We understand that the economy is not good, times are tough, and that you need to find ways to save money.  With the high cost of baby formula, many parents look for ways to save on baby formula. There are safe ways to save on baby formula, like the suggestions that we offer on this site. Then there are unsafe ways.

Never water down baby formula to save money.  Diluting baby formula is UNSAFE and cause serious injury to your baby.   Diluting baby formula with water can kill your baby.

Adding water to formula can cause "water intoxication," which in a baby is essentially like drowning.   This can cause seizures and death.  The other health issue is nutritional.  Assuming your baby survives, diluting formula deprives an infant of vital nutrients at one of the most critical times in their lives.

NEVER, NEVER DILUTE FORMULA

In the past we have discussed why you might choose a specialty formula over standard powdered baby formula.  Most specialty formulas (eg Elecare or Nutramigen) are designed for infant's with special digestive needs like a food allergy or that are suffering colic.  I wanted to spend a moment on organic baby formula.

The two organic baby formulas where you can save some money are Earth's Best Organic Formula and Similac Organic.  Like any organic food, the draw for organic baby formula is the quality or purity of the ingredients used in making the formula.

All baby formula contains sugar because it is a necessary in the digestive process. However, Similac Organic formula has recently come under scrutiny because one of its ingredients is pure cane sugar.  Now, no one is suggesting that the ingredient is not organic or dangerous the concern appears to be that this will lead to childhood obesity. Here is a news report on the matter, the video is from youtube.

What are DHA and ARA?  There are a lot of formulas containing DHA and ARA, do you know whether you should purchase baby formula supplemented with DHA and ARA?

Breastmilk naturally contains DHA and ARA.  DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (Arachidonic acid) are Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.  The body makes DHA and ARA from other fatty acids in your diet, which are found in plant oils and other sources.  DHA and ARA may also be part of your regular diet.  For example, DHA is found in some fish oils.

Some studies show that these ingredients benefit infant mental and visual development. WebMd..  It is for this reason and other, that many experts believe that DHA and ARA are an important dietary component for babies when the eyes and brain are developing, which occurs during the last trimester until around 20 months.

When a formula is supplemented with these ingredients, they are trying to make the formula more like breastmilk.  Of course, formula will never be as good as breastmilk.  If you do not breastfeed or you supplement your child with formula, most formula manufactuers offer and recommend formula supplemented with DHA and ARA. Here are some some DHA and ARA supplemented formulas and where you might find a good deal by purchasing baby formula in bulk.

Here are some of the top formula choices containing DHA and ARA:

Similac Advance with DHA and ARA

Enfamil AR with easy-to-digest rice starch, for more spit up free feedings.

Good Start Supreme with DHA and ARA.

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A common question from parents of a baby with colic or that they suspect has colic is what formula should I choose. Here is some information that may help you choose the best formula for your child.

What is Colic

All babies cry. However, when a baby cries for hours at a time, day after day, and nothing seems to pacify him, this extreme type of crying is often referred to as colic. The difference between colic and normal crying behavior is the frequency, duration, and intensity of the crying. According to WebMd a diagnosis of colic will usually be made if the baby follows a "3" pattern: they cry for more than 3 hours a day at least 3 days a week for at least 3 consecutive weeks. A colicky baby may also stiffen their stomach and legs, while others arch their backs and pull up their legs.

Some estimate that around 20% of all infants suffer from colic to one degree or another. Although doctors do not know the exact cause(s) of colic, the above-mentioned behavior leads experts believe that in some instances colic is related to a digestive issue, such as gas, intolerance or an allergy of some kind, or an immature digestive system. While doctors may not know the exact cause, you are not to blame for your child's colic. It is understandable for you to be scared and at your wit's end if you have a colicky baby, just know that it is a temporary condition that usually starts improving between 2 and 3 months of age.

Best Formula for Colic

If your baby has colic, you may want to try an alternative to milk-based formulas. Here are some suggestions:

* Some formulas have whey proteins that may be easier for your baby to digest. You might try Good Start with DHA or Good Start with Natural Cultures to help promote a healthy immune system.

* Soy formulas, because they are not milk-based, may decrease the duration of colic symptoms. Good soy formulas include Isomil with soy and Enfamil ProSobee, and Good Start .

* Then are also hypoallergenic formulas, which may also reduce the symptoms of colic. These specialty formulas are more expensive, but well worth it if it will help your child. You can get deals on Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum. These two formulas are designed for babies that have problems digesting a certain intact protein that is found in both milk-based and soy-based formulas.

There also may be simple solutions that you can add to the mix. One of the most commonly recommended is Mylicon drops. Here is what you are looking for:

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Soy infant formula has grown in popularity over the last few years and some estimates place soy formula as 20% - 25% of formula sales in the United States. However, is it right for your baby?

Many people, including doctors, believe that using a soy based formula will help with colic.  The American Academy Pediatrics, however, says soy has no proven benefits in managing or preventing colic or the crying and fussiness associated with it.   The American Academy Pediatrics also warns against feeding premature babies soy formula. Read more about soy formula from WebMD.

That is not to say that soy infant formula is not a good option.  In fact, soy formula may be just what the doctored ordered for some children with lactose intolerance or certain milk allergies.

Soy formula may also be right based on family lifestyle choices.   If your family is vegan or has made other lifestyle choices, soy formulas are nutritious and are often supplemented the same as milk based formulas. If soy formula is right for you child, then we may be able to save you money. What brand formula do you prefer:

Enfamil Soy formula.

Good Start Soy formula.

Similac Soy Formula.

If you prefer to check on availability of formula coupons for soy baby formula.  Hope this information helps.

Much of the information is from an article on soy formula from WebMD.