What Formula Should I Buy For My Newborn

The Formula Container I Have Is Dented Damaged And/or Expired Should I Still Use It

No. Do not use any formula that appears dented, damaged, and/or expired, as it may contain harmful bacteria that could cause serious illness for your baby. Furthermore, after its expiration date, nutrients in formula start degrading and bacteria and mold can start growing, which can be dangerous to infants.

How Much Formula For A Newborn

For the first few days, offer your newborn 1 to 2 ounces of formula every 2 or 3 hours.

After the first few days, give your newborn 2 to 3 ounces of formula every 3 to 4 hours.

Initially it’s best to feed your formula-fed newborn on demand, whenever they show signs that they’re hungry. Because your little one can’t tell you when they want a bottle, you’ll need to learn to read their hunger cues. Crying is often a late sign of hunger, so if you can, try to catch the earlier signs that it’s time for a feeding.

Here are some hunger cues to watch for:

• Smacking or licking their lips
• Putting their hands to their mouth
• Opening their mouth

From 8 months old until their first birthday, you can expect your baby to have 7 to 8 ounces per bottle, 3 to 4 times a day.

As your baby gets older and their tummy gets bigger they’ll drink fewer bottles a day with more formula in each. It’s important not to overfeed your baby so they’ll stay at a healthy weight. Your baby shouldn’t have more than 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours.

When they reach their first birthday, they can stop drinking formula and transition to cow’s milk in a bottle, sippy cup, straw cup, or open cup. Limit your toddler to 16 to 24 ounces a day of whole milk, so they have room for other healthy foods.

What To Look For In An Infant Formula

All infant formulas marketed in the U.S. must meet strict nutrition guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration , so while every formula is unique, you can rest easy knowing all the choices on the shelf are regulated. I always describe the different formulas kind of like Coke and Pepsi: They’re pretty much the same, but a little different, says Dr. Feeley.

Dr. Abelowitz agrees. We always tell parents that, same as different Tylenols and Motrins and brands, when you have dozens, or these days, maybe even hundreds of different types of options, there almost isn’t one that’s superior to the other, he says.

In addition to all the ingredients the FDA requires in a baby formula, several formulas on the market also contain a few extra ingredients that may help your infant grow and develop, like DHA and ARA .

You may also find that some formulas include prebiotics or probiotics, which are designed to support immune health. While these generally dont have much evidence to support their use, theyre also not thought to hurt, Dr. Feeley says. This is part of formulas trying to mimic human milk as much as possible, she explains.

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Gerber Good Start Soy Powder Infant Formula

Price: $

Key features: Gerber claims that their soy formula can help ease the fussiness and gas babies experience with cow milk allergies. The formula includes soy protein, vitamin D, DHA, and added calcium to support growth and development.

Considerations: Soy may not be the magic answer for all babies, particularly as many babies with cows milk allergies also have soy allergies. Plant-based proteins are not necessarily easier for babies to digest. Some parents share that this formula made gas and colic issues worse with their little ones. Others say the powder is lumpy and difficult to mix.

Can A Baby Eat Too Much Formula

Healthy babies, when allowed to drink to their appetites without any prodding by parents, will grow at the rate that’s normal for them. If your little one’s weight is increasing at a steady clip and following a familiar curve, there’s no need to worry that she’s overeating. But if your baby’s bottle becomes the liquid equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet, there’s a chance she can easily get too much.

Here are signs to look for that may indicate your baby is taking in more formula than she needs:

• Frequent spit-ups. Overfeeding can lead to overflow in the form of excessive spit-up. Put too much in her little tummy, and it’s bound to come back up.
• Excessive weight gain. If your baby’s weight seems to be consistently moving upward faster than her height, check with the doctor. She may be picking up too many pounds too quickly because she’s taking in too much formula.

If your pediatrician tells you that your baby seems to be overeating, there are a few things you can do to slow down her formula intake :

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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What’s Causing The Formula Shortage

Across the country, parents have been reporting formula shortages in their local store, whether it’s for Gerber, Enfamil, Similac, or other brands. The issue largely stems from the closure of Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan, which normally provides a large portion of the country’s baby formula.

Other problems are contributing to the shortage as well, including labor shortages and supply chain issues. The Wall Street Journal points out that stores might also have trouble determining how much formula to stock, due to the large amount of relocations that took place during the pandemic.

