Baby Formulas Compared Aptamil v Mamia

I stopped paying for the tin and associated advertising and started paying attention to my baby.

Yep, I’m going there, putting an end to formula snobbery! When my two year old was born I did some research in to formula.  My wife had always given our eldest son Aptamil, this retails at between £12 and £14 in the UK (depending on where you buy it).  If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients on formula there aren’t a lot of differences and that’s because there aren’t allowed to be.

The ingredients are enforced by the various country governments and regulated by local authorities due to formula being the sole source of nutrition for infants. In the US, it's known as Infant Formula and costs about $39 to $43 for a standard 28.2 oz (800g powder). When comparing the two options, Care Stage 1 (0 to 12 months) and Stage 2 (+6 months), they both have nearly identical ingredient lists.

Differences are mainly in nutrient proportions. Stage 2 is adjusted for 6+ months who are starting with solids, often having higher levels of iron, calcium, and protein, etc.

That said, why do we buy in to the hard marketed brands such as Kendamil and Aptamil? “Oh, it’s the most expensive, it must be the best, my baby deserves the best”. I tried Blake (my baby) on Kendamil when she was 2 weeks old (after Cow and Gate, Aptamil and SMA) and she was terrible on it.  I mean screaming in pain, writhing in agony and so uncomfortable.  I felt terrible.  The whole milk in Kendamil was too rich for her, I was being too rich for her by choosing it and I drove to Aldi.  I knew what I had to do.

So, let’s talk about Aldi formula, Mamia.  This retails at £6.99 for a tin in the UK but is presently not available in the USA Aldi stores the current best ranked alternative is Kirkland Signature ProCare.  Surely Mamia can’t be any good because it’s cheap? That’s not actually correct, it’s just not marketed that well and its only sold in Aldi. I have never tried Kirkland's Signature so I will limit my comments to Mamia. It is manufactured in Ireland, guess what, so is Aptamil.  Rumour has it, in the same factory! So when baby formulas are compared is it about what's on the tin or what's in the tin?

One of the only differences with Aptamil is that Mamia contains palm oil which I know a lot of people don’t like to think about, myself included, but if my baby is most comfortable on a brand that uses palm oil, sadly I’m going to give it to my baby.  Other differences include the whole milk that I have mentioned in Kendamil is the only milk ingredient they use, Mamia is whole milk and whey and Aptamil is skimmed milk and whey.

Mother & Baby Groups - Baby Formulas Compared

I have found when going to mother and baby groups, which let’s face it are daunting and occasionally hideous, it’s one of the first questions asked; “What formula do you give your baby?” This is after you’ve been berated for not breast feeding! It’s not for everyone ok?! And if you have read my previous blog on Post Partum Trauma if things go wrong with your C Section and you are on medication as a result it's a no no anyway.

If you don’t say “Aptamil or Kendamil” there is a ball of tumble weed across the play mat and a sharp intake of breath.  I have actively lied before to avoid the tumble weed.  How terrible is that? My baby didn’t know the difference in price, my baby just knew what made her comfortable and that’s all that mattered to me.  So, why couldn’t I or shouldn’t I have shouted MAMIA! proudly? I don’t know, but if I was ever to have another baby I absolutely would tell people loudly and proudly that I used Aldi formula.

When Baby Formulas are Compared what's the difference?

So what are the other benefits of Mamia? It’s excellent value for money, it meets exactly the same nutritional regulations as premium brands and most babies tolerate it well.  The cons are that you can only get it in Aldi and it’s not marketed very well so most parents think it’s inferior when it absolutely isn’t so don't be a brand snob my recommendation ; Give it a try.

Incidentally I am not sponsored in any way by Aldi. There are pros and cons to all formulas, ultimately it comes down to how your baby tolerates it and if they thrive on it and are comfortable.  I’d like to think that no one would keep their baby on a formula just because they were scared of judgement from others.  As I’ve already mentioned infant formulas are tightly regulated.

Ultimately what im trying to say is that be wise and think about what you’re buying and why.  Expensive doesn’t always mean better.

Please let me know what experiences you’ve had with different formulas and if you’re a Mamia fan like me!

Ps. Have a look at our FAQ Section on Infant Formulas where we have covered the most common questions people ask.

Infant/Baby Formulas FAQ's

Important: This is general information based on NHS and UK guidance. Always consult your midwife, health visitor, or GP for personalised advice, especially if your baby has feeding difficulties, allergies, or medical needs. For the latest product recalls or specific brand information, check the Food Standards Agency or manufacturer websites.

Stay hopeful,

Rachel

Please note

“This is a personal blog sharing my own experiences. It is not counselling, therapy, medical, or psychological advice.”