Though breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby, it's not always possible for women because of medical problems or other issues. Women who cannot breastfeed or choose not to breastfeed need to use baby formula to meet the nutritional needs of their babies. Choosing an infant formula can be confusing because there are many different brands and types which use different ingredients. Comparing infant formulas can help a non-breastfeeding woman to decide which would be the best choice for her baby.
Milk-Based Formula
The most common type of infant formula is cow's milk formula. The Mayo Clinic explains that while babies should not have actual cow's milk, cow's milk-based formulas use a small amount of protein from cow's milk, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals that have been added in during processing. Examples of milk based formulas include Enfamil Lipil and Similac Advanced. Most babies can tolerate cow's milk-based formula, but some have allergic reactions such as rashes or diarrhea and may need a different type of formula.
Soy Formula
Soy formula does not contain cow's milk protein. Instead, it uses protein from the soybean plant along with iron and other vitamins and minerals to provide nutrition for the baby. Because soy formula does not contain lactose, the Mayo Clinic states that it is a good alternative for babies that have problems with cow's milk-based formulas. Dr. Bill Sears, pediatrician and professor of pediatrics at the University of California at Irvine states on his website that Enfamil Prosobee and Similac Isomil are two examples of soy formulas.
Hydrolyzed Formula
Sometimes babies have a difficult time tolerating both cow's milk and soy-based formulas. When a baby has reactions like gas, diarrhea, or rashes with both types of formula, a hydrolyzed formula is usually recommended. Hydrolyzed formulas can contain either cow's milk or soy components, but are broken down into smaller amino acids instead of large protein chains. The Mayo Clinic explains that this process makes hydrolyzed formulas hypoallergenic and easier for babies to digest. Sears describes Nestle's Good Start as a hydrolyzed formula.
Enhanced Formula
One of the latest trends in formula manufacturing is enhancing formula with more than the standard vitamins and minerals. The purpose of this is to make formula more similar to breast milk. While it would be impossible to make many of the ingredients in breast milk in a laboratory, some similar ingredients have been synthesized. The Mayo Clinic explains that two omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and ARA, are being added to formulas to encourage brain development. These types of formulas are more expensive but worth it to some parents.
Therapeutic Formula
Therapeutic formulas are special formulas created specifically for babies with severe health problems. Babies don't usually go on therapeutic formula for something as mild as gas; they are usually for premature or underweight babies. Sears states that Alimentum and Nutramigen are examples of therapeutic formulas, which are generally higher in calories for babies with special needs.
