A Quick Guide to Baby Feeding Formula

By Rika Subana

infant feeding formula

It is unbeatable that breastfeeding is the best for your baby. But there is a time when you can not breastfeed your baby, and then baby feeding formula is the alternative way. Choosing the formula is not an easy task for new mother. Actually, learning how to choose it is relatively simple.

Baby feeding formula comes in three forms. They are readymade, concentrate and powder formula. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Ready made formula is the easiest to use. You can use it straight from the container. The formula is also the most expensive of your various options. Like the others, it can be fed warm or cool, whichever your baby prefers. Concentrate formula is cheaper than ready made, but you must add boiled water. Both ready made and concentrate need to be stored in the fridge. Powder formula is the cheapest and most used form of baby feeding formula. It is also the easiest to store. It’s important to measure carefully when preparing either powdered or concentrated products. The ratio of formula to water is critical for nutrition and proper digestion. As well, formula should always be prepared using sterile utensils.

Just to make sure you’re covered for emergencies, or when something happens that you don’t have any powder formula, keep a couple of cans of either concentrate or ready made formula to use on hand. That way, you can satisfy the baby as quickly as possible while eliminating some of the stress of trying to keep up with their appetite. Be sure to use these extra cans before their expiry dates.

In addition to these basic baby feeding formula types, you can also find lactose free formula, formula supplemented with DHA and ARA, and formula for preemies. Soy based formula is now becoming more popular. Because it’s produced from soy protein, it’s completely lactose free. However, don’t buy regular soy milk because it’s not meant for babies; make sure it’s soy formula. There has been some controversy as to whether soy protein can cause long term health implications to babies who are fed soy-based formula. But if you have any doubts then stick with baby feeding formula that is made from cow’s milk.

Another alternative of baby feeding formula is goat’s milk. It does only contain around 10% of the folic acid that is found in cow’s milk. So, if you are planning to use goat’s milk, find a brand that has been fortified with folic acid. On the plus side, goat’s milk formula does contain far higher levels of copper and antioxidant selenium. Some also believe that babies have a lactose intolerance will do better by switching from cow’s to goat’s milk.

Avoid encouraging your infant to take in baby feeding formula more than she wants. If she hasn’t drunk the full amount at the time you think she should, just wait and try again later. Babies go by their internal clock, not the one on the wall. Choosing the right brand of baby feeding formula is a personal choice. However, different brands will contain different levels of sugar and protein. Baby feeding formula is usually fortified with iron and Vitamin D and contains lactose.

You may want to check out my other guide on Stroller, Baby Wrap Carrier and Baby r com!