Anonymous
Post 09/10/2020 12:34     Subject: Best formula?
We did Enfamil Enspire for my son. It was expensive but he did really well on it and Target almost always had a coupon.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2020 12:31     Subject: Re:Best formula?
I liked Enfamil Enspire. It has great ingredients and no corn syrup (and you can get it at Target/ Safeway/ amazon). A biologist does a youtube series on formulas and she recommended Enspire. My little guy had 90% breastmilk but really like this one too (and I turned several friends onto it whose kids who were primarily BF liked it too).

It is hard to compare labels but Europeans have different requirements so you are not comparing apples to apples
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2020 03:07     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:They're all legally required to have the same nutritional profile and there is no meaningful difference.

I use the Target brand which is similar to Similac



I was thinking about the European brands like HIPP and Holle vs the organic US-based brands. Apparently Europe has more stringent standards as to what can go into formula and whether ingredients and nutrients are synthetic or naturally derived. Was wondering if anyone has ever had to make a similar decision and what they decided was best.


I thought about doing European formula guy decided against it for many reasons. First, some have said it’s illegal. Second, you don’t know when it was prepared, how long it was sitting waiting for shipment, and if it was in a sterile environment. Third, I wanted a formula that I couple easily buy and it’s been even more so important with the pandemic and places having limited formula.

I went with Enfamil Neuropro but there are others. Earths Best, Happy Baby Organics, Baby’s Only, etc. Your baby will decide what they prefer.


I really love the site “ Gimmethegoodstuff.com”. It has tons of great advice on baby products, household, and good products that are “ cleaner”.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2020 03:01     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:They're all legally required to have the same nutritional profile and there is no meaningful difference.

I use the Target brand which is similar to Similac



I was thinking about the European brands like HIPP and Holle vs the organic US-based brands. Apparently Europe has more stringent standards as to what can go into formula and whether ingredients and nutrients are synthetic or naturally derived. Was wondering if anyone has ever had to make a similar decision and what they decided was best.


I thought about doing European formula guy decided against it for many reasons. First, some have said it’s illegal. Second, you don’t know when it was prepared, how long it was sitting waiting for shipment, and if it was in a sterile environment. Third, I wanted a formula that I couple easily buy and it’s been even more so important with the pandemic and places having limited formula.

I went with Enfamil Neuropro but there are others. Earths Best, Happy Baby Organics, Baby’s Only, etc. Your baby will decide what they prefer.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 22:15     Subject: Re:Best formula?
HIPP tastes most like breast milk so it was easy for my baby to go back and forth with no problem. I used the UK HIPP like poster above. Ask your pediatrician about ready-to-feed vs powdered as there seems to be varied opinions.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 21:38     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.


Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.


I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.


Ok, and why does that matter? I’m sure there are people here who consider Target and Costco formula to be “junk”, even though they have met the same standards as Enfamil or Similac. Why should OP get Aptamil just because some people consider Hipp and Holle junk?


Because OP asked for the “best”. “Best” obviously is subjective but the view in Europe by many who have access to all the different kinds of European formula is Aptamil. In fact, my Europeans friends view Holle and HIPP with the same side eye that some of you seem to view American formulas.


You still don’t get it. The short answer is, there is no “best” European formula, just like there is no “best” American formula. The best formula is the one your baby will eat without spitting up horribly, getting horribly constipated, or any other complaints. Some may argue over American vs European, but when compared against their peers (American vs American or European vs European), the “best” formula is the one your baby will eat. Period.



No - I get that you want to argue but you are completely missing my point. “Best” is an opinion. I gave the opinion as conveyed to me by the Europeans I know. Your opinion that there is no “best” is no more valid than their opinion that the “best” is a certain brand and that brand is not what Americans think of as the superior European formula.


We’re talking about formula. Something that is highly regulated. Any pediatrician will tell you that there is no “best” formula. It’s whatever is easiest for your baby to tolerate. This isn’t an opinion. Among all of the formulas that a baby will tolerate, someone may prefer one brand over another, but objectively speaking, it doesn’t make one better than the other. That piece is subjective. It’s your European friends’ subjective opinions that Aptamil is better than Hipp or Holle. At the end of the day, all 3 are perfectly fine to feed your baby. If Aptamil makes a baby have bloody stools, it doesn’t matter whether the mother thinks Hipp and Holle are “junk”, Aptamil is clearly not the best formula for that baby, from an objective standpoint.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 21:26     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.


Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.


I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.


Ok, and why does that matter? I’m sure there are people here who consider Target and Costco formula to be “junk”, even though they have met the same standards as Enfamil or Similac. Why should OP get Aptamil just because some people consider Hipp and Holle junk?


Because OP asked for the “best”. “Best” obviously is subjective but the view in Europe by many who have access to all the different kinds of European formula is Aptamil. In fact, my Europeans friends view Holle and HIPP with the same side eye that some of you seem to view American formulas.


