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We used regular formula for multiple reasons.

- We found a formula that worked well for LO & there was not an organic equivalent.
- We could get samples easily from our doctor, in the mail, etc. Coupons were plentiful as well.
- It's cheaper in general.
- Organic formula is more sweet & gives babies a "sweet tooth" that can lead to obesity according to some research.
- I trust brands that own the research on formula and are leaders in the industry over food brands that make formula like Earth's Best.
- We were supplementing breastfeeding so I felt like my breast milk counteracted any shortcomings in a way.

May I ask why you are weaning to go back to work?

@Meowkers: Glad to help! Sorry to hear that but how awesome to breast feed thus far. You have probably already thought about this but you could day wean (or whenever you will be away from LO) and still nurse when you are together, if only to save money on formula!

@Mrs.Someone: Baby's Only is toddler formula though I know many use it for infants. You may want to ask Mrs Jacks about the difference - she explained it well to me once down to the individual ingredients.

@Mrs.Someone: I used Baby's Only organic for my DS when we had to make the switch to formula at 5 months and he thrived on it.

I used regular, sams club formula. I researched it at the time and concluded that organic was grossly overhyped

Do you plan to give your baby organic cows milk after she turns one? If so, buy organic formula. Less growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides, higher omega 3 levels and lower omega 6 levels and the cows that produce organic milk are usually allowed to graze and are not fed soy or corn and their feed does not contain GMO's.

I supplement with organic formula and we drink organic milk and try to stay away from the "dirty dozen" for fruits and vegetables. All formula available in the US uses soy and is sweetened. Some of the sweetening is needed because it needs to be highly caloric to simulate the calories in breast milk (which itself is pretty sweet due to lactose).

If organic dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables are not important overall in how your family eats, then save the money and buy regular formula.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/14/conventional-vs-organic-milk.aspx

Like @MrsF: we went with non-organic because we absolutely needed hypoallergenic. And although we generally eat/feed organic and from scratch in our home, organic formula just wasn't a priority for us before the allergies. I did feel bad when I scrutinized the ingredient list, but when a doula chastised me saying formula feeding would kill my child, I decided enough was enough.

(Finally figured out what I was trying to say - making each of the ingredients organic wouldn't have changed what they really were for me. Like buying a box of organic cookies.)

@Meowkers: I know this isn't your question and I apologize for going off topic, but I've had great success with day weaning and still breastfeeding between about 6pm and 6am. It took about 3 weeks to train my body, but it helped with some of my formula feeding guilt. I also don't have the option to pump at work because of my job, so E gets non organic formula during the day and breastmilk at night. Just something to think about, best of luck in whatever you decide, they're all wonderful ways to nourish your baby!

Tbh, I didn't do any research on formula beyond asking the LC I was working with what she recommended (she said enfamil) and then we stuck with that. We use formula to supplement though rather than replace bf.

@Charm54: same. I guess it never occurred to me that organic was a thing. Either way, even without allergies requiring Neocate, we'd use regular again.

We just went with regular(non-name brand) formula. We don't eat organic anything, so it wasn't even considered.

We used regular formula. Never even considered organic.

My advice? Stop reading the crazy articles. There is lots, and lots, and lots of anti-formula propaganda out there. Its all just going to make you feel worse.

I think organic is the way to go if you can afford it. We started supplementing with formula around 7 months and now (9 months) my baby is mostly on formula during the day while I'm at work. We use Earth's Best formula. Here is an article that I found really helpful:

http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/28/how-to-find-the-safest-organic-infant-formula/

"organic formula is still a far better choice than conventional formula, with its genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs), milk from cows that were likely treated with antibiotics or artificial growth hormones, and oils that were processed with the use of neurotoxic solvents like hexane. Major ingredients in conventional formula are derived from crops that were sprayed with harmful pesticides and herbicides in the field and likely fumigated in storage."

@Meowkers: I'm going back to work soon too and my job isn't very conducive to pumping either so I'm pretty concerned about that. I work at a restaurant. What's your job?

I used regular. It was produced where I lived, so it was a win win situation because of the sourcing from local farmers.

I don't know if this makes you feel any better, but I know my breastmilk isn't organic. I don't eat 100% organic. Don't let guilt get to you!

We used earths best. It didn't have the corn syrup solids. But I wish I could find that post I wrote because it was very Comprehesive.

I find whatever works for your baby is best. I pumped exclusively and gave my daughter BM for the first month and a half of her life, but I started not responding to the pump after mastitis and my baby couldn't nurse because of ties and a high palate, so I had to switch to formula 100%. I went through Gerber and Enfamil and Similac Sensitive did the best for her. After a ton of guilt though , I decided to try Earth's Best Sensitive. WORST MISTAKE. Her poop WAS AWFUL and she was in horrible pain all the time. It was so bad

So whatever works is best. You can feed your baby/child totally organic foods when they start solids, which is what I'm doing!

Edit: I want to agree with the PP who recced not reading internet research. SO TRUE. DON'T DO IT. It made me so depressed, even though my entire family was FF and my mom helped me and supported me through everything. My PPD was blown up so much because of the internet. I never faced negative FF comments in person, but online? It was awful. Seriously, don't do it. Your mental health is more important.

We used Earths Best Organic and Holle. If you want to get really cray cray (like me) you can order Holle organic baby formula from Germany! Or make your own (I didn't try that...but a friend did).
http://www.holle.ch/en_GB/organic-infant-formula-1-8

http://www.westonaprice.org/beginner-videos/baby-formula-video-by-sarah-pope-2/