So, when I stopped breastfeeding about a month ago, I was faced with buying formula for the first time. I chose a soy-based formula, thinking it might be gentler on his system than one that was milk-based. Ends up, he has a soy intolerance and the formula was messing up his digestion. So this weekend I went looking for a milk-based formula that contained active cultures like in yogurt. It's worked wonders. But standing in front of that aisle, I couldn't believe how many specialized types of formula there are. It's daunting!

How did all you formula-feeding mamas go about choosing a brand or type? Did anyone use one of the "special" formulas, and for what reason?

I don't know about this but when I was prego I read a lot of info about the negative aspects of soy due to high levels of estrogen in it. I stay away from it now.

One of the best pieces of advice I got before Big A was born was to not buy big cans and stock up on lots of formula, until we knew for certain what he could stomach. Turns out, the kid would have eaten the floor if we'd ever put him down on it long enough.

We generally use the Similac brand, since my pedi's office gave us lots of free sample cans and tons of coupons. With Middle A, in his first few months (since he was a premie) I swear we used every brand and every type imaginable. He had some digestive problems until he was about 4 months old. And yes, you're right Sarah, the rows and rows of formula was enough to give me the shakes! Luckily he outgrew his digestive troubles fairly quickly and so far so good with Baby A. Now we use the Target brand, since it's $11.89 per can vs. $25.00 or so for Similac. We also used the nursery water when each baby was a newborn, but after about 6 months, switched to the filtered water out of our fridge.

You'll always know with kids if their stomach can't handle a switch. You'll probably be wearing it, LOL!

We were pretty lucky that all of our kids that they never really had to take a special type of formula. My 1st was switched to soy at 3 months old because of projectile vomiting of milk based formulas - she's 9 now and loves milk LOL- and my 2nd child was on Enfamil AR for about 6 months because she was a spitter. The last 2 have been very content on just any milk based formula.
Good luck to you and congrats on your baby

Like Mary was saying, I recently read soy-based foods can lower sperm count. While I don't think parents of baby boys are thinking about this quite yet...It was still a pretty interesting read.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25833435/

My son's father, Victor, had a new born last may and the baby was having difficult too. I suggested to him the Silk Soy but he told me that they now have him on RICE MILK and it seems to help.

Now, reading your storys and info on Soy, maybe its a good thing. I never knew that!

Tim did well with whatever formula. I don't remember him having issues (not that he didn't). I guess everyone is different.

I know! Wasn't that article crazy? I just wish experts could decide if things are good or bad. Not good, then bad, then good, then bad! But I guess more updated information is always a good thing.