Things You'll Need:
- Samples of different formula brands
- Medical information
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Step 1
Understand the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) financial assistance program. If you receive WIC assistance, you'll be given Similac Advance powder formula, so if you are applying for WIC and waiting to be approved it would be best to give your baby Similac Advance powder formula so your baby doesn't have to go through the transition of changing formula.
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Step 2
Choose a formula you can afford. If you don't receive WIC assistance, you need to choose a formula that fits in your budget. Your baby needs to eat formula for at least the first year. You may want to try store brand formulas, such as Target brand and Parent's Choice, which are significantly less expensive than brands like Enfamil and Similac.
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Step 3
Talk to your doctor about any potential health reasons to use a specific formula. For example, if your baby is anemic you can buy formula fortified with iron. If your baby is lactose intolerant, you can use soy formula. If your baby has a wheat allergy, you'll need to use a specific wheat-free liquid formula. It is possible to not be aware of a baby's allergies. That is why it is very important to talk to your doctor if your baby has trouble keeping formula down.
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Step 4
Try a formula designed for babies who spit up a lot or easily get gassy. If you've determined your baby does not have a food allergy yet seems to spit up non-stop, there is a formula offered by Enfamil that is designed to reduce spit-up and gas.
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Step 5
Choose a formula that fits your life style. In addition to price and ingredients, you also need to decide if you want powdered formula, liquid concentrate formula, or liquid ready-to-serve formula. Ready-to-serve formula is more expensive, but it is the easiest to use. You can buy ready-to-serve formula bottle nipples. Then all you need to do is open the bottle of formula, screw on the nipple, and serve the formula to your baby. Liquid concentrate formula needs to be mixed with water, but it can be mixed with cold water. Powdered formula also needs to be mixed with water, but it has to be warm water or the powder will clump up in the bottle.
