Organic formula-Earth's Best? Has Anyone Used This? Is It Hype?

Updated on August 14, 2008
J.P. asks from Durham, NC
20 answers

Hi. I am introducing formula now as my freezer stock is about empty. I am pumping at work to keep my supply up. I will be going on a biz trip next week & I will need to totally give her formula b/c I will have no BM to store. I pump enough for the next day's bottles. I am still nursing except during the day at daycare. This week I started making half BM, half formula bottles for during the day. I'm using Similac Advance as it's what I got from the hospital & what I have received in the mail as a sample. She seems ok on it except I havn't noticed a BM in a few days which is abnormal for my daughter. As a new first time mom, I am concerned about what I put into her fragile system. I have researched Earth's Best a bit. Has anyone had experience with this particular brand?

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So What Happened?

Thx to everyone for their responses! After reading them all & doing some extra research, I do agree her bowels are normal considering the addition of formula. She's not straining so I think she's ok so far. I don't know that I want to do a lot of switching of formula as that may upset her tummy. Since I'll be out of town I'm going to stick to the Similac & get the ready to feed formulation (don't want to overload my husband w/having to do exact measurements of water:powder on top of him having to do everything! lol) I think I may just try the Similac Advance Early Shield as I like what I have read about it.
I will be going organic once I start her on solid foods/friuts/veggies though.
Again - thx for the replies. =)

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V.C.

answers from Louisville on

J., the reason you haven't noticed a BM is because formula has added Iron in it and she might become constipated. Also with B'Fed babies, their BM's are more frequent and pasty and lighter in color.

A friend of mine uses only Milk Based ORGANIC formula's and only organic baby food or makes her own and her son is 10 months old.

Babies still should be Making a BM at least once a day for most children, but some children who are B'Fed might produce one every other day.

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D.P.

answers from Asheville on

Be aware, that when you put baby on formula, she will need some nutritional supplement or starting of solids to make up for lost nutrition from BF.
I've heard of the Earth's Best, but don't know much about it or anyone who is using it. I do know that goat's milk is the closest you can get to mommy's milk, and is very easily digested, even above formulas.
Might be something to check out. I recently read that soy is presenting problems now, is there anything sacred anymore?? So I'd be wary of using that also, unless recommended by pediatrician for a reason.
And the BM being delayed is rather common when switching.

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E.M.

answers from Louisville on

simalac is very rich and h*** o* many babies little tummys. nestle good start is the easiest on them. in my opinion its not worth the money to shell out for the natures best. good luck

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S.G.

answers from Raleigh on

I used Similac Advance and loved it. I had very few issues if any with either of my childen. Maybe some gas, but Myicon worked very well to eliminate it. Babies on formula don't poop nearly as much as breast fed babies so don't worry! My son went every 2-3 days and daughter once a day. Her system is adjusting and she will go #2. It might be a different color and consistency too. Great job breast feeding as long as you did! I wasn't able to do that but was really happy with the results from formula. My kids are perfect! As for organic or not...the formula ingredients are all very regulated and SAFE. To me organic is a lifestyle choice, if it is important to you to be organic, try it. Organic describes how the ingredients came about, so most likely from organic raised cows, if its cows' milk based. Even if some thing is not organic its still very good and safe for your baby. Do what is right for you not the hype or what other people will preach.

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W.C.

answers from Lexington on

I haven't used their formula, but we LOVED their solid foods!! they just had a segment recently on the Today show on the amount of pesticides in baby food....16 alone in gerber's! and that was the brand with the least. their expert recommended Earth's Best foods.

in regard to the BMs, remember it is common for infant's bowel habits to change upon aging milestones.....usually I think it's 4-6 months (depending on when on starts introducing solids, the child starts sitting, etc.) however, if you're switching to formula that could be a red flag to watch for, certainly. Formula is much more constipating than breastmilk, and quite honestly I don't think that particular side effect will change whether you're using similac, earth's best, or the Kroger Brand (which I believe is actually manufactured by similac).... but you have to do what you're comfortable with.

fyi, I recently had a nutritionist tell me that they are linking ADD and ADHD to soy based formulas and milk received in the first two years of life....course like autism, those findings change all the time.

I would check with your pediatrician's office for your best advice on your concerns.