What’s more, formula shortages have led parents to stockpile, which creates even less inventory in stores and online. It’s hard to blame parents for this behavior though many babies rely solely on formula during their first several months of life, and some babies need specific brands to deal with allergies and digestive issues.

Since Changing My Babys Formula My Baby Has Had Gas Colic Spit Up Reflux And/or Changes In Pooping Should I Stop The Formula

When adjusting formula brands or types, there can be natural adjustments that occur in babys digestive system. It can take a few days to a couple of weeks for babys digestive system to become accustomed to a new formula. If in doubt, talk to your child’s healthcare provider or pediatric dietitian for further guidance. Our page on When to Worry About Babys Poop is a helpful resource for further information on babys pooping patterns.

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What About Bobbie And Byheart

In the past two years, two new formulas that arent made by the manufacturers behind the big three formula companies have appeared: Bobbie, which launched in 2021, and , introduced in 2022.

Bobbie, manufactured by Perrigo, fashions itself as a European-style formula. Lactose is the sole carbohydrate, and the formula has added whey . Bobbies blend of oils contains coconut, soy, and sunflower or safflower oils it has no palm oil. Bobbie contains more DHA than any other formula available in the US, aligning with European standards, according to a Bobbie spokesperson. This formula lacks some added ingredients that many other US formulas have, but they are ingredients that many European formulas leave out .

In other words, Bobbie is designed to mimic European formulas while still meeting FDA requirements. Similar to many European formulas, it uses organic milk from pasture-raised cows. Also similar to European formulas, Bobbie has a shorter ingredients list because it omits those certain extra minerals and nutrients found in most US formulas.

In July 2022, Bobbie started selling its formula at Target as well as by subscription.

Types And Forms Of Baby Formula

Although baby formula is patterned after breast milk to provide baby with equivalent essential vitamins and nutrients, Dr. Casares notes that not all formulas are alike. While the foundations are usually roughly the same, there are a handful of different types of baby formula to choose from:

You may also see goats milk-based formula on the market, but beware: Those we actually don’t recommend because raw goat’s milk can make babies anemic and cause some major electrolyte issues, says Dr. Feeley.

When shopping for baby formula, you’ll also notice that it’s sold in a few different forms:

• Powdered formula, which you measure and mix yourself and tends to be the most affordable.
• Liquid concentrate formulas, which require you to just add water and shake.
• Ready-to-feed formulas, which are the most convenient option, but also usually the most expensive.

No one form is better than the other whether you prefer the ease of ready-to-feed formula or the lower price point of powdered formula, the type thats best for you depends on your budget, how much formula you go through and where you plan to use it, says the AAP.

Its important to remember that homemade baby formula is never safe, though. Medical experts agree that commercially manufactured baby formula is carefully created to meet your babys nutritional needs and cant be safely replicated at home. We strongly advise against because when you make it, it’s not regulated, notes Dr. Feeley.

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Choosing Whats Right For You

While selecting a baby formula may feel like a super-weighty decision, the reality is that every formula has the key ingredients your child needs to thrive. Getting your pediatricians advice on whats best for your baby and having your little one weigh in on the taste can help guide you towards making the right decision for your baby and your budget.

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more abouthow we write Babylist contentand theBabylist Health Advisory Board.

Can I Switch Formula Brands

Yes.

What we want people to do if at all possible is to be as flexible as possible and make formula switches, Abrams said.

It may take your baby a few days to get used to a new formula brand, but in most cases, switching is fine, Altmann said. You can find good formula choices for your baby here.

It gets more complicated, however, in cases where a child may be on a certain formula because of an allergy or sensitivity.

If your child has an allergy or sensitivity and has had previous reactions to formulas, please consult with your pediatrician before switching off because not all formulas are the same, Altmann said. But in most cases, there are other options available we can help direct you to.

The FDA is allowing Abbott Nutrition to release product on a case-by-case basis to some families in urgent need of specialty and metabolic formulas, according to the agency.

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Understanding Baby Formula Labels

There is a dizzyingly long list of potential ingredients in formula, and understanding the label isnt easy. Many of the ingredients that fulfill the FDA-required vitamins and minerals have complex names . And a formula might proclaim it contains DHA on the front, but to find it on the ingredients list, youd need to know that DHA comes from Crypthecodinium cohnii oil. Here, weve listed the FDA-required ingredients youll find in all US formulas.

Tips For Using Baby Formula

Now that you have the basic formula facts, here are some quick tips for safe and effective feeding with formula.

Feeding

Safety

Talk to your pediatrician if you’re unsure which formula to use.

