So many things have been going on in Formula feeding world! Let's take a look at some of these new updates, new options coming to store shelves, and debunk a few myths along the way!
Kendamil Infant Formula stock concerns & updates
Kendamil offers several types of infant formula, each designed for different dietary needs and overall desires:
Classic Formula - This is a cow's milk-based formula, primarily using whole milk and avoiding palm oil. It is considered a 'Standard Formula' and it is ideal for infants without specific dietary sensitivities + it's suitable for parents looking for a more natural formula free from added fish oil, as Kendamil uses plant-based Omega-3s.
Organic Formula - This version is certified organic and similarly based on whole cow's milk. It’s designed for parents who prefer organic ingredients and seek a sustainable formula option. This would also be considered a 'Standard Formula', ideal for those without dietary and/or digestive concerns.
Goat Milk Formula - Kendamil also provides a goat milk-based formula, which may be gentler for babies who experience digestive issues with cow’s milk. Goat milk formulas are sometimes considered a good alternative for infants sensitive to the proteins in cow’s milk. (learn more about the deets of Goat Milk & Goat-Milk Based Formula, here!!*)
Kendamil formulas are particularly known for their natural ingredients and whole-milk base, which can offer a creamy texture and rich nutrients. However, the U.S. has recently faced supply issues, particularly with the Organic and Goat Milk versions. This has been due to both increased demand and distribution challenges, worsened by the recent dock/port strikes and temporary closures where Kendamil was held at shore.. Kendamil has ramped up production, aiming to double capacity to better meet U.S. needs, but some shortages may persist in the near term as demand continues to outpace supply.
If you use this formula, Kendamil has come out with an estimated time line for shelf restocking! Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate + may not apply to your specific location versus another..:
Kendamil Goat: this week/last week! aka= ~10/22-10/29/2024
Kendamil Organic: this week/next week! aka = ~10/27-11/2/2024
Kendamil Classic: early November, 2024
For parents experiencing shortages, checking smaller retailers or subscribing to auto-delivery services may help secure a steady supply, as some larger stores and online platforms have reported stockouts of these popular products. Kendamil customer service is also available to help & CARES about feeding your baby! Don't hesitate to reach out for help!
Check out Kendamil and learn more here!
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check out stock on store shelves near you:
Gerber Good Start is now -> Good Start by Dr. Brown's
Gerber's Good Start formula line has recently rebranded as Good Start by Dr. Brown’s under a business acquisition of Perrigo's. The formulas feature ingredients like 100% whey protein to avoid curdling, advanced hydrolyzed proteins, & tummy-friendly probiotics such as B. lactis & L. reuteri, aiming to support digestive health in infants. Note: formula recipe and ingredients are not changing during this transition
Perrigo's acquisition of Nestlé’s Good Start formula brand, along with the Gateway plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, marks a significant move in the infant formula market. The $170 million investment is aimed at addressing gaps in formula availability, a challenge made clear during the recent U.S. formula shortage in 2022. Perrigo, already a leader in the production of store-brand formulas, now has added capacity to produce name-brand formulas, broadening their reach and boosting options for families beyond traditional major brands
The Gateway plant acquisition is part of Perrigo’s larger Supply Chain Reinvention Program, a long-term strategy to increase production flexibility and resilience. The expansion at Gateway is expected to add an extra 7 million pounds in annual production, which translates to more than 100 million 8-ounce bottles per year. This addition allows Perrigo to better supply both store brands and new premium products, as well as meet demand for contract manufacturing—essentially producing formulas under various brand labels, which helps with rapid market adaptation.
For Nestlé, this sale also aligns with a refocusing strategy. Nestlé plans to concentrate on its core U.S. baby food products, such as purees, snacks, and cereals, and has expressed confidence that Perrigo’s manufacturing infrastructure will keep Good Start formula accessible and affordable in the U.S. and Canada. Nestle has been downsizing their overall product line in recent years. (*per my own observations*)
The deal thus reflects a broader shift in the market, where companies like Perrigo are leveraging supply chain expansions to meet fluctuating demand and regulatory requirements. It’s also expected to make high-quality formulas more accessible and potentially more affordable, as Perrigo is known for its experience in manufacturing competitive, budget-conscious store brands
Dr. Brown’s bottles, which are widely recommended by pediatricians, will accompany this formula line to enhance feeding ease for infants with feeding sensitivities. (Although, personally recommend checking out this bottle review by with some of my favorite folks in infant feeding, such as Baby Feeding Coach, Erin Moore. Overall consensus = bottles are wonderful, but nipple rate and flow may need to be considered. ).
Available varieties in this line include Gentle Pro, Soothe Pro, and Soy-ease Pro for milk or lactose-sensitive infants, creating an array of options for specific feeding needs:
Gentle Pro: Formulated for infants who can tolerate cow's milk based formula; tolerate a 'standard formula'; and even for infants with mild digestive sensitivities, this formula includes 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which is broken down for easier digestion. It also includes probiotics like B. lactis to support gut health. This option is suitable for babies who experience occasional gas or fussiness but do not have severe lactose intolerance.