Congratulations!! Good luck :)

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J.W.

answers from Raleigh on

I did and I also used the Basby's Only another one they sell at Whole Foods. The formula will be a little harder for them to preocess at first and the organic is no different. I would reccomend using the organic over the hormone ridden stuff. Good Luck!

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J.L.

answers from Lexington on

I am still pumping and nursing (at night) an 8 month old, and we went through quite a few different kids of formula. What she ended up liking the best was Similac Organic. I think it's sweeter maybe!?!? I use it in her cereal and if for some reason I don't have any B/M on hand or can't pump, she will take a bottle of it. I purchased the Earth's Best cereal and she did not like it, but never tried their formula.

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J.L.

answers from Raleigh on

My friend saw something on tv about the regular baby foods in the grocery store containing something like 16 pesticides. So I'd go with something like earths best. Thats what she uses so that she is not giving her baby so many pesticides.

Also I had to take a trip and had to switch from breastmilk to have breastmilk and formula and my little guy who has a bowel movement daily did not have one for three. I called the Dr. concerned and they said that can be normal when they have a food switch. If your baby seems comfortable and her abdomen is not hard then she is probablly normal. Hope this helps.

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S.R.

answers from Memphis on

I am in a similar situation to you - not a lot of mommy's milk stored, though my LO is almost a year old, so we are actually starting to wean from breast milk now. We tried many different brands, and she hated all of them until we tried the Earth's Best Organic. However, we are using the soy formula instead of the milk-based. We suspect a dairy sensitivity, which is why we went for soy. She absolutely refused anything before this and drinks the Earth's Best really well. Organic anything is generally better, so if she likes it, go for it. It is, of course, more expensive. As for the BMs slowing, I think that is normal. Formula is heartier, I think, and doesn't digest as fast as breast milk. And breast milk, i've heard, is a natural laxative so...

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C.O.

answers from Raleigh on

I have never used Earth's Best. I have used Similac for both of my children because of an insufficient supply of milk. I was on the phone at least 3 times a week with my doctors office with my first because he wasn't having BM's every day and everything I read said they should have several each day. They said it was normal for some kids to skip a day or two, it just depended on the kid. With this child (he's 6 weeks) I have noticed that if I mix the powder formula too concentrated, he is less likely to have a BM. It might be in my head, but I have started to shake the can before I scoop it out so it "fluffs" the powder so it won't be packed down... he seems to have a BM more often. The directions say to use "unpacked scoops". Hope I helped a little.

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K.C.

answers from Charlotte on

I didn't try that specific brand, but no BM afer switching to formula is common. My son had to go to straight formula after 1 months for various reasons, and I had to try a ton of different formulas over the course of the next year to get him regular. you shouldn't switch their formulas too often though. I ened up using Similac soy in the end. We are a mostly organic family, but since he was having so many problems I just used what worked. Good luck!

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H.M.

answers from Charleston on

Hi. Like some of the other moms have said, switching from breastmilk to anything else, including formula, will change your baby's stools, and it is normal for formula-fed babies to be less regular than breastfed babies (sometimes having bowel movements every 2 or 3 days). Unless your daughter seems to be in distress, I wouldn't worry about it. While switching to a different formula, perhaps a soy-based one, might decrease any potential constipation, I would NOT try giving your daughter live yogurt cultures or anything else intended to soften her stools. As far as I know, those products are not intended for children as young as your daughter (who usually have not been introduced to solid foods yet) and may do more harm to her young digestive system than good.

Also, while I try to buy organic foods when possible, I do not believe that any of the non-organic formulas for sale in the US are harmful, and I do not think that organic formulas are any less likely to cause constipation.

I hope this is helpful to you. Ultimately, though, I would ask your pediatrician if you're still unsure what to do. Good luck!

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C.

answers from Charlotte on

I didn't personally use the Earths Best to supplement. But, I do know that Dr. Sears recommends that formula. I used either Enfamil Gentlease or the Carnation Goodstart with the cultures in it (green can). I chose these because I liked the 100% whey protein in Goodstart (but sometimes I had a coupon for Enfamil) and they have a much higher level of DHA in them than Similac. If you ask me, Similac is way behind on what should be in formulas as far as DHA and the like. I'm sure I'll have to supplement my breastmilk with the next baby as well. Let us know if you like the formula!

