Baby Formula

I came across an interesting opportunity to write a post about baby formula. I had supplemented with formula with my first child and used it solely with my second. It was the best choice for our family, yet it cost a fortune. From what I've learned, Consumer Reports for the past year or so, has been urging parents to purchase store brand formula because it is a significant way to save money over brand name formula. The publisher recently released it's 10th edition of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products edition. Consumer Reports also recommends that "if you choose or need to use infant formula, buy powdered formula. It costs less than concentrated liquid or liquid formula. And keep in mind that all infant formula sold in the U.S. must meet the same basic nutrient requirements specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration." They found that Walmart's brand formula costs 50% less than the national leading brand, Enfamil. I used the baby formula savings calculator to see how true that really is. I entered the name of the formula I used with Ian and found that by using Parent's Choice brand, from Walmart stores, I would have saved over 50%. And in a years time, I would have saved $683! Since all formula marketed in the United States must meet the same nutrient specifications required by the FDA, babies are getting the same nutritional standards, just at a less cost to the consumer. Of course the most economical way to feed a baby is breast feeding and is the best for the baby but for those who need to use formula, it sounds like store brands are the way to go. (I am kind of hoping my husband doesn't read this post because if we had known how much we could have saved...:)