Why do parents buy name brand formula as opposed to store brand?

Hospitals use brand-name formulas because the companies provide them for free. Most mothers then opt to stick with what baby had in the hospital, figuring that if it works, why change it. And the formula companies KNOW that the mothers will do this, which is why they so 'generously' provide that free formula to the hospitals. WIC also provides brand-name formula (sold to them at a discount), and a large percentage of mothers recieve WIC. Finally, some mothers simply aren't aware of the store-brand alternatives, or feel that brand names are more trustworthy. (Really, you could ask the same question about almost ANY product. Why do people buy Tylenol when CVS brand acetominophen is exactly the same? I haven't bought a brand name OTC medication in decades. Why buy Hunts tomato paste or Starkist tuna when Kroger brand is comparable and 20 cents less per can?)

Because your children are your most valued treasure - and the few dollars in difference between generic and brand is not worth the uncertainty. Pretty simple, actually.

i buy enfamil bc i have tried 3 store brand formulas, walmart meijer and kroger brands. 2 caused my daughter to become violently ill and the other caused severe constipation. they can say that they compare to the name brands bc the fda approves them. its like buying an off brand shampoo that compares to Aussie but it makes your head itch. they are soo much cheaper bc the quality of the product is lower. but all of the nutritional needs for the baby are still there. that is what is comparable. i know people who use store brands without issue. its just what works best with your baby

A lot of women you see with name brand formula in their carts are buying it through WIC, which specifies exactly what can you are allowed to purchase. Others- the same reason they buy real UGGS instead of knockoffs.

The same reason you buy name brand vs store brand when you grocery shop for yourself. Store brand may be nutritionally the same, but it can (and does) taste and smell different. The name brand formulas all smell and taste different as well.

We started my son out on Enfamil from the hospital and it made him very constipated. We then switched to the Walmart brand once all that ran out and he started doing much better with that. My son used Parent's Choice Gentle the whole time he was on formula. It worked great and I don't think it smelled near as bad as that awful Enfamil stuff. My son also didn't seem to mind it. I live in VA, and the cost was as follows: Enfamil Gentlease--$25/can; Parents Choice--$14/can. Very large price difference.

I used Sams club Members mark formula for my daughter after buying similac for a few months. Worked good for my daughter so I agree but everyone is different.

Good question. I buy everything off brand except formula. Its only about $1-$2 less here, not 1/3 less. I guess I don't trust its exactly the same thing for the exact same factories, ect.

You're wrong on that point. If there wasn't such a massive demand for generic formula, then these big box stores wouldn't sell it. Parents will use which ever settles with their child the best. By your logic parents shouldn't ever need to buy more than one brand if they are all the same, right? The truth is that there are differences between formula brands (in both generic or name-brand) and some children respond better to some brands than others.