The New Parent's Guide to Baby Formula
- By Elizabeth Lynette Perkins
- Published 10/19/2011
- Parenting
- Unrated
Many parents choose to bottle-feed their babies due to nursing difficulties, lack of time, and other challenges. The problem is, there are many types of formulas on the market. Some are ready to serve out of the package; others come in powdered form and must be prepared before serving. Some are soy-based; others are based on cow's milk. These options, and many others, make choosing the right formulation for your newborn a daunting task.
If you're a new mom or dad, and are confused about which formula to buy, this article will prove valuable. We'll cover the most common varieties (e.g. ready-to-serve, powdered, etc.) as well as different types you'll find on grocery store shelves. You'll also learn about the ingredients contained within most formulations, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your baby's nourishment.
Most Common Varieties
Baby formulas come ready to serve, powdered, or in liquid concentrate form. As mentioned earlier, a ready-to-serve formula can be given to your baby right out of the package. There's no need to mix it with water. For this reason, it is the most convenient option and is preferred by many parents. There are a couple of drawbacks, however.
First, once you open the package, the product expires within forty-eight hours. Thus, it needs to be given to your infant quickly. Second, ready-to-serve formula is more expensive than other varieties. Expect to pay a 20 percent premium.
Powdered formulas are popular due to their low cost; they are the least expensive of the three options. Also, they can be stored for several weeks and require less space. The drawback is that they must be mixed with water prior to being given to your infant. They require time.
Liquid concentrate formulas are a cross between the two other options. They must be mixed like a powdered product, but come in liquid form like a ready-to-serve product. The price of liquid concentrate lies between the prices for the other two options.
Types Of Baby Fo
rmula
There are several types of formula available, and each type is designed to accommodate your baby's unique needs. Most are based on cow's milk since babies typically have little trouble digesting it as long as the protein has been modified. Some babies, however, are unable to tolerate cow's milk. For them, a soy-based formula may be more suitable. The protein comes from plants, but must also be modified for easier digestion. Your infant's pediatrician may also suggest a lactose-free alternative.
Less-common formulas include those given to premature babies and those with special needs. The former provides extra protein as well as a special type of fat for easier digestion and absorption. The latter are usually given to nursing babies who need extra nutrition.
Ask your infant's pediatrician to suggest an appropriate formula that will accommodate your baby's nutritional requirements. He or she can make recommendations based on your infant's health, intolerances, and other attributes.
Ingredients Contained Within Formula
Nearly all baby formulas include the same set of ingredients, though they come in varying forms and amounts. For example, they will all provide protein. Products based on cow's milk will contain whey and casein proteins; those based on soy will offer soy protein isolate.
Fats and carbohydrates are also present. Formulas try to mirror the fat content available in breast milk by including a number of oils (e.g. coconut, palm, soy, etc.). They also try to mirror the lactose content in breast milk since it is the primary source of carbohydrates. Cow's milk contains lactose, so there is no need for additional sources of carbs. If your infant is lactose-intolerant, however, soy, corn syrup, and sucrose can be used.
Lastly, all formulas contain certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for your baby's health. These include vitamins B and C, and iron. Some products will also provide amino acids, soy fiber, and nucleotides.
Check with your baby's pediatrician, and ask for specific recommendations. That's the most effective way to select a formula that meets the nourishment needs of your little one.
If you're a new mom or dad, and are confused about which formula to buy, this article will prove valuable. We'll cover the most common varieties (e.g. ready-to-serve, powdered, etc.) as well as different types you'll find on grocery store shelves. You'll also learn about the ingredients contained within most formulations, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your baby's nourishment.
Most Common Varieties
Baby formulas come ready to serve, powdered, or in liquid concentrate form. As mentioned earlier, a ready-to-serve formula can be given to your baby right out of the package. There's no need to mix it with water. For this reason, it is the most convenient option and is preferred by many parents. There are a couple of drawbacks, however.
First, once you open the package, the product expires within forty-eight hours. Thus, it needs to be given to your infant quickly. Second, ready-to-serve formula is more expensive than other varieties. Expect to pay a 20 percent premium.
Powdered formulas are popular due to their low cost; they are the least expensive of the three options. Also, they can be stored for several weeks and require less space. The drawback is that they must be mixed with water prior to being given to your infant. They require time.
Liquid concentrate formulas are a cross between the two other options. They must be mixed like a powdered product, but come in liquid form like a ready-to-serve product. The price of liquid concentrate lies between the prices for the other two options.
Types Of Baby Fo
There are several types of formula available, and each type is designed to accommodate your baby's unique needs. Most are based on cow's milk since babies typically have little trouble digesting it as long as the protein has been modified. Some babies, however, are unable to tolerate cow's milk. For them, a soy-based formula may be more suitable. The protein comes from plants, but must also be modified for easier digestion. Your infant's pediatrician may also suggest a lactose-free alternative.
Less-common formulas include those given to premature babies and those with special needs. The former provides extra protein as well as a special type of fat for easier digestion and absorption. The latter are usually given to nursing babies who need extra nutrition.
Ask your infant's pediatrician to suggest an appropriate formula that will accommodate your baby's nutritional requirements. He or she can make recommendations based on your infant's health, intolerances, and other attributes.
Ingredients Contained Within Formula
Nearly all baby formulas include the same set of ingredients, though they come in varying forms and amounts. For example, they will all provide protein. Products based on cow's milk will contain whey and casein proteins; those based on soy will offer soy protein isolate.
Fats and carbohydrates are also present. Formulas try to mirror the fat content available in breast milk by including a number of oils (e.g. coconut, palm, soy, etc.). They also try to mirror the lactose content in breast milk since it is the primary source of carbohydrates. Cow's milk contains lactose, so there is no need for additional sources of carbs. If your infant is lactose-intolerant, however, soy, corn syrup, and sucrose can be used.
Lastly, all formulas contain certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for your baby's health. These include vitamins B and C, and iron. Some products will also provide amino acids, soy fiber, and nucleotides.
Check with your baby's pediatrician, and ask for specific recommendations. That's the most effective way to select a formula that meets the nourishment needs of your little one.
Elizabeth Lynette Perkins
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