Women's Health

Maternity

Bottle Feeding - Choosing a Formula

Going through your grocery store you will see many types of formula, each claiming to give your baby the best start. With so many choices, how do you choose? The choice of formula depends on many factors, including family history of allergies, circumstances at birth, and the feeding needs of your infant. Following is a basic "primer" of formulas, but be sure to follow your baby's doctor's advice when trying and choosing a formula.

Types of Formula

Concentrated Liquid - This comes in a can and needs to be mixed with water before serving. Follow the directions on the can. Label the can with the time and date opened, and use within 48 hours. Cans should be covered and stored in the refrigerator.

Powder - This is the least expensive type of formula, and also needs to be mixed with water before serving. Powdered formula can be used for up to three weeks after the can is opened. It should be covered and stored in a cool, dry place - not in the refrigerator.

Ready-to-Feed - This is the most expensive - and most convenient - type of formula. It is premixed, and just needs to be poured into baby bottles before serving. Again, you will need to label the can with the time and date opened and use within 48 hours, and store in the refrigerator.

Milk-Based - Although you should never give an infant under one year of age straight cow's milk, cow's milk is the standard base for infant formula. This type of formula is fine for most babies, providing them with similar (but not identical) nutrients found in breastmilk.

Soy-Based - Some babies are found to be lactose intolerant (allergic to lactose - a sugar found in cow's milk) and do better on formula made from a soybean base.

Iron-Fortified - Both milk- and soy-based formulas are also available fortified with iron, a nutrient found in greater quantities in breastmilk.

Hypoallergenic Formula - a newcomer to the formula market, hypoallergenic formulas are designed for babies found to be prone to allergies. Your baby's doctor will let you know if this is the best formula for your baby.

Follow-up Formula - Follow-up formulas are designed to meet the growing appetite of babies four to twelve months old who are already eating some solids (cereal, fruit, etc.). These formulas also contain more calcium, iron, protein and calories than do infant formulas.

So Which One Is Right For My Baby?

In the hospital, you will probably give your baby a milk-based formula. In the days to come, you and your baby's doctor will see how the baby responds, and your baby's doctor will make recommendations accordingly. If your baby is not responding well to a formula - is fussy or experiences gas or colic - you may want to try different brands, but consult with your baby's doctor before changing types of formula.