Let’s talk all things formula “The Formula Delimma”, here I will cover the formulas we’ve personally tried, why we loved them or why we didn’t. This is definitely a great post for mamas who want to breastfeed but for one reason or another are unable to dedicate to it, for those who want to be able to supplement with formula when they aren’t confident about the breast milk their baby is getting and for those who are being intentional about what they give their babies especially if breastmilk can’t be given. The first time formula was introduced to our first daughter was in August of 2022, I felt I did my best when it came to finding the best but now when I think back on this I feel like I stuck with what was in stock and available in my local target, based on the fact that I was in panic mode to feed my baby girl well! In August of 2022 we committed to Happy Baby Organics Stage 2 formula for ages 6 months – 12 months for our oldest daughter. In August of 2023 we turned to Bobbie formula and then the Organic Kendamil formula for a while. Let the comparison begin.
Accessibility
I mean what is the formula anyway, if it’s not easily accessible!
Happy Baby Organics Formula (stage 1) was extremely easy to find in the beginning. I could easily find this formula at Target! For the first month anytime I needed this! But then there was a huge formula shortage! I had heard about things like this happening before but now since I was in need this was a huge inconvenience, I couldn’t purchase it through the Happy Baby Organics Website, and I went to multiple stores searching for this high and low! So when this formula was in stock and available it was simple to find, but when a formula demand was going on causing a shortage it was very difficult to find. Yes I believe you should look out for others, so I’m not saying stock your pantry with this formula, but I’d say have an extra container on hand and if you are out doing your weekly or bi-weekly grocery run,walk down the aisle to make sure this formula isn’t getting terribly low in stock.
Bobbie Formula is extremely accessible when you subscribe, Bobbie can be purchased from www.HiBobbie.com through their subscription (monthly or bi-monthly), a single purchase (min. 4 cans) or you can get a starter bundle with just two cans – the only thing about the starter bundle is you can only order it one time (one per household) then you would need to commit to a minimum of 4 cans per order. In Target stores or Online on Target’s website, you can also purchase Bobbie! Accessing Bobbie at Target is genuinely a hit or a miss. One day they have lots of cans the next day nada, and that includes availability through targets website. If you are like me, you enjoy not having an over abundant amount of anything in your home, so picking up a can or two from Target is extremely convenient! BUT Bobbie has made the perks for subscribers pretty awesome! When you subscribe, they account for your subscription, so as they say “formula is reserved for you” this way you’ll never run out! So the best bet is to sign up for the subscription, but there is comfort in knowing that if you need an emergency you can likely do a curbside pick up for it at your local target!
Organic Kendamil formula, due to the fact that it’s a UK brand. It originally was only available in your local target or for purchase through Target’s website but is now available in your local Walmart. I have yet to see Kendamil available through their website in the U.S.A through the subscription option like it is available for the UK. So if you aren’t a subscription loving person than there isn’t too big of a concern with the accessibility of Organic Kendamil formula unless there is a formula shortage 😬.
Pricing
Bobbie, Bobbie oh Bobbie,I won’t even try to leave you hanging on by a thread! Bobbie formula is definitely the most expensive! At a whopping $25.99 a 14.1oz can that’s ($1.86) per an ounce!!!! This formula definitely should be categorized as Liquid gold, because the price point definitely reflects it!
Happy Baby Organics (stage 1) for ages 0-12 months for a 20 oz container it’ll cost $31.49 ($1.50/oz).
Organic Kendamil Formula at ($1.42) an ounce this 28.2 oz can is the lowest price point of all three formulas that I’ve listed!
Ingredients & final thoughts
Bobbie formula is a top tier formula based on many factors, one being that it’s Organic, made with milk from Grass-fed Cows and doesn’t contain palm oil or corn syrup,DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid good for heart and brain health) & ARA (Fatty acids found in breast milk)! Personally I try my best to give my babies the best of the best when I can. So, despite the price point and the need to commit to a subscription because I just checked the target app and Bobbie is currently out of stock in-stores and online again (check date of this post for accuracy). This formula is one that I felt good about giving to my baby based off of the ingredients but did seem to leave my baby with a little discomfort when it came to gas.
Happy Baby Organics is formulated with DHA, ARA’s, contains Iron, Choline, Folic Acid, Vitamin D and Calcium and is made with milk from Organic Dairy Farms. Despite being modeled after breastmilk and not containing any Corn syrup solids this formula isn’t the cleanest option available but it’s a better alternative to some of the other options available. But keeping pricing and accessibility in mind, I’m not sure if this formula is the one I’d prioritize on my hunt for formula if I could go back. The gentleness on the tummy was tremendous but knowing I could get a more clean formula option, in a larger size for a few dollars cheaper made the decision that much easier.
Organic Kendamil formula is available in an Organic version and a non-organic version. I’ll be honest with you, Americas standards for ny ingredients aren’t anywhere near the standards of the UK. So I naturally find comfort in giving my baby organic when available but considering this formula is from the UK I definitely could have comfortably proceeded with the Original Kendamil formula but like I said I still find comfort in Organic, The Organic Kendamil formula is modeled after breast milk and intended to reflect the goodness baby needs in their first milk. It’s UK or European made,soy free, doesn’t contain palm oil, gluten free and made with whole milk. This formula is my winner or my #1 selection if I had to do it all over again! Pure ingredients, the price point is reasonable considering and is gentle on the tummy. Despite not having the capability to subscribe and have it delivered, this is what I would consider the best of the especially if your little is formula-fed full-time!
I hope this helps you make an informed decision when it comes to organic formulas! Sending you loads of love as you embark on the journey of feeding your baby, remember no matter what you choose breastfeeding or formula do it with love and you’ll be sure to do it well!
With Love,
Classically Faith
