When it comes to feeding your baby, doctors agree that breast is best for optimal nutrition. You can check out our latest episode on breastfeeding for all these benefits in more detail.

But sometimes, breastfeeding just isn’t in the cards and that’s okay. The V Word is a judgement-free zone. We understand that in the real world breastfeeding is not for everyone. So we decided to provide this guide to baby formula.

For the bottle-feeding parents out there, choosing the right baby formula can be a daunting task. You step into the isle of pastel-colored canisters in the grocery store and immediately feel overwhelmed by the wide variety of available formula.

Before we give you the low-down on baby formula be sure to talk with your doctor. Your pediatrician should be able to recommend the appropriate formula based on your baby’s health, age, and nutritional needs. Remember to monitor your baby’s reactions and let your doctor investigate any symptoms.

Ready? For starters, baby formula is made to resemble the nutritional composition of break milk, which contains a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. You won’t find everything contained in breast milk in a baby formula, but it still has many vitamins and nutrients to meet your baby’s needs.

FYI: All baby formulas sold in the United States must meet federal nutrient requirements and are required to register with FDA.

While shopping for infant formula, you’ll find several basic forms and types. Here’s what you need to know:

 

Forms:

Baby formula comes in three forms: ready-to-use, liquid concentrate and powder.

When it comes to ready-to-use formula, it’s all in the name. It’s convenient and helpful when you don’t have access to safe water. Liquid concentrate formula requires mixing equal parts of water and formula. As for powdered formula, it requires more preparation but often lasts longer. This may be a good option if you do breastfeed but need the occasional bottle.

Of course price and storage vary by form, which might also be worth considering.

 

Types of formulas:

There’s a formula to suit every baby’s needs. Again, your pediatrician should suggest a formula that’s right for your little one. Formula types fall into three main categories: cow’s milk formulas, soy or plant-protein based formulas and hydrolyzed formulas.

There are typically five main ingredients in formulas: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, plus other nutrients in smaller quantities. What makes one brand differ from the next are the specific carbohydrates and proteins included, as well as any additives.

• Cow’s-milk-based formulasMost doctors recommend formulas made from cow’s milk for babies who are not breastfed. Cow’s milk is the main ingredient in these formulas, but the milk is altered to make it safe for infants. To make the formula more easily digestible and better for infant growth, the milk is treated through heating and other methods, more milk sugar (lactose) is added to make the concentration equal to that of breast milk, and the fat is removed and replaced with vegetable oils and other fats.

Cow’s milk formulas have additional iron added. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends this type of iron-fortified formula for all infants who are not breastfed, or who are only partially breastfed, from birth to one year of age, to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

• Hydrolyzed FormulasAnother type of formula is hydrolyzed formula. This type is often referred to as “predigested” because the milk protein has already been broken down into smaller parts. Breaking down the protein makes it easier for the baby to digest the milk.

 

Your doctor may recommend a hydrolyzed formula if your baby has a milk protein allergy or a high risk of developing allergies. A formula can be considered hypoallergenic when the protein has been extensively hydrolyzed. Your pediatrician can advise on whether not your baby is a candidate for this type of formula and can recommend a brand to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

• Soy FormulasThese formulas contain a plant-protein (soy) and carbohydrate (either glucose or sucrose) different from milk-based formulas. However, like cow’s milk formulas, they are modified to help with digestion.

 

They are sometimes recommended for babies unable to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in cow’s milk formula. However, lactose-free cow milk–based formula is also available. There are only a few medical reasons for using soy formula so be sure to check with your doctor before choosing it.

• Other Specialized FormulasSpecialized formulas are sold for infants with specific disorders or diseases. There are also formulas made specifically for premature babies, who may have special dietary requirements.

 

If your pediatrician recommends a specialized formula for your infant, be sure to ask for  guidance about feeding requirements (amounts, scheduling, special preparations), since these may be quite different from regular formulas.

According to American Academy of Pediatrics, babies can be exposed to dangers, such as lead and harmful bacteria, if their bottles and infant formula are not prepared correctly.

 

The following are guidelines for bottle preparation from the AAP:

• Before preparing infant formula be sure to wash your hands. Just like you would before you prepare your own food.

• Consider whether or not your water source is safe before mixing it with infant formula. Your local health department can help you determine if your tap water is safe to use for your baby’s bottles.

• If yes, simply mix powdered formula with room temperature tap water, and the bottle is ready to use.

• If no or you’re not sure, use bottled water or bring cold tap water to a rolling boil for no longer than one minute. Avoid boiling for more than one minute because it could increase the concentration of impurities in the water. Allow the water to cool to room temperature for 30 minutes, but do not leave the water out longer than half an hour to avoid bacterial contamination.

• If you’re mixing powder or liquid concentrate with water, pay attention to the measurements.

• If necessary: don’t warm formula in the microwave, which heats things unevenly. Instead, place the bottle in a container of warm water for a few minutes, or run it under a hot tap.

• Before feeding your baby, check that the water is not too hot by shaking a few drops on the inside of your wrist.

 

That’s all folks. Happy feeding!

 

Sources/Resources:

AAP Healthy Children (Pediatrics) about formula 101

AAP (Pediatrics)

AAFP (Family Medicine)