formula to have on hand

I plan on BF'ing but want to have formula on hand just in case. What should I buy, does the hospital give you any?

Re: formula to have on hand

I think different hospitals give you different formulas. My hospital gives all the babies Enfamil with Lipil unless the baby is a premie or something like that. They gave us a box of 8 pre-made 3oz bottles to take home in the freebie diaper bag along with some disposable nipples that go right on the bottles. I am pretty sure most hospitals give you the same kit or maybe one with Similac which some hospitals use instead.

Re: formula to have on hand

each hospital uses different formula my hospital gave me similac advanced with iron what I did was each time they brought the baby to me and brought the feeding bottles I took the ones that she didn't drink and threw them in m y suitcase also when it was time for her to leave the nurse came in with some extras for us to have on hand.

Re: formula to have on hand

My hospital gave Similac Advance. You should ask your ped. if they have a preference, they usually reco the same brand as the hospital they are affiliated with.

Re: formula to have on hand

Not only can you get from the hospital - you should ask for more! They're very generous with their supplies...they gave us the mini-feeding bottles, undershirts, cases of Neosure (formula for premies), along with whatever free formula they gave the other moms.

Re: formula to have on hand

There is really no need to have it on hand before the baby comes, especially if you plan on BF. It is easily available at tons of stores and the hospital will send you home with some for free.
The formula the hospitals use is based on a contract that is "won" by the different formula companies, except for medical formulas for premmies and sick babies. it is just a toss up as to which one they will have. It is all about marketing at that point.
You can also sign up on ALL of the formula website and get TONS of free cans and coupons sent right to you house. I did that and then gave them to the food bank. It was a nice way to get something from the big companies for free and give it to women who really needed it.