Formula is the Devil's Juice

I've been trying to give Drew some formula. I'm not sure why exactly. I suppose I could pump, but my supply is pretty regulated right now.

*Note to self. Don't talk about your perfect regulated supply on the internet because it's sure to go back to a total wonky leaky fest*

And I want to leave the house without him. So, I've been trying it.

But people, FORMULA STINKS. I mean literally. It's stinky.

Why is this, exactly? I've purchased regular formula and organic soy formula, neither of which he will take. And I've tried giving it to him in his Nuby, a bottle (which we haven't used in ages), and his sippy cup with no luck.

Yep. We've got a spitter, people.

So, care to enlighten me on how exactly you get your kid to drink formula?

Comments

[Kikarose]

We've been giving Little L the costco stuff at night and it seems to smell a little less than the other stuff. IMO Similac is the smelliest.
As for the how to get him to take it? Maybe do the reverse of what people do to get a baby back on the boob; when he's getting drowsy and not so full any more substitute bottle for breast.
Good luck with the switch!

[Kristina Brooke]

Good Start! Nestle Good Start Formula. It was the only formula that Mya would drink. IT doesn't smell as bad and Enfamil and Simalac. Also, because she was a primarily breastmilk baby, this was the only formula that did not cause her to be constipated.

[Christina]

Oh yeah, it stinks. Cordy was on formula, and I hated the smell. It's even worse if you let a bottle sit too long. Ugh.

Wish I had some tips, but Mira refuses to eat formula. Can't blame her, really. I've been pumping for times when I'm away from her.

[crazymommylady]

I totally agree with "m"
You have to be nowhere near the baby - my son would refuse to take a bottle if he even saw or heard me. But, he had no trouble when he was at grandma's house. If they know the good stuff is available, they'll hold out.

[Julie]

My number one complaint (& one reason why my 12 wk old daughter only gets my milk for now)! I think it smells because of the vitamins that are in them - you know, the nasty vitamins we have to give our wonderful odor-free breast milk babies? Those vitamins are already in formula, so I guess that's why it stinks so badly.

A few days a week I babysit my friend's son who's 4.5 mos old & he takes both. They started him from the beginning that way. I'm no help as my daughter will barely (when the mood is right) take a bottle from her godmother or me - very strong willed. I should try it everyday; but that's work!

Good luck - love your blogs...

[Damselfly]

You're right. Formula stinks. Fly had to try out formula when he was five days old because I had to go into the hospital -- and then because of that, I had to supplement for a while -- so he was just used to formula, I guess.

[m]

Breast milk/formula mix worked for us. Other ideas: try it when he's really hungry, and then if possible have someone else give him the bottle, ideally when you're not in the room. (Otherwise, he'll probably hold out for the real home cookin', so to speak. He knows you've got the good stuff.) Good luck!

[Wendy]

I really don't know. I just kept trying and trying, finally they took it. My daughter at 8 months and my son at 9 months. I thought the boy would never give up the boob, but at the 9 month mark when he wasn't gaining weight, I threw up my hands and gave it to him. He took it. Who knows what makes these little beings tick. Personally, I think mine just like messing with me, but that is just me.

And I agree that stuff stinks. I used Similac and Similac Organic and didn't find them stinky. I am babysitting an infant and they use Enfamil and I vomit, a littl, everytime I throw out the little left in the bottle. I thought all formula smelled the same.

[divrchk]

Some people do 1/2 and 1/2 - formula and breast milk. It's sort of like bottles, too. You have to try all of the brands. The one that worked for us was Carnation Good Start.