Preemie formula for 6 to 9 months

For anyone else whose munchkins came early, and who used special preemie formula like Similac Neosure --

My two had their one-month appt today (they're actually 5 weeks). Karina was born 4 pounds, 10 ounces and was 8 pounds, 3 ounces today (seriously!). Kevan was 5 pounds, 9 ounces at birth, and was 7 pounds, 15 ounces today (he's a much fussier eater). They were born at 35 weeks even...

They seem to be gaining really well, so I asked if I could switch to a regular formula, and was told that I should keep them on Neosure for 6 to 9 months, because of the extra calcium and nutrients. Does that sound right?

(The formula is just a supplement when we need it -- they normally get about 80% or more breastmilk daily.)

Just curious if your peds recommended the same thing -- I don't mind paying for it if they really need it (I wish I could always do 100% breastmilk, but it's a struggle) -- but I also don't want to give it unnecessarily.

Thanks!

 

My son was born a preemie at 35w 6d and weighed 5lbs 6oz at birth. He was on NeoSure for the first month or so. When he went to his ped's appt (think it was 2 months) I told the ped I switched him to regular formula since I had 2 sample cans and was that ok. She said totally fine as he was gaining weight well and growing, she had no problems with it. He is now 10 1/2 months and still on the regular formula and now weighs 18 lbs. Doctor said he is proportionate to his height for his weight and is not worried at all.

 

Our girls were born at 34w3days and were 3lb 9oz and 3lbs 14 oz. The Dr reccomended we use Neosure until they were 6 months not onlyfor the extra vitamins and calories but because of the protein. He did tell us that if we wanted to we could switch before 6 months, but we opted to stay on it. But we are turning 6 months now and getting ready to switch to regular formula

 

My girls were 9 weeks early, and were on EBM/Neosure until 6 months. I switched them to regular formula mixed to higher calories after that, with the pedi's okay.

I know they recommend Neosure for 9 months for preemies, but yours were really not that early and seem to be gaining well.

Also, if your pedi wants them on it, ask him to sign you up for Similac's multiples program. I got huge amounts of free Neosure shipped to my house because my pedi signed me up for this. It was not due to financial need or anything, just their multiples program.

 

my pedi wanted my guys to stay on it until they were about 6 months...they gained so much weight that I thought it would be fine to take them off of it so we switched around 4 months... not only did I switch b/c of their weight but b/c it was expensive and Noah was so gassy that I thought it might help to try soy...his belly did seem to settle down but not sure if it was due to the formula.

 

My girls were 6 weeks early and were on Enfamil Enfacare 22cal until they were 2 months old. At our 2 month well-baby visit I asked about switching them to regular formula and our ped said that since they were gaining well we could switch. Now they are on regular Enfamil Lipil with Iron and at 4 months they are both over 12 lbs! I can't believe my little 3 pounders are now so big

I guess it depends on the doctor and the kiddos. Good luck! -Leighann

 

Mine were born 34w3days and we were on Similac Advance. We did not need anything special this was the formula they were on in hospital and one that we could buy. We did switch at their 3month appt to Enfamil as it was cheaper and both babies were a good size. They were born at 4lb14 and 4lb12.

 

Mine were born at 35 weeks and were 6lbs and 4 lbs. 6 oz. Originally our doctor recommended that they remain supplemented with the Neosure until they were 9 months, but decided to extend it to 12 months. FYI - our hospital's NICU gave us a form to fill out and we sent it to Similac and received some free bottles of the ready made formula. Also, Similac has a website that you can enroll as a member and receive coupons. They may have a multiples program, too (sorry, I can't remember for sure).

 

nope similac does not have a multiples program i tried but they can send you some coupons if you sign up for their welcome addition club.
Mine are on Neosure and Enfacare from Enfamil and we go back and forth and they do fine with it. I thought that since they were 9 and 10 pounds at 2 months they would switch but he wanted to wait till 4 months and he may take them off that then. I have been getting my similac advance and enfamil stocked up for when they can use that.

Also if you use enfacare Mead Johnson will send you a case per child so call them up its worth it and if they cant use that try to get some enfamil for when they are ready to be switched.

 

Mine were born at 34 weeks and we are still on the Neosure. We have an appointment coming up so he might take Ben off of it then. However, Emily will still stay on it for awhile. She is so tiny, she still needs the extra calories.

 

When mine came home after 10 days in the NICU as growers and feeders I gave them EBM like you about 80% of the time and the rest formula (enfacare). When we ran out of the sample cans of enfacare, at about 1 month, we called the ped and asked if we should continue. They said since their weight checks were great, and since their primary source of milk was breastmilk, which is only 20 cal, that the 22 cal enfacare wasn't necessary anymore. I eventually quit pumping at 3mos and all their bottles were regular formula, and at their 9mos check up they both weighed 20lbs!! I can't imagine how much they would have weighed if they stayed on the enfacare.