Does Anyone Here Use Pre-Mixed Formula?

[AKL_Megs]

I'm trying to figure out the approximate cost of using pre-mixed formula for someone.

I really have absolutely no idea, as I don't have kids.

The mother is my friends poor neighbor who just had a baby a little premature with some complications (he'll be on his way home next week, hopefully), and is choosing not to breastfeed (for personal reasons, which I won't share here), and is getting slack from a "Breastfeeding Diehard" family member, a MALE no less, for not breastfeeding. He's feeding her the line that it will cost "$300 a month" for pre-mixed formula. To me, that sounds like a scare tactic. The mom is now in absolute tears, apparently, as they now have TONS medical bills as well, and the family member won't give in.

I'd like to give her a little hope. If your answers are promising, I will have my friend show her this.

I am assuming that the younger the baby, the more costly, and as it ages and eats baby food, the price decreases. But what is it about, for a newborn?

Thanks!

 

[mhsjax]

I do know that it is more expensive, but for some newborns, Mine included, they do better on premixed. For some reason it seems more smooth and heavier. I had a baby with reflux and I couldn't BF him. Anyway, the formula I mixed never stayed down as well as the pre mixed or the concentrate.

 

[Polyluvr]

Pre mixed is a lot more $$ than the powder. I only used pre mixed if we were going somewhere or traveling- like WDW.

The powder is a lot more economical;and you can make 24 hours worth ahead of time.

Good luck to her!!! and her new baby

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Pre-mixed formula is crazy expensive when you price it out per ounce. We only keep a supply on hand at DS's school in case we forget a bottle one day (who forgets their kid's food?!?).

Anyway, the large cans of powder from BJ's, Costco, etc. are the way to go. Those will last longer, too. You just have to do the "mixing" part yourself.

 

[ilovejack02]

Really depends on what formula she uses and if she uses the powdered mix, the premix liquid is pretty pricey. If she doesn't need expensive stuff she won't be anywhere close to 300.00 a month. Some kiddos as others have said do better on the premix .


If money is really tight , then she needs to look into getting wick.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I had to use pre-mix for DS. He had digestive problems and the formula the dr. said to use didn't come in mix your own format.

I agree with PP that the pre-mix does have a better consistency than mix your own.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

This site quotes from 2009, and I haven't had a little one in a long time, so I don't know if 24 ounces is the right amount per day for a baby. Hope this helps. (Just a note, prices have increased a lot since 2009, so you do need to factor that in)

(Costs below are based on approximately 24 ounces of formula consumption per day.)

Pre-Mixed Ready-to-Feed Formula - Cost Per Day - $6.00, Cost Per Month - $180, Cost Per Year - $2,160

Concentrate in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $4.60, Cost Per Month - $138, Cost Per Year - $1,600

Powdered in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $3.75, Cost Per Month - $112, Cost Per Year - $1,350



Read more at Suite101: Cost Comparison of Breastfeeding and Formula: How Much Money Can You Save By Nursing Versus Formula Feeding? http://www.suite101.com/content/cost-comparison-of-breastfeeding-and-formula-a128286#ixzz12AusDd8R

 

[Christine]

I started out using concentrate and then tried to go back to powder to save some $$$$ but my kids wouldn't drink it after having the other. Oh, I suppose I could have starved them and they would have eventually succombed to the powder but I didn't have it in me.

That's awful that someone is ragging on this poor girl like that. Awful.

 

[tiggger1]

does she qualify for WIC? she can get free formula if she does. if not her insurance might cover it, especially if he is premature. a friend got an entire months of her son's formula for her $20 copay because he was premature and he couldnt nurse..

 

[AKL_Megs]

I started out using concentrate and then tried to go back to powder to save some $$$$ but my kids wouldn't drink it after having the other. Oh, I suppose I could have starved them and they would have eventually succombed to the powder but I didn't have it in me.

That's awful that someone is ragging on this poor girl like that. Awful.

I feel so terribly for her. As if she isn't going through enough, she needs ignorance on top of all of her other problems. I have no problem with those who breastfeed, but leave it alone already!

This site quotes from 2009, and I haven't had a little one in a long time, so I don't know if 24 ounces is the right amount per day for a baby. Hope this helps. (Just a note, prices have increased a lot since 2009, so you do need to factor that in)

(Costs below are based on approximately 24 ounces of formula consumption per day.)

Pre-Mixed Ready-to-Feed Formula - Cost Per Day - $6.00, Cost Per Month - $180, Cost Per Year - $2,160

Concentrate in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $4.60, Cost Per Month - $138, Cost Per Year - $1,600

Powdered in Cans (Mix with Water) - Cost Per Day - $3.75, Cost Per Month - $112, Cost Per Year - $1,350



Read more at Suite101: Cost Comparison of Breastfeeding and Formula: How Much Money Can You Save By Nursing Versus Formula Feeding? http://www.suite101.com/content/cost-comparison-of-breastfeeding-and-formula-a128286#ixzz12AusDd8R

Thanks for that... to me, this sounds more accurate!