Soothe Pro: Designed specifically for babies who struggle with more significant tummy troubles, like colic or excessive crying due to gas. This version contains L. reuteri, a probiotic that has been studied for its potential to reduce colic symptoms. This formula is also more gentle on the stomach due to its hydrolyzed proteins, making it a good choice for more sensitive infants This formula would be considered a partially-hydrolyzed infant formula.
Soy-ease Pro: This formula uses soy protein isolate instead of milk-based ingredients. It’s lactose-free, providing an alternative that meets nutritional needs without the lactose or milk proteins that can cause digestive distress for some babies. It is an ideal formula for those who wish to pursue a plant-based infant formula or your family is vegetarian and/or vegan. (*Please note: while soy based formula may seem like a 'great choice' for those with cow's milk protein allergy and/or similar conditions.. many of the protein shapes and structures are similar/overlap in soy and in animal proteins, meaning that many who react to an animal milk protein, have a likelihood of reacting to soy as well.)
These formulas are crafted with specific probiotic strains and protein modifications to address a range of sensitivities and feeding issues in infants.
For more details about the product lineup and where to purchase, visit the official website at www.goodstartbaby.com
VERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINE
NESTLÉ CANADA
Myth Debunk Time:
Formula Feeding / Breastfeeding and IQ:
One benefit* of breastfeeding I hear about time & time again🧐
“Breastfed babies have a higher IQ than formula fed”
🛑 Whoa. Stop right there. That’s a BIG deal!!
Isn’t it?? 🤨
This long debated topic is one that I'm not sure we will ever truly KNOW the answer to.
➡️The reality is… research & studies regarding this aren’t so clear cut. For one thing, ethics plays a big role. But some of the other limitations to these studies:
Genetics - this factor has shown to be between 40-80% of the IQ puzzle itself!🧬
Environment - socioeconomic status plays a role! Where does baby live & grow up? What opportunities are available? Is baby able to learn & grow in a safe space with adequate support?? *THIS has also been shown to play a huge role! Even if the genes are present, they won’t be expressed if under the wrong circumstances!🤷🏼♀️ Kinda like trying to grow tulips in the desert.. there’s probably nothing wrong with the bulbs, just the wrong environment to grow👀🌷☀️🥵
Maternal Intelligence- yes it falls under genetics, but this has also been identified as a specific factor in child’s IQ!🤰
Exposure to other hazards or pollutants such as lead, mercury, alcohol, certain bacteria’s, etc.🦠🚬
So what do the studies and facts say anyways?🧐
Observational studies have shown ~2.5-3.8 point increase in IQ in breastfed babies. Observational studies are just that though.. observations⚠️⚠️A formal definition of Observational Study: study draws inferences from a sample to a population where the independent variable is not under the control of the researcher because of ethical concerns or logistical constraints.
Wanna know an ABSOLUTE predictor of your child’s IQ?🤔
Malnutrition. Not getting adequate nutrition. Especially during those first 2 years of life. & whether that nutrition is achieved through breastfeeding, formula feeding, BLW, purées, or all the above.. baby must get ADEQUATE nutrition for brain development🗣️🧠
Now, go READ to that babe! 🗣️📖
Another Formula Option! - Similac Pure Bliss
Similac Pure Bliss infant formula is not an entirely new option for us.
BUT! They are bringing even more to the table these days!
The Pure Bliss line includes the following:
Pure Bliss by Similac Irish Farms infant formula offers complete nutrition that's easy for babies to digest. Made in Ireland, this infant formula starts with fresh milk sourced from Irish farms where cows feed in grassy pastures much of the year. Irish Farms formula is exclusively produced at Abbott's manufacturing facility in Ireland and is imported to the U.S.
Pure Bliss by Similac Organic infant formula is a nutritionally complete, USDA-certified organic formula that is easy to digest. This formula, available in powder, and 32-fluid ounce and 2-fluid ounce options, is the only USDA-certified organic liquid formula available in U.S. retail stores for added feeding convenience.
Pure Bliss by Similac Organic with A2 Milk infant formula is a USDA-certified organic formula using milk from select cows that produce A2 beta-casein protein, which is naturally easy to digest and more like the protein found in breast milk.
Bobbie Offers Whole Milk Formula!
Bobbie is a U.S.-based infant formula brand known for its European-inspired ingredients and organic, high-quality formulations. Bobbie is especially popular for its focus on providing formulas that are closer to the composition of breast milk and free from many artificial or processed ingredients often found in standard formulas. Recently, Bobbie has expanded its lineup with a new whole-milk formula option! Let's take a closer look below:
Bobbie Infant Formulas Overview
Original Bobbie Formula:
Made with organic skim milk from pasture-raised cows
Follows European Union (EU) standards on ingredients, which are stricter on some additives than U.S. standards.
