Baby Formula
Medical experts say breast milk is still the best type of food for infants. However, some women choose not tobreastfeed. Doctors may also recommend formula feeding for women with certain diseases (such as HIV or hepatitis B), those taking certain medications or women undergoing active treatment for cancer.Some women prefer bottle-feeding because a spouse or other caretaker can share the task of feeding. Thatalso gives other family members some time to bond with the baby. Women who bottle-feed know exactly how muchbaby food the baby is getting. Feeding schedules may also be a little more flexible. While bottle-feeding can be donejust about anywhere, some women are reluctant to breastfeed in certain places (such as public areas).
There are three main types of formulas. The most commonly used type is cow’s-milk-based formula (accountingfor about 80 percent of all infant formulas sold in the U.S.). This formula is made from cow’s milk that hasbeen altered for safer digestion. In addition, manufacturers add more milk sugar and replace some of the fatwith vegetable oils and, sometimes, other animal fats. Soy formulas are made from a soy protein (rather thancow’s milk protein) and contain glucose polymers or sucrose. Soy formulas are usually recommended when infantsare unable to digest or have an allergy to cow’s milk. Specialized formulas are made for infants with specialnutritional needs, check out our child nutrition guide. They are not meant for general use and should only be used under a physician’s recommendation.
Formulas are also available in different forms. They’re all nutritionally equal, so the choice is a matterof personal preference. Ready-to-use formulas can be poured from the can to the bottle. They are the mostconvenient form and also the most expensive. Formula concentrates are products that are designed to bediluted. Generally they are made by adding equal amounts of concentrate and sterilized water. Once prepared,formulas made from concentrates can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Powdered formulas are theleast expensive, but take the most preparation time. Generally, one scoop of powder is used for every one or twoounces of water (Check the manufacturers intructions carefully). It must be mixed thoroughly to completelydissolve the powder. Many women find this form offormula to be very convenient. The powder can be premeasured in a bottle and mixed with water just beforefeeding. During travel times, the dry powder is lighter than prepared formula and will stay fresh in a bottlefor several days.
Infant formulas are manufactured under strict FDA standards, so there should be no nutritional differencebetween one brand and the next. A year’s worth of a brand name formula can cost $1,200 or more. If cost isa consideration, look for store brands, which are nutritionally equivalent to national name-brands. No matterthe brand, look for an iron-fortified formula, unless your doctor has advised against its use. When preparingthe formula, use clean utensils and follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly. If you think your baby may behaving problems with a formula (i.e., stomach upsets, diarrhea, or prolonged crying or fussiness), talk to yourdoctor before switching formulas.
For general information on infant nutrition:American Academy of Pediatrics, public website
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