 

[AKL_Megs]

does she qualify for WIC? she can get free formula if she does. if not her insurance might cover it, especially if he is premature. a friend got an entire months of her son's formula for her $20 copay because he was premature and he couldnt nurse..

No, they make too much for WIC, and with her situation, I doubt her insurance would cover it, maybe in the hospital, but not at home.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Preemies can't have the less expensive powder or concentrate stuff because their little systems can't handle the swings in concentrations, it could cause liver & kidney failure if I remember correctly. When I brought my DD home they made a huge deal about making no changes in her diet of any kind and inexpensive formulas were stressed to be avoided. Actually, I wasn't even allowed to breast feed her either. They had to keep track of my DD's input so I had to use a pump. But the stress made things bad and I didn't make enough milk so I ended up using the bottle formula and supplementing with breast milk at each feeding for the first 6 months of her life for the whole antibodies thing. When my DD came home from the hospital she was only drinking 2 ounces per feeding, but she had to be fed every 2 hours around the clock for a while. She gradually grew to need more and more but i couldn't switch to powder, even when we were away from home, for a long time.... maybe 6 -8 months. I seem to remember there being restrictions on how long to formula could be used after the can was opened.

I hate to say it but having raised a preemie myself the relative is being truthful Formula is very expensive... very very expensive. My DH had a good job and we didn't have the stresses you mention but still we went through A LOT of money. Especially considering that preemies are slower to come off the bottle than term babies. I am sorry this young girl is being made to feel bad about the situation but the relative may well be speaking in the Mom's best interests even if the advice isn't what she wants to hear.

FYI, I'm not part of La lecce or anything, those people made me feel like garbage that I couldn't breast feed so I'd never do that to anyone else. I'm just saying if cost is an issue formula is going to be a big issue. FYI we used Enfamil, check out their website for prices.

I really wish i could tell you this was an affordable option but I'd be lying if i did. i do think checking into getting insurance to cover it is worth the effort because formula is prescribed by the Dr's and with preemies there is no room for error.

 

[jen0610]

Tell her get on line and to sign up for the new letters and freebies that pertains to the makers of the baby formlua she is going to use. I know with both my kids, I got tons of coupons for money off and not just a $1.00 here and there. Monthly, $5.00 or $10.00 off a purchase. Other times I would get a coupon for 4 free cans of concentrate. I also know I got the two small tubs of the powder free from one of them.

Every little bit saved, is a blessing.

 

[sbsteel]

Formula is spendy, no two ways about that. I'm sorry she's going through this and catching grief from a guy who lacks the social grace of a chimpanzee.

That said, tell her to sign up for samples from the companies. I got full sized samples from Enfamil, Similac, and Good Start plus a bunch of coupons (like $5 and $6 off) and the coupons keep coming. We haven't paid full price for formula yet. If she has any close friends or family, have her ask them to sign up as well and then give her whatever they get. Every little bit helps!

Oh, and once they'ree home, her pediatrician should be able to give her samples as well - tell her not to hesitate to ask.

 

[tiggger1]

No, they make too much for WIC, and with her situation, I doubt her insurance would cover it, maybe in the hospital, but not at home.

no it covered it for the entire first year...She would have to order it through the pharmacy like any other Rx but only paid the $20 copay once a month

 

[cm8]

does she qualify for WIC? she can get free formula if she does. if not her insurance might cover it, especially if he is premature. a friend got an entire months of her son's formula for her $20 copay because he was premature and he couldnt nurse..

This is what I was going to say, also usually the neonate is placed on Neosure and that is a special formula. WIC will cover the cost of it but it has to be prescribed.

 

[rie'smom]

My oldest son had the worst colic! When my second son was born he started with it too. One of my cousins recommended powdered formula. It worked like a dream. The consistence difference is powdered = powdered milk and premixed = heavy cream.
Just another option for her and much cheaper. Also easier on baby's stomach.

 

[worm761]

Has she applied for WIC or is she just assuming since they have a good salary they don't qualify? You can make a decent amount of money and still qualify. DD uses powdered and we spent around $50 her first few months. She is tiny though.

 

[mjkacmom]

I could never justify the cost of pre-mixed formula! I found powdered to be easier anyway - just mix it with warm tap water.

 

[mhsjax]

My oldest son had the worst colic! When my second son was born he started with it too. One of my cousins recommended powdered formula. It worked like a dream. The consistence difference is powdered = powdered milk and premixed = heavy cream.
Just another option for her and much cheaper. Also easier on baby's stomach.

We had the exact opposite experience with 2 of our kids. My ped told me that is was NOT easier on the stomach.