Providing the proper balance of nutrition is important to help support your baby's development. Breastfeeding your infant until the age of 1 is recommended, advises MayoClinic.com. Circumstances may not be optimal for you to exclusively breastfeed, so you may need to compare baby formulas to find one that is a good alternative to breast milk. The International Formula Council asserts that baby formulas are designed to provide nutrition that supports growth and development while not stressing developing systems.
Step 1
Create a list of baby formulas by brand name and type. Be sure to include a wide range of options by price point, formula base and preparation method.
Step 2
Establish your comparison criteria. Evaluation topics can include price, recommendations, preparation method, formulation base, special considerations and formula enhancements. Baby formula can be based on cow's milk, soy or a special hypoallergenic formula for babies sensitive to milk or soy. Preparation methods included powdered formula, ready-to-use mixes and concentrated liquids. Formulas may also provide extra enhancements such as iron fortification or omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 3
Construct a chart to help you compare formulas. Place the names of formulas in a vertical column along the left side of a piece of paper. Place evaluation criteria vertically across the top of your page. Create horizontal and vertical lines to create a comparison grid.
Step 4
Complete your information grid with data from manufacturers' websites, formula literature and formula containers. Contact the formula manufactures for additional information if necessary.
Step 5
Consult your pediatrician for baby formula recommendations. Ask for specific brands or formulas that may be best suited to your baby's needs and your family history regarding lactose sensitivity.
Step 6
Eliminate baby formulas that do not meet your minimal requirements and are not recommended by your doctor.
Step 7
Circle your formula preferences under each evaluation topic on your chart and calculate how many circles each formula contains.
Step 8
Select the baby formula that features the highest number of circles on your chart. If two formulas have the same number of circles, weigh each evaluation criteria based on its importance to your decision and choose the formula that has more circles in critical categories.
Step 9
Monitor your baby's reaction to the formula you selected. If you notice any adverse reactions or problems, consult with your doctor for recommendations on formula changes. If your baby needs a new type of formula, reanalyze your chart and modify your circles accordingly. Eliminate any formulas your doctor no longer recommends. Make a new formula selection based on your new circle totals.
