New mothers who can't or don't wish to breastfeed have a wide variety of infant formulas to select from. When faced with choices among methods of preparation, various nutrients used to enhance the formula and a broad array of trusted brand names, making a final decision for your baby can be baffling. One thing that you can be assured of is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes sure all infant formulas conform to certain nutritional standards.
Infant Formula Basics
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, most infant formula your see on store shelves is made from nutritionally enhanced cow's milk that's been modified to make it easier on your baby's sensitive digestive system. If your baby can't tolerate regular formula, there are also soy-based formulas and hypoallergenic formulas available, as well as special formulas made for premature infants and babies who have health concerns. According to an article in American Family Physician, your baby needs iron-fortified formula to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. There are infant formulas that are lower in iron; however, these aren't recommended.
Types
There are three types of infant formula preparations--powdered formula that's reconstituted with water, liquid concentrate formula that is mixed with water, and ready-to-feed formula, which can be poured right into your baby's bottle. According to Nemours Foundation, powdered formula is the least expensive, while read-to-feed formulas are most expensive. However, the ready-to-feed type is the most convenient, especially if you're traveling or always on the go.
Enhanced Formulas
Some infant formulas contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or arachidonic acid (ARA) as added ingredients, says the Nemours Foundation. DHA and ARA are fatty acids found in breast milk that may help promote your baby's brain and nerve development. Manufacturers put these ingredients in infant formulas to make them as close to breast milk as possible. However, it's debatable if enhanced formulas offer any added benefit. According to the American Family Physician article, there's "insufficient evidence to recommend supplementation of infant formula" with added DHA or ARA.
Brand Differences
The FDA regulates baby formulas, ensuring that they include a minimum amount of 29 nutrients, as well as maximum amounts for nine of those nutrients. Any infant formula that doesn't conform to the FDA's standards is considered adulterated, unless it meets certain statutory exemptions. This means there may be very little, or no, difference from one infant formula to the next, with the exception of the brand name and packaging, says the Nemours Foundation. A less expensive generic infant formula may offer your baby the same nutrition as a more costly name brand.
Formula Tips
If choosing among infant formula options becomes baffling, ask your baby's doctor for recommendations before shopping, advises the Nemours Foundation. According to the American Family Physician article, many parents switch to a soy-based or hypoallergenic formula in response to a colicky infant. However, without a diagnosis of lactose intolerance, there's no reason to believe this may be helpful. Always talk to your baby's doctor before you switch formula types, advises the Nemours Foundation.
