Consider your child’s specific needs and health conditions when selecting the formula you will use for her or him. Some infants require special formulations such as preemie or hypoallergenic formulas.
Cow’s milk-based formulas are among the most frequently selected options, consisting of milk proteins, vegetable oil and lactose as carb sources. Furthermore, extensively hydrolyzed formulas–also referred to as protein hydrolysate formulas–offer an alternative that breaks down more thoroughly to help babies with allergies or intolerances.
Cost
Formula pricing varies greatly between parents. In general, expect to spend around $1,200-$2,000 if using exclusively formula for their baby’s first year; hydrolyzed protein formula may cost even more.
New parents can find many discounts and coupons from brands during the first months of their baby’s life, from online coupon clubs and apps, bulk size e-commerce websites, as well as local parent groups offering used or sample formula.
Before making a final decision on a formula option and cost, new parents should carefully evaluate all available formula options and costs as well as its convenience. Powdered formula tends to be cheaper but more difficult to prepare while concentrated liquid formula offers ready-to-use solutions; in some instances it may even be beneficial to alternate between powder and liquid for greater convenience.
Though no formula can completely emulate breast milk, there are still excellent choices that come close. Choose one that meets the nutritional needs and any restrictions related to dietary or allergy restrictions of your child and speak to their pediatrician to get their advice on the matter.
The ideal baby formulas contain an assortment of essential nutrients, such as DHA (found in breast milk in various amounts), ARA, carbohydrates and fats. If possible, find one with similar structures and composition as human breast milk, while making sure it includes protein sources needed by your infant.
Some babies have an allergy to cow’s milk protein and require hypoallergenic formula, which uses partially or fully hydrolyzed proteins instead. Others may need non-dairy products with reduced acidity for easier stomach handling.
Some parents prefer plant-based organic formulas because they consider them more natural for their babies’ wellbeing, however some infants have difficulty digesting soy-based formulas due to protein absorption issues; several studies have also confirmed this possibility and shown colic, gas, or digestive issues caused by soy formulas in some infants.
Quality
When selecting a baby formula, take into account both quality and cost when making your selection. Your pediatrician may provide more insight into different options and their ingredients than you can on your own; additionally, consider the cost to ensure it fits within your family budget as well as choosing an FDA-approved brand with established market presence.
Similac Alimentum is often recommended as an excellent solution for babies who have cow’s milk allergies, as both its powdered and concentrated liquid forms contain non-GMO dairy ingredients and feature 2’FL human milk oligosaccharide which may help mitigate allergic reactions; additionally, it’s free from corn syrup solids and palm olein oil which could promote constipation; although more expensive, many parents find the investment worth their while in terms of overall infant wellbeing.
If cost is a concern, try purchasing your formula from retailers offering discounts or coupons, or subscribe to Enfamil to save money and reduce waste. When purchasing formula from these sources, store it correctly, follow manufacturer’s instructions when preparing and never water down as this could compromise safety and nutrition.
Parents often feel overwhelmed by all the formula options available to them; it is important to keep in mind that no single formula is best suited to every baby. Some have experienced success with one formula over others due to individual gastrointestinal issues or preferences for taste and consistency.
Name-brand U.S. formulas are typically FDA-approved and have been on the market for some time, giving you peace of mind that they meet high nutritional standards. Some parents find generic alternatives are just as good and often more cost effective – if this is something you consider when purchasing formula for your child, always read labels carefully to identify any expiration dates as this can increase risks associated with Clostridium sporum bacteria growth.
Safety
Baby formula options on the market provide infants with essential nutrients while simulating breast milk, offering infants essential nutrition and mimicking it closely. There are a range of formulas, from cow’s milk-based and soy-based formulas, hypoallergenic options, as well as hypoallergenic ones tailored for those with allergies, intolerances or medical conditions requiring specific formula types. Large supermarkets often stock an extensive selection of options containing iron fortified formulas as well as omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and ARA; many formulas also boast reduced sodium content.
Cow’s milk formula remains one of the most widely-used baby formulas. Unfortunately, some parents have filed lawsuits alleging that specific brands of such formula caused necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an intestinal inflammation characterized by tissue death and blood infections – often fatal if untreated in premature babies.
Other baby formulas may contain goat’s milk, soy or both as ingredients. There are also hypoallergenic versions made up of individual amino acid-based proteins without dairy or soy components; and some moms choose to combine formula feeds with breast milk, which can reduce how much formula a child requires to meet his or her nutritional needs.
No formula can match breast milk’s nutrition perfectly, but thanks to advances in science and nutrition baby formulas can now meet most infant nutritional requirements.
Key features to look out for in a quality baby formula include protein size and type, carb type and source. Cow’s milk-based formula may contain large proteins which are difficult for babies to digest, leading to gas and rashes. Formulas containing partially or fully hydrolyzed proteins make digesting them much simpler – these hypoallergenic options may be an ideal choice for those with milk protein intolerances or allergies.
A quality baby formula should include prebiotics and probiotics – beneficial bacteria that aid digestion – along with being free of lactose that could potentially pose issues to those suffering from digestive issues.
Convenience
Due to supply chain issues surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and safety recalls from major formula companies, many popular baby formulas are currently out-of-stock. While this can be frustrating for new parents, it is important to remember that FDA regulates all infant formulas, providing safe options such as cow’s milk, soy or specialty options – the ideal selection will provide both safety and adequate nutrition – making for an easy experience when feeding baby! A good quality formula should also be easy for use and storage purposes.
If you’re shopping for formula, consult with your pediatrician first. They can make suggestions based on the specific needs of your child such as dietary or allergy restrictions as well as help select brands within your budget.
Keep the type of protein in mind when selecting formula. Standard cow’s milk and soy-based formulas contain large proteins that may be hard for some babies to digest; partially or fully hydrolyzed protein could prove more suitable as an easier option for digestion.
Other key considerations when it comes to formula selection include carbohydrate and prebiotic content. While most formulas contain lactose (milk sugar), some contain other types of carbohydrates such as sucrose or glucose syrup. Some also include prebiotics which provide nondigestible parts of plant cells which feed healthy bacteria within your baby’s digestive tract.
Price is another important consideration. While some formulas may cost more, higher price tags do not guarantee better quality products. When purchasing formula for your baby, always read its label to make sure that it does not contain artificial flavors and colors, growth hormones or preservatives that could adversely impact health and development.
Parents looking for cost-conscious formula options during this shortage have several budget-conscious solutions at their disposal. Amazon private label brand Mama Bear provides an economical option that boasts high levels of DHA and AA with no artificial growth hormones or GMO ingredients; customer reviews tend to be positive with parents noting its soothing stomach soothing qualities and great taste.