You still don’t get it. The short answer is, there is no “best” European formula, just like there is no “best” American formula. The best formula is the one your baby will eat without spitting up horribly, getting horribly constipated, or any other complaints. Some may argue over American vs European, but when compared against their peers (American vs American or European vs European), the “best” formula is the one your baby will eat. Period.



No - I get that you want to argue but you are completely missing my point. “Best” is an opinion. I gave the opinion as conveyed to me by the Europeans I know. Your opinion that there is no “best” is no more valid than their opinion that the “best” is a certain brand and that brand is not what Americans think of as the superior European formula.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 20:49     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.



The UK standards are far more stringent than our old FDA even before trump took it over. You buy from a reputable distributor and you’re fine. Aptamil, in my experience, is harder to find and get delivered fast compared to HIPP UK.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 20:45     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:They're all legally required to have the same nutritional profile and there is no meaningful difference.

I use the Target brand which is similar to Similac



I was thinking about the European brands like HIPP and Holle vs the organic US-based brands. Apparently Europe has more stringent standards as to what can go into formula and whether ingredients and nutrients are synthetic or naturally derived. Was wondering if anyone has ever had to make a similar decision and what they decided was best.



Nanny here. HIPP is by far my favorite. I recommend it to all my employers. It’s clean, it tastes and smells good, and all my charges loved it with no tummy upset. I’m preparing for the birth of my next little charge in a month and just ordered HIPP stage 1.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 20:37     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.


Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.


I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.


Ok, and why does that matter? I’m sure there are people here who consider Target and Costco formula to be “junk”, even though they have met the same standards as Enfamil or Similac. Why should OP get Aptamil just because some people consider Hipp and Holle junk?


Because OP asked for the “best”. “Best” obviously is subjective but the view in Europe by many who have access to all the different kinds of European formula is Aptamil. In fact, my Europeans friends view Holle and HIPP with the same side eye that some of you seem to view American formulas.


You still don’t get it. The short answer is, there is no “best” European formula, just like there is no “best” American formula. The best formula is the one your baby will eat without spitting up horribly, getting horribly constipated, or any other complaints. Some may argue over American vs European, but when compared against their peers (American vs American or European vs European), the “best” formula is the one your baby will eat. Period.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 20:27     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.


Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.


I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.


Ok, and why does that matter? I’m sure there are people here who consider Target and Costco formula to be “junk”, even though they have met the same standards as Enfamil or Similac. Why should OP get Aptamil just because some people consider Hipp and Holle junk?


Because OP asked for the “best”. “Best” obviously is subjective but the view in Europe by many who have access to all the different kinds of European formula is Aptamil. In fact, my Europeans friends view Holle and HIPP with the same side eye that some of you seem to view American formulas.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 20:06     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Pp -I actually read American is better because some European formulas are missing important nutrients.


This is correct. Plus none of the European formulas are FDA approved so what you buy on the internet is entirely unregulated gray market goods. If you have a trusted relative or friend in Europe willing to ship you formula, then by all means do it. But understand the risks of buying from the random internet companies. By the way, HIPP and Holle are considered junk in Europe. Get Aptamil if you must have European formula.


Just like in America, all European formulas have to pass rigorous safety and nutrition standards. Saying Hipp and Holle are junk compared to Aptamil is like saying the Target or Costco Kirkland brands are junk compared to Enfamil or Similac. It’s personal preference.


I’m not saying it is junk. I’m saying that it is considered junk. My point is that Holle and HIPP are not premium brands in Europe. Aptamil is.


Ok, and why does that matter? I’m sure there are people here who consider Target and Costco formula to be “junk”, even though they have met the same standards as Enfamil or Similac. Why should OP get Aptamil just because some people consider Hipp and Holle junk?
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 19:57     Subject: Re:Best formula?
We liked similac pro advance. It’s also widely available which I found important. They have RTF or powder.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 19:50     Subject: Re:Best formula?
My baby loved the Wegmans formula, basically the generic version of Similac.
Anonymous
Post 09/09/2020 19:40     Subject: Best formula?
Anonymous wrote:OP I know you didn't ask, but I would highly recommend getting rid of this "best" mindset. There are so, so many conflicting opinions out there (see, e.g., this thread) about what's the "best." Do your research, sure, but ultimately this is not that big of a deal and it's something you can easily drive yourself crazy over. The best one is whatever your kid drinks and tolerates the best. It is not going to make any difference to your kid's life whether you use organic German formula or the Costco brand.

The only specific advice I can give is that I think the RTF bottles were incredibly convenient and, at least for a newborn, I found using RTF helped with peace of mind.

Also, find a pediatrician you like and trust for these kind of questions. It can help cut through all the internet noise.


This +1000
I am wealthy and realized very quickly throwing money at kid stuff is for the most part pointless and unnecessary. My kids use Costco diapers and clothes from Target. They want loving and engaged parents and there's nothing I can buy them (excluding quality childcare and medical care) that is any better than the cheaper option. And we used Gerber Gentlease Soothe to answer your actual question!