When it comes to baby formula, is store brand really ok?

Let me first start of by saying: Yes, Breast feeding is best when possible. I nursed all three of my children for several months until i had to switch to formula. Now, that that's said....

I love to get a great deal and I love to save money. Though, my kids' health is more important to me than saving a few dollars. Anyone who has used formula with their babies know that formula is expensive. If you look around you'll see Formula choices from Enfamil, Similac, Carnation Good Start, Store brand and probably other I just can't think of right now. Most pediatricians will recommend that once you pick a formula you should stick with it. So you have a real decision on your hands.

First thing you may notice is the price. Ouch I know but stay with me here. the 27.5 oz cans of Similac and Enfamil are somewhere around $25-$28 dollars. Then you see the store brand such as Parent's Choice $15. Big difference. But what else is different?

I get the little postcards in the mail saying that store brand formulas have the same nutritional values as the name brands. So I decided to take a good look myself. For the remainder of this blog post we will compare Parent's Choice to Enfamil.

Both have vitamins: A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C in reading the labels on the cans side by side

Both have Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Sodium, Selenium, Potassium, Chloride, Iodine

Both have Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Water, and Linoleic acid. The difference here is that Parent's Choice (PC) has 2.3 g of protein and Enfamil has 2.6. The fat content is the same at 5.3 g as well as the Linoleic acid at 860 mg. PC has 10.8 g of carbohydrates while enfamil has 10.5.

Both contain the Lipids DHA and ARA which in reading are associated with infant mental and visual development.

I'm not a doctor or a nurse. Each mother's choice is their own with breast feeding vs formula feeding and which brand of formula to choose when choosing to use formula.

In comparing the nutrition labels i chose parent's choice because they were so similar with the nutritional content. I also found this information helpful on the Parent's Choice website for baby formula regulations: http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/baby-formula-regulations.aspx

Don't think it's always best for your baby to buy the most expensive item. Not just with formula. Compare your diapers, diaper creams, clothing, baby food and more. When you do the research you can still save your family money AND take care of all your babies needs without stressing the budget.

Also found this youtube video i just thought was cute and entertaining:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziw-T6A2xEw