The baby formula industry is a scam and other news.

I've been researching a formulas as we've been meaning to switch Austin to a non-soy version. We were originally convinced he was allergic to cow's milk and so tried the soy (with the pediatrician's blessing) only to later find out that it's rare for babies to not be able to digest cow's milk (we thought it was a digestive issue).

I have researched various brands (particularly organic versions) and have found that it's a huge scam. Let me tell you why:

Basically, there are only about 4 manufacturer's of baby formula. It's so heavily regulated by the FDA and that might be why. So, one manufacturer may make 2 brands or more of a formula.

Anyhow, I found out that PBM Nutritionals makes all the store brand formulas. So, Target's brand of formula, Walgreens, Fred Meyer, etc are all made by PBM. PBM also formulates Bright Beginnings which is an actual brand.

So, I got to Fred Meyer to check out brands of organic milk based formula and Fred Meyer's store brand organic formula to compare.

Ok, Bright Beginnings Organic Formula which sells in a 25.75 oz can sells for $27.99.
Earth's Best Organic Formula sells in a 25.75oz can sells for $36.99.
Fred Meyer's Organic Formula sells in a 25.75oz can it's $17.99.

Let me tell you, I put all three brands side by side. The funny thing, Bright Beginnings is also formulated by PBM, so it was no surprise that on the cans it was the same same font used, same sized font used to show the nutritional value and ingredients. Seriously. There's a $10 difference just for a logo?! What?

So, then I compared the Earth's Best with the Fred Meyer. Earth's Best is made by another company but has the exact same ingredients as the Fred Meyer brand - and this one is selling for $36.99 a can? Seriously?

I read some articles online also that basically said that the formula industry is so heavily regulated by the FDA that truly it doesn't matter what brand you go for, but just matters if your baby likes it.

Well, Fred Meyer, I was sold. I don't need to look at the fancy pretty logo.

Also, Austin slept from 11:00pm until 10:30am this morning - straight. Without a peep, no waking up to eat - nada. Woke up ate 6 ounces, then played for about 45 minutes, ate another 2 ounces then fell asleep for a 50 minute nap. I don't get it. At this point, whatever he wants!

Other news: It's 100 degrees here in Issaquah at 12:51pm , IN THE SHADE. Oh, wait, that's not really news.