Mother’s who are finding it difficult to breastfeed their children can rest assured that all baby formula sold in the USA is required (by the FDA) to meet the minimum nutritional requirements of a child. That being said, keep in mind that not all formulas are the same, and be sure to consult your pediatrician regarding the best formula for your child.
The Main Types of Baby Formula
- Cow’s Milk Formula: Most baby formula has been manufactured from altered cow’s milk, which is made to resemble a mother’s breast milk. It is highly recommended that this type of baby formula should not be given to children under a year of age, especially those who have a higher risk for allergies. The younger your baby is when you offer her cow’s milk formula, the more likely it is that she will develop an intolerance to lactose.
- Soy-based Formulas: There types of formulas are great for parents who would like to keep animal proteins out of their child’s diet. However, it is often found that babies with an intolerance to lactose (found in cow’s milk) may very well be allergic to soy milk.
- Protein Hydrolysate Formulas: Also known as Hypoallergenic Formulas, these mixtures are meant for babies that have a family history of allergies, whether they be from soy or milk/lactose.
Other Baby Formulas
There are a number of specialized formulas made for infant’s with certain problems. Here is a list of the most common.
- Gentle Formula: made for infants who exhibit signs of fussiness or gas when on regular milk-based formulas. This formula tends to have less lactose than the other milk-based formulas.
- Lactose-free Formula: for babies with lactose intolerance.
- Added Rice Starch Formula: great for infants with acid reflux
- Premature Baby Formula: has added calories and nutrients for extra weight gain (also used for babies born with a low weight)
- Toddler Formula: for children between the ages of 10 and 24 months. Generally, formula is used only up until the child’s first birthday. However, it would be wise to talk to your pediatrician for information and advice specific to your own baby.
Different Forms of Baby Formula
- Powdered: This tends to be the least expensive. You simply mix together the amount of formula and water specified on the box.
- Concentrated Liquids: A concentrated baby formula that must also be mixed with a specified amount of water in order to dilute it to the correct strength.
- Ready-To-Use: Pretty much self explanatory. This is the most convenient of all the baby formulas, but also the most expensive. You can even find these in prepackaged, disposable bottles.
IMPORTANT: Always follow the exact directions of each baby formula. Do not try to use extra water in order to cut on costs. In doing so, you will be robbing your infant of much needed nutrients and simply filling her belly up with extra water. That being said, refrain from using less water in an attempt to feed your baby a stronger formula, as this will burden her immature kidneys with too many salts and proteins.
Question: Should baby formula be fortified with iron?
Answer: Definitely. Especially during the first year of life, iron is extremely important for a child’s growth and development. A woman who breastfeeds is able to supply her baby with a sufficient amount of iron through breast milk, but only for the first 6 months. Afterwards, an additional supplementation of iron should be introduced.
Question: Is there an important difference between generic or brand name formulas?
Answer: While there may be a difference in the type of ingredients used, or the recipe itself, the FDA requires that all baby formula contain the same amount of nutrients.
Question: How strictly should I follow the expiration date on formula?
Answer: If baby formula has reached its expiration date, there is no way of being sure that the quality and nutritional value of the mixture has been retained. It’s best not to use or buy outdated formula. You should also inspect the condition of the formula container. If it’s damaged (rusted, dented, leaking, bulges out), it may very well be unsafe.