Show Sources

Spock, B. and Rothenberg, M. Dr. Spockâs Baby and Child Care, 6th Edition, Simon & Schuster, 1992.

American Academy of Family Physicians: âInfant Formula.â

American Academy of Pediatrics: âWater Intoxication In The News,â âChoosing a Formula,â âProbiotics in Formulas,â âHow To Safely Prepare Formula With Water.â

Cleveland Clinic: âBottle Feeding a Newborn Baby.â

Food and Drug Administration: âFeeding Your Baby with Breast Milk or Formula.â

MedicineNet: âInfant Formulas.â

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Earths Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula

Price: $$

Key features: Earths Bests Sensitivity blend is made with 95% less lactose than standard formulas. This means it may be more easily digested by babies who are sensitive to lactose . Its dairy ingredients are organic, coming from grass-fed cows, and the formula also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lutein, and prebiotics to support your babys immune system.

Additionally, this formula uses water-extracted DHA .

Considerations: Some parents explain that they like the formula, but that it can be inconsistent from batch to batch . Others like that this formula tastes like milk, but a few note that theyre unhappy with the high corn syrup solids content. Its worth noting, though, that corn syrup solids, also sometimes called maltodextrin, is a common ingredient in most infant formulas.

What Do I Do If I Run Out Of My Babys Infant Formula

These are exceptionally stressful times. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can try:

• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider and/or pediatric dietitian for individualized guidance.

• See if your formula type can be switched to a more available brand or version, such as generic brands, a different formula class, or powder or ready-to-feed formulas.

• Ask friends or family if they have formula they can spare.

• Reach out to formula companies, look at their websites and use the store locator function, call the company and see if they have additional formula or other resources.

• Contact your local milk bank to see if donated breast milk is available for purchase.

• Try shopping at small shops and drug stores in case they have more formula in stock.

• If available to you, consider buying formula online from a reputable retailer.

• See our table above for a Summary of How to Navigate Infant Formula Shortage By Age and our table below on Infant Formulas by Class and Brand.

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Best Baby Formula For Reflux

Is spit-up becoming more than just a laundry issue in your house? Formula-fed babies actually have higher rates of reflux than breastfed babies. These issues tend to peak around the 4-month mark.

There are formulas on the market that are thickened by rice. They may help decrease the frequency of spit-ups but should be used with the guidance of your pediatrician, as its not always recommended.

How Much Formula Should You Feed An Infant

Babies grow fast, so their feeding needs change quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following general guidelines for the first year:

First days: If your baby is exclusively formula feeding, offer them 1 to 2 fl oz of formula every two to three hours, or about eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Hunger cues like crying may also indicate your little one is ready for their next meal.

Through the first five months: As your babys belly grows, so will the time between feedings since theyll be able to consume more at each feeding. By five months, babies eat about 6 to 7 fl oz once every three to four hours. You may have to gently wake your baby to feed.

Months six through twelve: Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger, which may be about five or six times in 24 hours. The need for formula will decrease as you begin introducing solid foods into their diet.

All babies are different and have unique needs. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider to discuss your babys feeding pattern.

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What Should I Feed My Baby If I Cant Find Baby Formula In Stores

Ive noticed that my supermarket is running out of baby formula, and Ive heard that there is a nationwide shortage. My baby is too young to start solids. What should I do if I cant find formula? Stella

There is indeed a national shortage of baby formula in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic created supply chain and staffing issues, and a recent recall of baby formula due to contaminated products from a key factory added to the problem.

Here are some tips on how to deal with the baby formula shortage:

If you run out of formula and cant find any, in a pinch you can give oral rehydration solution for a couple of days. Babies older than 4 to 6 months can also get puréed foods. And remember that babies older than 1 year do not need to drink formula at all most of their foods can be eaten as solids and they can drink milk or water.

More information is available online at:

How To Switch Formulas

If you are switching formulas, I always recommend going slowly. Over a few days, slowly decrease the amount of old formula in each bottle as you increase the amount of new formula.

This is especially important if the new formula has a larger protein or more lactose. Your baby will have to make more digestive enzymes to digest bigger proteins and more lactose.

Dont worry your baby is a rock star they can totally do that. But giving them a few days to ramp up these enzymes will help the transition go more smoothly.

Most importantly, love your baby and yourself. All babies have gas. All babies fuss. Is your baby loved, fed, and cared for? Then you are doing an amazing job. Be kind to yourself. Trust your intuition and parent on!

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