Similac Advance Early Shield: We Buy Our Formula By The Case
Written: Oct 22 '09
Product Rating:
Pros: Easy to use, babies like to drink it, bulk offers lowest prices.
Cons: Once opened, formula must be used within 48 hours- not ideal for part-time drinkers.
The Bottom Line: With twin infants plus a toddler big sister, time is of the essence. Ready-to-drink formula is convenient, and buying in bulk ensures that we will not run out.
GravityGirl's Full Review: Similac Advance Infant Formula Ready to Feed (6 x1...
When my first daughter was born, we fell into a routine that involved nursing her during the day and supplementing her with formula before bedtime. This routine worked for us. I can't say the same for everyone, but the supplementing made me feel more confident in my ability to nurse, and the "break" allowed us all to get much needed rest.
When my twins were born, they had very low birth weights (4lb11oz and 5 lbs). Everyone says that this is a good size for twins, but they were just so small! They quickly lost over 10% of their body weight; this is an easy feat when you don't weigh very much to begin with. They wanted us to supplement with formula. Because of our formula experience with my older daughter, we were more receptive to the idea. My one concern was whether the supplementing would affect their interest and/or ability regarding nursing. Thankfully, it did not. They are regular nursing champs, but it is nice to have a backup- nursing twins is hard work!
We began to use Similac because that is what we used in the hospital. We chose the ready to feed because we heard that it was easier for babies under one month old to digest ready to feed formula than the powdered kind.
Using ready to feed formula was something new for us. We did not use it with our older daughter. As I have mentioned, we only gave her one bottle a day, so she would not have consumed the entire 32 ounce bottle in the 48 hour window in which the formula must be used.
Ready to feed formula is extremely easy to use. The bottles are shelf stable until they are opened, so there is no need to refrigerate them until after they are opened. Simply open the quart sized bottle, and pour the formula into the bottle(s). Remember, you should never add water to ready to feed formula; it is ready to drink right out of the bottle. Refrigerate the remaining portion, and use the rest within two days.
This is much easier than the powdered variety, which involves measuring water, adding scoops of powdered formula, and then shaking to combine. It is also more expensive. We had planned to make the transition to powdered, but one of our girls has reflux, and it was much easier for her to digest the ready to feed formula. I am all for frugality and saving money, but not when it would lead to discomfort for one of my children.
I have seen the quart-sized bottles of Similac Advance for as much as $6 apiece at CVS pharmacy. It is a little less at supermarkets and places like Target, but the best place to get Similac Advance in the ready to feed bottles is BJ's. I purchase a case of six bottles for $31.99 (as of this writing). BJ's accepts formula checks, so I never pay more than $26.99 for the case. This brings the cost per bottle down to $4.49.
I have also seen the cases at Babies R Us, but I know the price is lower at BJ's.
I like buying in bulk. First of all, buying a case allows me to enjoy the lowest prices. Because of this, I don't mind spending more money upfront and buying six bottles instead of one. Second of all, I appreciate the longevity that a case offers. It takes awhile to use up the six bottles, which means that I am not rushing to the store to buy more formula.
I also appreciate the convenience factor. They do sell large canisters of powdered Similac at BJ's, and it is much less expensive t. However, it is easy to prepare ready to feed formula. I warm up water in a Pyrex glass in the microwave and then place the bottles of ready to feed formula into the hot water to warm them up. I always test the formula before offering it to my babies.
I highly recommend the 6-bottle case of Similac Advance. The lowest price that I have found is at BJ's, but Babies R Us has frequent promotional offers on their cases as well. The case lasts a long time, especially since my girls are only part-time formula drinkers. I love the ready to feed formula is so easy to use and there is no clumping like there is with powdered formula.
I do want to note that I have mentioned that my daughter who has reflux is able to drink Similac Advance. This may or may not be the case with your reflux baby. Please consult with your pediatrician before offering your baby any formula.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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