How do you go about choosing a formula?

Just a tip for you, if you wait 2 short months you don't have to give your baby formula or milk at all. YOu can wean a baby right to water. All you have to do is be sure they get their fat and protein from food.

But if I absolutely had to use formula I would likely use Nature's One or a goat milk base.

I didn't. I let her choose when to stop breastfeeding, and she weaned herself before age 2.

That is something that you should discuss with your baby's ped. Bcuz sometimes the baby is too sensitive for certain formulas.

I love the way if you choose to buy formula at any point you are less of a mother.

At 10 months my doctor gave me the go ahead to supplement with whole milk since my dd was eating everything already. If I hadn't of done that I would have pumped until a year and not waste money on formula.

I would consult with your pediatrician when you feel it is time. Some kids react differently to different formulas. We have finally found one that works for my youngest after trying 4 other ones.

Really, the best formula is the one that your child will take, and not have issue with. I am all for nursing, but if this is what you decide to do, I'd start with asking the pedi for samples, so you can try a few and see which one works best for your LO.

I agree with waiting until 12 mo and weaning until water. You may not realize the World Health Organization recommendation is now that all children be breastfed at least 2 years. The AAP recommendation will be changing to 2 years.

There is no good formula. If I had to choose one I would use Nature's One.

Start with a milk based one. Store brands and name brands are equally as good. If baby ends up being sensitive to milk or something then you can always try a soy, or sensitive brand :)

"I love the way if you choose to buy formula at any point you are less of a mother. "

Actually, NO ONE has said the OP is less of a mother...just that it's better logic to continue nursing for those 2 short extra months so she doesn't even have to bother with it!

and with that being said - that's what I would do. Why even mess with formula when you can go straight to milk, or water? But - if you really don't want to wait to wean, the formula you should use is what baby will tolerate. Just pick up a basic kind, and see how baby does.