We used formula for top ups when I couldn't express enough (I had a lot if BF issues in the first 4 months) and continued using formula top ups when I couldn't face expressing. So DD was predominantly BF but certainly had enough FF to trial a few different brands. So....

- we used S26 Gold initially and I thought it was OK but after trying other brands, I realised it wasn't good for her tummy at all and her poos were horrendous on it.

- Karicare and Nan (both the gold/HA varieties) were brilliant and caused no upsets at all. I honestly can't remember which one we ended up using most as both really agreed with her.

- we tried Heinz Gold when we were on holidays and I was unable to get Karicare or Nan and she wasn't bothered by Heinz either but her output wasn't as 'good', LOL. I found Karicare and Nan poos were almost identical to her BF poos, ITMS.

We always used the gold/HA varieties for the extra goodies which resembled those goodies in BM. DD also suffered from silent reflux so I kind of had it in my head that it would help.

DD was a silent spewer (would swallow it instead of bringing up) but we never used a thickener, our Paed told us not to bother. She was medicated for her reflux though so that may be why.

HTH