Formula Feeding Guidelines

Formula feeding can be a very good supplement for breast milk. What you need to pay attention to is choosing the correct formula for your baby; one that supplies all the nutrients to the baby and is also suited to his body. There are a variety of choices and while standing in the supermarket, you surely can’t evaluate all of them. So, following are some of the things that you need to know about the formulas.

Forms of formula

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There are three forms of formula: ready-to-use, liquid concentrate formula and powdered formula. You should prioritize the powdered form because it contains less amount of a chemical known as bispenol A (BPA), which can be harmful for the baby sometimes.

• Ready-to-use form: It is the most convenient of all the formulas – no need of mixing or measuring, just open the can, pour it in a bowl and your baby is ready to eat. If your baby had low birth weight or is immunity-compromised, this form is very good because it is sterile. However, it costs a bit more than the powdered form. Also, it comes with a short life span. So once you open the dark-colored-substance’s big can, you baby needs to finish it within its lifespan (usually 48 hours).
• Liquid concentrate form: It requires the mixing and measuring abilities you have, so be very careful to read the instructions on the pack. Also, it is less expensive and requires less storage space than the ready-to-eat form. But, though it is easy to make than the powdered form, it is more expensive than that.
• Powdered form, such as Similac Advance Early Shield Infant Formula – 23.2 oz. is the least expensive and the most eco-friendly form. You can mix as little (or as much) amount whenever you want. Also, it has a shelf-life of almost a month and occupies the least of the storage space.

Types of formula

Following is the list of the types of formulas that are available:

• Cow’s-milk-based: Most formulas contain cow’s milk. But the complex protein present in it is altered during the production so that your baby is able to digest it (normal cow’s milk contains protein that isn’t digestible by your baby until after a year or so).
• Soy-based: if you are a vegan, this is the way to go.
• Lactose-free formula: if your baby is lactose intolerant, you should go for this type, for example Similac Sensitive Powdered Milk Formula – 23.2 oz. is probably best buy in this cathegory. The lactose in milk is replaced by a substitute like corn syrup.
• Other types: extensively hydrolyzed formula (protein is further broken down), formulas for premature and low-birth-weight babies, human milk fortifier (fed alternately with breast milk) and metabolic formulas (for your baby’s special needs).

You should always talk to your baby’s doctor before introducing or changing the formula. This helps your baby in adjusting better.

Related posts:

1. Comparing Breast Milk and Formula for Feeding Infants
2. Proper Feeding and Nutrition During an Infant’s First Week of Life
3. Things you need to keep in mind while bottle-feeding your baby
4. Tips for Feeding a Sick Infant
5. Introducing Solid Food
6. Feeding an Infant to Sleep Through the Night
7. Babies and Gagging
8. Effective Way of Breastfeeding Infants
9. What to Include in your Diet while Breastfeeding
10. What to Feed Babies?