Choosing baby formula

Soy? Whole milk? Hypoallergenic? Most large supermarkets offer a staggering selection of baby formula. Some baby formulas are fortified with iron; others contain DHA and ARA fatty acids. Some are made from soy or cow's milk; others are for children with lactose intolerance. Some are even low in sodium.

How to choose the right baby formula from this abundance? First, it helps to understand some of the basics of baby formula.

Baby formula: 3 mixtures to choose from

Although breast milk provides newborns with all the nutrients they need, not all mothers can or want to breastfeed. In addition, breastfeeding mothers may find formula supplementation a convenient alternative if they are returning to work or if someone else is breastfeeding.

Commercially prepared baby formula comes in three main forms:

Powders. The cheapest option, they are usually mixed with water - one scoop per 60 ml of water.

Liquid concentrates. More expensive than powders, they are usually diluted with an equal part of water.

Ready-to-use baby formulas. Often the most expensive and convenient ready-made formulas can be poured directly into the bottle.

Formula Facts: What’s in It for Baby?

The three forms of the formula—powders, concentrates, and ready-to-drink—are based on different ingredients:

Milk-Based Baby Formula

Milk-based formulas made with cow's milk, vegetable oils (for fatty calories), vitamins and minerals, and usually fortified with iron are suitable for healthy full-term babies.

Soy based baby formula

Made from soy protein, vegetable oils, corn syrup and/or sucrose (for carbohydrates), and sometimes iron, these formulas are suitable for lactose intolerant children who cannot take formula milk or for those who are allergic to the set. . protein in cow's milk or if you are on a vegetarian diet. Soy-based baby formula is not recommended for premature or low birth weight babys. Be aware that there may be some cross-reactivity between soy-based and milk-based formulas, especially if the child is allergic to milk-based formulas.

Specialized baby formulas

This is a large category that includes a range of products: baby formula for low birth weight babys, low sodium formula for babys who require limited salt, and "predigested" protein formula for babys who cannot tolerate or are allergic to whole cow protein. milk and milk mixtures.

An baby formula enriched with omega fatty acids DHA and ARA from seaweed has also found its way into the crowded baby formula departments. These fatty acids support the development of the child's brain and nervous system, as well as improve vision.

The right formula for your child

With all this choice, how can you determine what is best for your child?

Start by asking your child's pediatrician for recommendations. You can also try a wide range of baby formula, as mothers are often sent home from the hospital with free baby formula or coupons.

Whatever baby formula you choose, be sure to check its expiration date and don't buy damaged jars or bottles.

Follow-up baby formula and alternative formulas

Sometimes you may need to change the formula your child drinks. Reasons for changing formula include a food allergy, a baby's need for more iron, severe irritability, or diarrhea.

These and other symptoms can also be signs of something unrelated to baby formula. In this case, the change may not help or worsen the child's symptoms. That's why you should always talk to your child's doctor before changing formula.

Call your doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:
Dry, red and flaky skin
Diarrhea
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Severe vomiting

How about switching to a later formula when your baby is older? Designed for 4 to 12 month olds, these formulas are higher in calories and nutrients than regular baby formula, but again, this change may not be right for your baby. Talk to your pediatrician before trying them.

Is baby formula safe?

In the winter of 2008, several news stories were published about melamine - a synthetic chemical used to make fertilizers, pesticides and cleaning products - in baby formula. Should we be worried?

Most of the reported health problems have been linked to a few baby formulas made in China. In the United States and Europe, the government does not allow the use of melamine as a food ingredient, so there is no risk in baby formula made in the United States or Europe.

Tips for using formula

Now that you have the basic facts about formula, here are some quick tips for safe and effective formula diets.

Feeding

Give the newborn as much formula as he wants, but do not force him to finish the bottle, which he is no longer interested in. Most newborns eat about two to three ounces every two to three hours.
Read your child's formula instructions to know exactly how much water to add to concentrates and powders. Adding too little water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
Do not increase your budget by diluting formula or breast milk. Not only will the child receive too few nutrients, there is also a small but serious risk of "water poisoning". This excessive water intake can disrupt the baby's electrolyte balance, leading to seizures or brain damage. Food stores, social service agencies, and county health departments may provide formula or supplies to caregivers who cannot afford formula.
Feed your baby a little less formula and slower than you were fed if he has a persistent problem of spitting up. Always keep your baby upright after feeding. You can also try limiting active play time after feeding.
Do not give cow's milk to a child under 1 year of age. The protein in cow's milk based baby formula has been cooked or processed, making it much easier for babies to digest than regular cow's milk.
Give a one-year-old baby cow's milk if he likes it, but only whole, not fat-free and not fat-free. Neither fats nor calories are needed by a growing baby.

Safety

Do not heat the bottle in the microwave. Microwaves heat up unevenly, creating hot spots in liquids that can burn your baby's mouth. You can enjoy the convenience of a microwave oven by heating a cup of water in it and then heating a bottle in that cup for a minute or two. Or warm the bottle to a warm temperature under a hot tap. Check skin temperature before offering it to a child.
Give your baby a cool bottle or a room temperature bottle if they prefer.
Sterilize new bottles and nipples in boiling water for five minutes. The nipples will change color but can still be used. After that, simply wash the bottles, nipples and lids in the dishwasher. Or wash them by hand with a bottle and nipple brush in warm soapy water and rinse very well.
Wash your hands with soap before preparing the bottle.
Always store prepared formula in the refrigerator until you need it. Read the instructions on the formula container to find out how long it can be stored. As a general rule, a prepared bottle of powdered baby formula should be used within 24 hours and a prepared bottle of liquid concentrate or ready-to-use formula within 48 hours.
Buy generic baby formulas if they are more affordable to you.