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J.M.

answers from Memphis on

I haven't used Earth's Best but I use Similac Organic for my 9mth old and breastfeed 2 times a day. My now 4 yr old was on Enfamil Lipil and breastfed. My baby's first formula was the regular Similac Advance due to free samples. We also had one container of the Similac Organic as a sample. The biggest differences from what I can tell is that is doesn't smell as bad as some of the other formulas and it mixes easier with less clumping. Its only $5 more for the really big can compared to the Similac Advance so I think its worth it. My baby was a little on the skinny side when he was born but since he's starting getting the formula 3 times a day he's gaining weight great and actually has a little bit of c*** now. He's obviouslt getting plenty of calories and such now.

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C.Z.

answers from Nashville on

I haven't used the formula, but I use Earth's Best cereal and jarred baby foods. It's my opinion but I really believe choosing organic for our little ones is not just hype. With all the pesiticides now a days, and genetically engineered ingredients (which by the way, Earth's Best does not have, as one responder mentioned she thought they did). The more junk we can cut out of their diets, the healthier they are likely to be, both short and long term and that's worth the extra money to me. I only wish I had the option for my first two children.

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C.H.

answers from Lexington on

Hi J.! I don't know anything about Earth's Best, but I just wanted to comment about you noticing that your baby has not had a BM in a few days. I nursed my first baby for 7 weeks and when I switched him to formula it took his body a little bit to adjust to the formula. It is just because your baby has only had breast milk for 4 months and then the formula is just a little harder for them to digest at first. I wouldn't worry about it too much because her body will most likely get used to it. But, if you are concerned, you could call your doctor just to make sure.

Best of luck!
C. H.

C.R.

answers from Charleston on

Hey J.. This is what happened to me... I have an 8 month old and I am pumping like mad to keep up with demand and sometimes it just isn't enough. So I had to start supplementing. Tried a couple of different formulas. What I was doing was mixing my BM with formula to stretch it out and he was not cut off completely from BM. So when I used the Earth's Best(which I wanted to use for organic/best purposes) it totally soured my milk. Not good since I was already low. I tried to feed him just the E.B. formula and he wouldn't take it at all! I tasted it and I don't really blame him. All formula is far from the sweetness of breast milk. Anyway, after much trial and waste... I switched back to Similac Advanced and continued to mix 3oz. BM to 2oz. formula and it works like a charm. I just add the formula right before I feed him. Oh, buy the small bottles of Similac as it goes bad in 2 days(if you try this way). It has been a life saver for both of us. Hope this helps you. Good luck!

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R.H.

answers from Clarksville on

No matter which formula you switch to from breast milk your child's bowel movements will change. Especially when you first introduce it. If you do not think your child needs a doctor (she is not in distress), then you might want to do some things to soften your child's stool to make her more comfortable. The more natural the better.
I, myself, have put a drop of black molasses in the bottle of milk. It only takes a drop. Of course, doing it with every bottle can bring the child to demand it every time. It tastes good! To them that is. Ha!
As for Earth's Best, I do not know. I know many formula's are the same when it comes to nutrition. Some just do better on the tummy. Maybe some of these other mommies will have had experience with it. Good luck.

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J.H.

answers from Lexington on

we didn't use earth's best formula (we used the generic brand of enfamil), but we used a LOT of jarred food and snack foods... i LOVE earth's best foods, mostly b/c they offered variety beyond the usual selection. she got exposed to so many other fruits and veggies she otherwise wouldn't have. i would feel very comfortable using their formula, or at least trying it. as far as the bowel movement goes, just keep watching her, it's common for them not to go as much... my pediatrician told me (when i had the same problem) that she isn't constipated until she's straining to pass it and it looks like rabbit pellets. her poop is probably transitioning a bit and getting used to the formula. just keep an eye on her, and good luck!
J.

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M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

My daughter, who is 10 weeks now, did not like it, but she hasn't cared for powder in general and is a picky eater. We stopped using it. She eats about 50/50 formula to breast milk since birth (not my choice). We use Enfamil Lipil liquid most of the time and the powder for when we are out and about.

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