How Do I Choose Between Different Types Of Formula
Milk-based formula is the most common formula type, with most made from cows milk, and some made from goat milk. Milk-based formulas are based on two main proteins, casein and whey . Baby formulas can be either casein or whey dominated, however whey is more common in cows milk-based formula as it is easier to digest and more closely resembles breast milk.
Soy-based formula is often prescribed to infants who cannot have animal milk due to allergies, intolerances, or any cultural or religious beliefs held by their parents. These formulas use soybeans as a protein, and contain added carbohydrates – often in the form of sucrose or corn syrup – as a source of energy. Because theyre derived from plants, soy formulas do not contain lactose , which make them a preferable option for infants with lactose intolerance.
Both soy and milk-based formulas are fortified with the same essential nutrients necessary for healthy child development.
Nutrients With Limited Evidence
To more closely mimic the natural composition of breast milk, many baby formula manufacturers supplement their products with fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid . However, theres little clinical evidence to indicate these nutrients when supplemented in baby formula benefit the health outcomes of infants.
Theres just not a lot of evidence, says Helen Hughes, M.D., a pediatrician in Baltimore and assistant professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Its hard to conduct randomized control trials in babies to begin with, and these are generally healthy babies, so theres not a lot of need from a research standpoint to study it. So with additives like DHA and ARA, which are now essentially in all formulas, there just isnt a lot of evidence behind whether or not theyre needed.
Many formulas also feature prebiotics commonly found in breast milk, such as human milk oligosaccharides , and probiotics with the goal of nurturing gut health and immune function. Early studies suggest probiotics can be helpful in healthy children experiencing acute viral gastroenteritis and other infections, and prebiotics can assist with softening stools, which may be beneficial for some infants. While the data is promising so far, more research is needed.
Why Babies Need Formula Rather Than Cows Milk
Heres why you shouldnt give cows milk to your baby as a main drink until theyre over 12 months old:
- all baby formula has addedminerals, vitamins,and fats that babies need and cant get from straight cows milk
- babies cant digest cows milk as easily or completely as breastmilk or formula
- theproteinlevel in cows milk is too high for babies – in formula some of this protein has been taken out.
Babies under 12 months old shouldnt have:
- regular cows milk
- skim, powdered, evaporated, or sweetened condensed milk
- dairy alternativeslike soy, rice, almond or coconut milk.
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Raw Goat Milk Formula
Weston A. Price also has a goat milk formula. This may be the best baby formula for those who are sensitive to cows milk protein. Goat milk also has smaller fat molecules which can make it easier for some children to digest. However, goats milk is not adequate in vitamin B12 or folate so it should be prepared very carefully. This recipe makes 36 ounces of formula and lasts 2 days in fridge.
How To Make Real Raw Whey
Homemade whey is easy to make from organic plain yogurt or raw milk.
From Yogurt: Place 2 quarts of organic yogurt in a strainer lined with a tea towel set over a large bowl. Cover with a plate and leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Place whey in clean glass Mason jars and store in the refrigerator.
From Raw Milk: Place 2 quarts of the milk in a glass container and leave at room temperature for 2-4 days until the milk separates into curds and whey.
Pour into the strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl and cover with a plate. Leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Store in clean glass Mason jars in the refrigerator.
This recipe makes approximately 5 cups of whey, which will last several months in the fridge.
Recipe Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, PhD.
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What Are The Different Types Of Baby Formula
All formula sold in Australia needs to meet stringent nutritional and hygiene standards. Most baby formulas are made from dried cow’s milk with vitamins, minerals and vegetable oils added. Straight cow’s milk is not suitable for a baby’s digestion, unless it has been altered to make it easy to digest and so the nutrients can be absorbed.
There are 3 types of formula:
- Milk-based formulas are made from cow’s milk, with added vegetable oils, iron, vitamins and minerals.
- Soy-based formulas are made from soybeans and have added vegetable oils and nutrients.
- Specialty formulas are made from cow’s milk which has been ‘predigested’ and the protein removed or reduced. There is also a range of hypoallergenic formulas available. Most specialty formulas are designed for babies who have a milk intolerance or who are allergic to cow’s milk. Formula might also be the best choice for babies who have a food protein allergy or other form of digestive, malabsorption or gut problem. Specialty formulas can be used for specific cultural or religious reasons too.
Other types of formula include:
What Is Baby Formula
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines infant formula as:
A food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk.
Baby formula is the primary food option for infants in the first 12 months of life who arent nursing or otherwise consuming human milk.
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Mamia Gold Infant Formula Step 1
If youre looking to save some money, parents said Mamia Gold Infant Formula Step 1 is a fraction of the cost of other formulas. One reviewer said: My son likes it and I LOVE that it is a fraction of the price of other formulas. The only downside it is exclusive to ALDI.
Read Mamia Gold Infant Formula Step 1 reviews.
The Winner: Similac Pro
When it comes to comparing Pro-Total Comfort and Gentlease, one isnt necessarily better than the otherits all about testing and choosing the option that your baby tolerates more easily, says Dr. Young.
The two formulas have different protein sources, which may affect your babys comfort: Gentlease uses a partially hydrolyzed mix of 60% whey and 40% casein while the Pro-Total Comfort makes use of 100% whey protein thats been partially hydrolyzed. Dr. Young also notes differences in the carbohydrate and fat sources, explaining, again, that a parents decision should all come down to the babys preference.
If youre dealing with an infant with lactose intolerance, however, Dr. Hes leans toward the Pro-Total Comfort formula. In addition to valuable HMOs, this variety also contains just 2% lactose versus the 20% found in Gentlease.