Includes DHA and ARA (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) essential for brain and eye development, along with prebiotics for gut health.
Free from palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and added sugar—qualities that make it gentle on digestion and closer to the natural sugars found in breast milk.
New Whole-Milk Formula:
Bobbie recently released a whole-milk version that emphasizes whole milk fats rather than added oils, which can be more similar to breast milk's fat profile.
This formula is designed to provide a richer fat content from natural milk sources, which may support satiety and development, aligning with some research suggesting whole milk can be beneficial for infant growth. Like the original, this whole-milk formula is:
organic, non-GMO, and free from artificial ingredients, including palm oil and corn syrup.
Best For: The whole-milk version is ideal for parents who want a formula that includes natural milk fats for their baby’s nutrition, offering a closer approximation to breast milk's fat structure.
So what does this all even mean?
Here’s a more comprehensive look at Bobbie’s formulas and how they stack up in terms of ingredients and nutrient sources.
Ingredient Comparison: Original Bobbie vs. Bobbie Whole-Milk Formula
1. Milk Source and Fat Content:
Original Bobbie: Uses organic skim milk as its base, with added oils (like high oleic sunflower oil and coconut oil) to provide essential fats.
Whole-Milk Bobbie: Primarily uses organic whole milk which includes natural milk fats, reducing the need for added oils. The natural fats in whole milk can offer a closer mimicry to breast milk, particularly in the fat composition that aids in infant brain development and satiety.
2. Fatty Acids (DHA and ARA):
Both formulas include DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids essential for brain and eye development. Source: In Bobbie’s formulations, DHA and ARA are extracted from algal oil rather than fish oil, a choice that avoids any fishy taste and is more sustainable. Algal DHA is widely considered one of the closest plant-based DHA sources that supports brain health similarly to fish-based options.
3. Carbohydrates and Sweeteners:
Both Bobbie formulas use organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate, mimicking the natural lactose found in breast milk. Lactose is the primary sugar in breast milk and helps with calcium absorption, gut health, and brain development.
Free From: Neither formula includes corn syrup, maltodextrin, or glucose syrup solids, all of which are more processed sweeteners that can be found in some U.S.-based formulas.
4. Prebiotics:
The formulas include prebiotics to support healthy digestion. Prebiotics in infant formula can help nurture a baby's gut microbiome, which is important for immune system development and overall health. Bobbie specifically uses GOS (galactooligosaccharides) as its prebiotic, which is similar to oligosaccharides naturally found in breast milk.
5. Vitamins and Minerals:
Both formulas are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complex, to meet the complete nutritional needs of infants. The vitamin and mineral content in both formulas adheres to U.S. and European standards, meaning they are balanced to provide the correct levels required for growth and development.
Iron Source: Bobbie uses a gentler iron compound, which may be easier on the stomach compared to other forms of iron found in some formulas.
6. Exclusions (No Artificial Ingredients):
Both Bobbie formulas are non-GMO and do not contain artificial growth hormones, preservatives, or synthetic colorings and flavorings.
Palm Oil-Free: They exclude palm oil, a common fat source in many formulas but one that can lead to harder stools and potentially affect calcium absorption. By avoiding palm oil, Bobbie aims to enhance the overall digestion and nutrient uptake of their formulas.
How These Formulas Compare to Other Brands
Nutritional Profile: Both Bobbie formulas provide a European-style formulation that’s closer to breast milk by focusing on natural milk sources, omitting overly processed sweeteners, and including plant-based DHA. This approach sets it apart from more common U.S. brands that often use ingredients like corn syrup and have a more conventional (skim milk + oils) structure.
Ideal for Sensitive Tummies: Both versions are crafted to be gentle on digestion, which makes them suitable for infants with mild sensitivities.
Whole Milk Advantages: The Whole-Milk Bobbie formula could offer a smoother fat profile, as whole milk fats have naturally structured lipids, possibly easing digestion and providing sustained energy more like breast milk.
Ideal Choice by Baby’s Needs
Original Bobbie: Great for parents looking for an organic formula similar to the European standard but based on skim milk with added plant-based oils. Ideal for babies without specific dietary sensitivities, especially if the original Bobbie formula is already tolerated well.
Whole-Milk Bobbie: May be preferred for babies needing a fuller fat content that mimics breast milk fat composition. It could also be ideal for parents who prefer a more natural fat source from whole milk rather than plant oils.
Bobbie’s commitment to simple, high-quality ingredients in both formulas has made it a well-regarded choice, & the Whole-Milk version provides another appealing option for families looking to replicate the natural fat structure found in breast milk.
Baby Food and Fun Shop Resources:
Did you know that I have some formula and breastfeeding resources available to you?! Check out our Storage Guideline Magnets (available in formula, breastmilk, combo, and baby food!) + some of our PDF downloads available directly to you! A few topics include Formula Comparable Guide, Introducing Common Food Allergens, and Starting Solids Shopping Lists. + Many more to come!
Shop now: https://www.babyfoodandfun.com/shop
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