggested. 1's are more than ok to give at any age while FF, there's no real age limit.

~*sierra*~ · #7 July 22nd, 2010, 09:07 AM

thanks everyone! i'm happy that i'll be able to give payne the formula freebie that i get. SIL is weaning from the pump, i think as of a few days ago she stopped altogether. P seems to like formula just fine so its worked out well. She was just really sick of doing it, but it was good she kept it up for so long. Also after a weekend of partying and forgetting to pump her milk supply started to go down so she just decided now was as good a time as any.

WTG pumping for so long jessie! its such a huge commitment, i can totally see how pumping and working would be stressful.

Frozendesire · #8 July 22nd, 2010, 09:14 AM

I did formula with Curtis from 6 months until 12 months and did it occasionally with Dustin as well.

Here we have 2 stages for formula. There are ones that are 0+ and then one geared towards toddlers. The one used for toddlers is just for a little one who isn't gaining well on just whole milk (or whatever they are currently taking). I haven't seen anything different then that.

ANGWife · #9 July 22nd, 2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IamMom

I'm one of the very few FF moms on the board I think, so hopefully I can give some insight (however I no longer formula feed any of my kids - whooooo hooo!!!) I've never known formula to be confusing honestly....maybe I just never went thru the right steps...but I was very headstrong on only FF until 12 months - then whole Vit. D organic milk. So I only used one kind of formula the whole 9 months or however long they were on formula. There are some formula brands that do one thru 12 months and then 12 + months "stage" formula, but I don't feel a baby needs the extended formulas unless they have some kind of eating difficulty or problem. They should be getting all the nutrients they need after 12 months from food and milk.

Just my 2 cents - hope it helped!

Excellent advice.