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The Best Baby Formulas For Constipation
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
This in-depth, parent-friendly guide will help you find and buy the best baby formulas for constipation. You will learn what types of baby formulas are available, what ingredients to avoid in formula, and where you can reliably purchase the best baby formulas for both preventing and managing constipation. I update this post monthly to ensure that all of the information below is recent and accurate!
When my kids were born, I knew I would eventually have to decide whether to breastfeed, formula feed, or do both, but the idea of any of these options causing my baby digestive issues never crossed my mind. But BOTH of my kids struggled with constipation during their infant years: I remember agonizing over my daughters constipation issues which made no sense to me because at the time, she was exclusively breastfed. And my son had similar issues for a short period of time when we switched him to formula. Infant digestive systems are so underdeveloped that constipation is a really common problem, but I remember feeling super stressed about it! Because honestly, there are few things worse for parents that seeing your baby in distress.
The problem is, most commercial, non-organic formulas out there can cause digestive issues for little ones!
Can I Use Formula And Continue To Breastfeed
If you continue to breastfeed as well as feed formula, your breastmilk will continue to offer benefits to your baby . Milk supply is generally driven by frequent, effective breastfeeding. Giving your baby formula can have an impact on this, because it may mean your baby breastfeeds less often, and therefore you make less milk.
Read our article about mixed feeding to find out more. You may also find it useful to talk through your options with your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor. You can also contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable breastfeeding counsellors by calling our Infant Feeding Support Line on 0300 330 0700. Theyre open between 8am and midnight every day.
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Best Baby Formula For Supplementation
Maybe baby will receive formula only part time in combination with breastfeeding. In this case, you may want to find a formula specifically designed for supplementation.
Price: $$$Key features: Similac claims that this formula provides a gentle introduction to formula for breastfed babies. It includes the OptiGRO blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E all nutrients found in breast milk. It also includes more probiotics than any other type of Similac formula on the market.Considerations: A good number of parents share positive reviews of this formula. That said, some others share that this formula gave their babies loose stools and other digestive issues, like gas.
Baby Formula For Spit Up
Spit up is simply part of new parenthood. Tiny developing digestive systems are to blame, but with proper weight gain and adequate wet diapers , pediatricians often find no cause for concern.
If spit up is affecting the babys quality of life and/or disrupting sleep, we may consider switching formulas, says Dr. Hes. Many babies are happy spitters and they do not need a formula changeif a baby is not growing or gaining weight well, we may change to a formula that protects against spit up.
Heres a look at two popular spit up-specific options offered to new parents.
| Product |
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- Polydextrose
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Best Organic Earths Best Organic Infant Formula
- Offers a gentle formula, a reduced lactose formula, and a plant-based soy formula
Cons
- Price
- Not always widely available
If organic ingredients are an important factor when youre considering purchasing baby formula, Earths Best should be on your list. Designed to be as similar as possible to breast milk, it is made with no artificial growth hormones, and is one of the few products on the market that does not contain corn syrup or added sugars.
This formula contains high-quality ingredients, so you can be sure that your baby is getting protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals from good sources and in the right amounts to fuel their growing bodies.
This brand also makes a special formula for babies with sensitive tummies, as well as a lactose-free version and a plant-based soy formula.
- No artificial growth hormones or additives
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Price
Similac is one of the most trusted brands on the market for infant nutrition. This non-GMO formula contains all of the nutrition your baby requires during his or her first year of life, and is made with proteins that have been broken down to make them more easily digestible for your baby, which can help to reduce gas.
The Total Comfort formula can also help to promote healthy bowel movements for you infant, and reduce or prevent constipation.
- Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone growth
Cons
- Contains corn syrup solids
- Price
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 and dont have any long-term safety concerns.
study in 2003 that showed it can reduce babies spit-up episodes by up to 50 percent.Considerations: Youll want to speak with your pediatrician before offering thickened formula to your baby. While some parents swear this is the best formula theyve ever tried, others share that this mix really didnt help their babys spit-up issue enough.
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Gerber Good Start Soy Formula
For babies with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, soy formulas can be a doctor-recommended choice. At the very beginning of bottle feeding, most doctors recommend starting with a dairy-based formula because its proteins are closest to those in human milk. Hence, if you have a family history of milk allergies, thats when you should talk to your babys doctor about starting on a soy formula.
- Excellent formula to fight gas and fussiness
- Suitable for lactose intolerant babies
- Non-GMO soy
For babies with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, soy formulas can be a doctor-recommended choice. At the very beginning of bottle feeding, most doctors recommend starting with a dairy-based formula because its proteins are closest to those in human milk. If you have a family history of milk allergies, thats when you should talk to your babys doctor about starting on a soy formula.
Moreover, Gerber soy formula is the most popular on the market. The soy protein is partially hydrolyzed to ease digestion. Its also one of the only soy formulas to use non-GMO soy and milder sweeteners. Its primary sweetener is corn maltodextrin, plus some sucrose. Its good to know that maltodextrin isnt as sweet as corn syrup solids.
It is a product with a very good, competitive price on the market, but downside is that it smells badly and the minute you mix water and formula, you need to shake very hard and long in order to break all the clumps.
Buying Guide For Best Infant Formulas
Choosing the best source of nourishment for your baby is a monumental decision one that often entails some lengthy deliberation. If you’ve already settled on infant formula as your preferred method of feeding, you have a plethora of nutritionally complete options to consider.
But where do you start? Is regular cow’s milk formula a safe bet? Or should you opt for soy infant formula? And what is hydrolyzed formula, anyway? Whether you’ve decided to formula-feed exclusively or simply want to supplement breastfeeding with the occasional bottle, selecting the best infant formula is no easy task.
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