Formula US/UK

Hi Everyone!

I have not been here in a long time, but our son was born on 24/10/05 2wks early!  He has kept us busy and as my pregnancy was high risk I spent all my free time at the doctors office.  He is perfect in every way, and worth all the doctors appointments and extra care. 

Anyway, we are currently in the USA and won't be moving to the UK for at least another two years now as we decided we should have #2 here before moving because my doctors are awesome and we just feel good about waiting for those reasons.  However, in the mean time we are heading over to the UK for about 3 weeks at the end of January so Michael can meet the UK side of his family and we can visit and see everyone we haven't seen in a while.  Michael is being bottle fed with formula because my breastmilk never came in... apparently I have inherited the same condition my Mom had.  So as much as it broke my heart not to be able to breastfeed, he is thriving on formula and that is all that matters.

However, because of water differences etc, I don't want to use powdered formula when over and because of the length of time, it would be a lot to bring with us and too expensive to ship.  So my question is... (wow sorry it took me so long to get to my darn question).  Does anyone know if they make Similac Advanced with Iron in the pre-mixed bottles in the UK and how much it costs?  Do they offer the same cheques/coupons over there (i have a huge supply of $5 off coupons from similac).  Does anybody know if the ingredients are the same in the US and UK versions if available?  I would prefer just to buy the formula over there and only bring enough with me to get us through our flights and the first day but if I need to bring enough for the entire trip I need to know that soon cause I would probably just ship it over ahead of time.  I tried calling Similac but they were not sure at the US customer service center and they did give me the number for the UK one but I can't call that until morning.  So any help any of you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!!!

My son was born in the States then we came over to visit the UK.  I brought powder formula, as you heat the water, so there was no difference.  There is no Simlac that I have found in the UK.  You may want to reconsider the powder formula since it is so convenient.  They do have lots of good brands of baby formula here, though not the same brand in the States.  I could be wrong, though this what I have found in the UK.

Thank you so much for such a quick reply!  Looks like I will need to bring the powder and you are of course right about heating the water.  This makes my planning much much much easier!

Thanks bunches!

Maddierose is right.  I just did a search and found nothing here.  They also do not take any American Coupons here in the UK (They don't do many coupons here at all, but they have great money off deals for most things anyway)  Just wanted to also add that Michael is gorgeous!

Cute baby by the way.  Enjoy your trip

  Do they offer the same cheques/coupons over there (i have a huge supply of $5 off coupons from similac). 

The baby formula companies aren't allowed to 'promote' breast milk substitutes in any way, including offering coupons.  That's why they put so much effort into promoting their follow-on milks for babies over 6 months.

(You will even find that if you read the small print in the T&C for supermarket loyalty card(s) that infant formula is excluded from those promotions too.)

The baby formula companies aren't allowed to 'promote' breast milk substitutes in any way, including offering coupons.  That's why they put so much effort into promoting their follow-on milks for babies over 6 months.

(You will even find that if you read the small print in the T&C for supermarket loyalty card(s) that infant formula is excluded from those promotions too.)

I had no idea, thanks for sharing.  I wondered why formula was excluded.

Thanks everyone for the compliments on Michael.  We think he is gorgeous but we are biased!  He looks like a mini version of his Dad which is a good thing!   

Everytime I come to this board with questions I get such helpful and wonderful answers.  Thank you all so much.  I just spoke with my MIL and told her I would likely be bringing powder formula.  Such a shame they can't do offers for formula over there.... really hard on those of us who would love to breast feed but can't. 

Well Michael is now up from his nap so gotta run but thank you all again!  I can't wait until our visit.

Best,
Christine

I just wanted to add my "your baby is sooo cute" !! what a lovely little fella!

Wow thank you!  He is just a little guy... will be 8wks old on Monday and was only 5 pounds 7 ounces when born so is just hitting 8 pounds now.  Well laundry is calling while he is napping.

Thanks again to all!
Christine 

youre baby is absolutely gorgeous!  congrats!

HE is absolutely precious! 

Thanks so much Expat and Saucy!  He is growing so fast!!!

I am shipping formula to my MIL's house because my Pediatrician wants us to use the pre-mixed liquid formula while traveling.  The bottles are heavy and he goes through 1 bottle of formula in just under 24 hours now, so will have to bring a lot to last us for 2 weeks!  I can't wait to see what the post office will charge me for shipping heavy bottles of formula!

Here is a picture from the other day... he wasn't smiling yet and always looks so serious.  Gotta love it!



Cheers and Thanks everyone!
Christine