Infant Formulas

In the past, choosing an infant formula is never a complex thing. Parents simply have to choose between regular cow’s milk, soy, and elemental formulas. But over the years, science has come up with more additions to these three basic types of infant formulas. And choosing the right one has evolved from being a simple matter to a daunting task.

Even though the importance of breastfeeding has been established, mothers who are cannot or prefer not to breastfeed should not feel bad. Some nursing mothers may need to use infant formulas at some point while breastfeeding as a supplement of their breast milk. But selecting from among the various infant formulas in the market does not mean simply buying the first one you see on the shelf.

Infant formulas are available in ready-to-feed, liquid concentrate, and powder forms. The ready-to-use infant formula is the most convenient and the most expensive as well. You don’t need to mix or measure, you simply open and serve it to your baby as it is. This type is especially recommended in situations where you do not have the means to get safe water. Babies who have low birth weights are best fed with the ready-to-feed formula which are known to be sterile. However, the convenience that comes with this type of formula may be worth more than what most mothers can afford as this form costs 25% more per ounce than the powdered form. If you intend to use the ready-to-feed form, make sure that you have a large storage space, and that you are ready to recycle cans and bottles. Otherwise the landfill will require more space to house your empties. This type of infant formula also has a shorter life span compared to the other forms. Once opened, it has to be used not later than 48 hours.

The liquid concentrate infant formulas necessitates mixing of equal parts of the formula and water. This type is less expensive and are less bulky to store than the ready-to-feed ones. However, it is also more expensive than the powdered form but less complicated to prepare.

The powdered form is the most practical choice and the friendliest to the environment. It requires the least space in your storage and trash can. Among the infant formulas in the market, this form requires the longest preparation time but has the longest shelf life when opened. Also, you can prepare just the amount that you need, which is most beneficial to nursing mom who only need supplemental bottle feeding occasionally.

Choosing an infant formula may also require you to understand the various types: cow’s milk based, soy-based, and lactose-free formulas. Most infant formulas available nowadays has cow’s milk as the major component. The protein is modified to make it easily-digestible by babies who normally are able to digest regular cow’s milk after they’re 12 months old.

Doctors sometimes recommend soy-based formulas for babies who have a hard time digesting cow’s milk. These formulas are made from a plant protein, much like that in cow’s milk but are more easily digestible. Lactose-intolerant babies or those who cannot digest the natural sugar in milk are mostly advised to take the lactose-free type of infant formula.

But that is not all there is to choosing infant or baby formula. In fact, there have been some stir caused by the existence of organic baby formula. The benefits of such formula are basically straightforward. Since these are made from organic ingredients that are certified, it follows that the dairy-based formulas contain milk from cows that are free from pesticides or growth hormones. The major hitch is its price. But if you can afford to be extravagant, then why compromise your baby’s health?