Being a new parent comes with a lot of new challenges. One such challenge is choosing the right kind of food for your little munchkin. As a parent, it is pretty natural to worry or feel anxious when feeding your baby formula milk for the first time. Many questions start cropping up when we look at formula options at the baby food aisle in the store.
Many paediatricians recommend giving breast milk to your baby as it provides optimum nutrition. However, some mothers cannot breastfeed either due to medical reasons, or choose not to. In such cases, the formula has become a healthy and nutritional substitute. But which one is the “good” one? It is important to note that there is no “bad” formula.
There are different types of formulas made with other ingredients. So before you head out to the store, learn more about the types of formulas, consult your paediatrician and then decide which to buy.
- Understand Your Options
Cow’s milk-based formulas
Cow’s milk-based formula is the first infant milk recommended to give to your baby. It contains proteins – casein and whey, where the latter is said to be easier to digest compared to other formulas. It also includes extra iron, vitamins, and minerals that help meet a baby’s nutritional needs.
Cow’s milk-based formula is suitable for infants unless there are medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to take them. In such cases, it is wise to choose a baby formula that is special and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Special Baby Formulas
If your baby cannot digest cow’s milk-based formula due to allergies or cultural and religious reasons, there are other options. These formulas are given the term “special” as they are formulated to deal with a specific nutritional problem of infants. They are more suitable to meet the needs of premature infants, babies with digestive and metabolic issues, and babies with allergic problems.
- Soy-based Protein Formula
They contain a protein called soy, promoting normal and healthy development. This formula is a good option if you want your baby to follow a vegetarian diet or if your baby is lactose-intolerant. However, consult your healthcare professional before starting.
- Hydrolyzed Formula
For those babies that are allergic to cow’s milk-based formula, there’s a partially or extensively hydrolyzed formula that is hypo-allergenic. That means the proteins in the milk have been broken down into small parts, so it is easier for the baby to digest and avoid having an allergic reaction.
Organic Formula
Many parents nowadays prefer organic formulas rather than conventional ones. Despite having the same ingredients and the same amount of energy and nutrition, the only difference is how those ingredients were cultivated or farmed.
Organic baby food is made with the best quality organic ingredients. That means it has no preservatives, no artificial colors, no growth hormones, and pesticide residue. However, just because the packaging says organic does not mean no chemicals are involved. This is why you should read your package labels and do a little background research on the formula that states to be organic.
- Read the Labels
Every manufacturer has the same goal: to sell you their products! Formula manufacturers will try to add new ingredients that have recently been deemed important for the growth and development of your baby. It may become confusing as to what they mean, but here are some common ones:
- Lactose
Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is carbohydrate nutrition found in breast milk. Formulas mimic this to provide the same nutrition to the baby.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are the “good” bacteria that are found in breast milk. Prebiotics creates an environment for good bacteria to survive and grow. A combination of these ensures your baby’s digestive system remains healthy.
According to researchers, probiotics and prebiotics help treat disorders such as eczema in children, colic, or other infectious diseases. However, more evidence is needed to see whether they are helpful in the long term.
- DHA and ARA
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA) are the two essential omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk, fish, and eggs. They are classified as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in early brain and eye development. This also requires more research and substantial evidence to back the claim.
- Forms of Baby Formula
Feeding babies comes with its own set of challenges. Some parents may have it all figured out about the tips and tricks of feeding their newborn, while others may struggle to keep up. Here, the different forms of baby formula play a considerable role. Do you want a formula that is easy on the wallet, or do you prefer convenience over cost as your baby starts crying in a high-pitched tone, hungry? Let’s take a look at the different forms of infant formula:
- Powder Form
The powdered formula comes in cans that can make from 90 to around 200 ounces of prepared formula when measured and mixed with water. It is the most economical choice for those parents who are on a tight budget and also works well on most infants.
- Concentrated
It is a liquid concentrate that is also measured and mixed with water. However, some parents find this formula easier than the powdered ones, but that convenience can be a little pricey.
- Ready-to-feed
There is no hassle of measuring, mixing, or any mess. The name itself is self-explanatory. You can store unopened cans at room temperature, and once opened, you can keep the leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. However, with convenience comes the cost.
- Accessibility
The one thing the pandemic taught us is to always select goods that are convenient and accessible. This is a major factor to consider when buying baby formula. In addition, you can switch formula brands if it seems suitable for you as long as the baby is being fed the same type of formula. If you stick with the same type, you can quickly and safely switch to other inexpensive or famous brands.
- Cost of Baby Formulas
Depending on the brands and forms, baby formulas may be inexpensive. A can of powdered formula will be an inexpensive and economical option. However, if you are looking for convenience, liquid concentrated or ready-to-feed cans are the ones for you though they may be heavy on your pocket.
- Ages and Stages of Baby Formula
When you buy the first infant milk for your baby, you also see a lot of step 1, step 2, step 3 cans of baby formula that suggest you’ll need this as the baby grows. The surprising fact here is that it is not necessary! The starter, newborn, and step 1 formula can be used till 12 months of baby’s age. The manufacturers created these for their marketing purposes, but otherwise, it’s all the same.
- Stick to One Type
Lastly, when you decide on the type of formula that your baby seems well-adjusted to, stick to it even when you change brands or select another form, for instance, from powdered milk to ready-to-feed. Changing formula types will only stress the baby’s digestive system, which may result in fussiness. However, if the change is necessary, allow a minimum of two weeks for the baby to adjust to the new formula. Ask your pediatrician before introducing or changing baby formulas.
Formula Feeding Tips
- Accurate measurement
Many new parents may get confused about how much water or powder is required to prepare formulas. Therefore, to minimize the errors, the universal recipe is to mix one scoop of powdered milk with every two fluid ounces of water.
- Don’t Shake, Stir
Gently stir the mixture instead of shaking it. Shaking the bottle paves the way for more air to seep in, causing the baby to burp more with an upset tummy.
- Mix properly
There are specific instructions suggested on the can on how you can measure and prepare baby formula. When you’ve done that, mix it properly, so there aren’t any lumps formed. Too concentrated or too diluted can harm your baby’s health, so always check the instructions for the correct ratio.
- Prevent bacteria
When fed, make sure you store your formula according to the instruction manual written on the brand. Formulas can be contaminated with bacteria; therefore it is essential to store and discard them properly. In addition, sterilize all the baby feeding items before feeding your baby to avoid the growth of bacteria.
In a Nutshell
There are a lot of options available when it comes to baby formula. For parents who choose not to breastfeed their baby, access to the right type of baby formula is essential; along with convenience and cost. Usually, during the first years, cow’s milk-based formula is typically recommended, and it works perfectly well for most babies.
However, if your baby is allergic, other special ones provide the same nutrition minus the allergens. Or you can straight away try out organic ones – make sure they are organic!
