[Submitted Question]

I have signed up for any baby discount and give-away I have found. As a result I’ve got many formula samples. Now a friend said that it isn’t good to change formula brands constantly as that can be a problem for babies. Aren’t the formulas pretty much the same? Is there some truth to it or can I just use up all the samples?

[WombToBloom]

If you’re just changing brands, the switch is unlikely to cause any problems. There are moms who will say that switching formula will cause gas and discomfort – but my experience with babies is that they all have gas and discomfort on occasions. The biggest thing to pay attention to is the type of formula.

If your baby is on standard, cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified formula (the standard Similac, Enfamil or Carnation offerings), switching to another cow’s milk-based, iron-fortified brand shouldn’t be a big deal. If your pediatrician has put your baby on soy-based formula or a formula specifically made for allergy issues like Similac Alimentum (the crazy expensive kind!), don’t switch to cow’s milk-based formula. A switch to another soy-based formula should be okay though.