I recommend that you have some formula on hand, whether you’re breastfeeding or not (just don’t open the formula unless you’re ready to use it, as it kicks in the expiration clock). What to do if you get hit by a bus? Or do you have to take Rx medication? I have two good friends who came home with their children and were urgently readmitted to the hospital with high blood pressure. This happens all the time.
If you never use it, so be it. The “activists” hate me for saying that, but anyway. I owe allegiance to you and your sanity, not to some political agenda.
What Exactly Is the Formula?
Formula is a highly regulated dietary substance specifically designed to mimic breast milk (as close as possible). Technically, the FDA defines it as a “food,” but in reality it is a food substitute.
All in all, because the production of infant formula is so closely monitored (since the adoption and updating of key legislation in the 20s of the 80th century), there is not much difference between different brands and types.
My pediatrician did tell me that any generic store brand was perfectly fine. The researchers who published an in-depth review of infant formula also agreed: “One brand is not superior to another.” ”
However, there are different recipes and… Formula. Many times, parents do have a preference to say that their baby “eats better” or “sleeps better” or “tolerates better” this particular brand or a particular kind.
The problem is, figuring out which one is best for you and your baby can take some trial and error. Therefore, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor and try a few things.
There Are Two Main Types of Infant Formula:
One is derived from milk protein, the other from soy…
Technically, there is also a third category of hypoallergenic formula, which is designed for babies with allergies that prevent them from taking any of the above medications – if that’s you, talk to your pediatrician.
Most formulas are cow’s milk-based; They contain purified milk whey and casein as a protein source, a vegetable oil blend as a fat source, lactose added as a carbohydrate source, a vitamin-mineral blend, and other ingredients, depending on the manufacturer. *Milk proteins have been broken down, so it’s not the same as feeding baby milk – don’t do it.
Soy Products
Soy formula accounts for about a quarter of the infant formula market. They are whey-free, casein-free, and lactose-free, and can be used as a substitute for soy protein isolate and other ingredients to meet established nutritional needs.
Soy formula doesn’t have any advantages over cow’s milk formula, so you can use cow’s milk formula unless you have a specific reason for choosing it (your baby is intolerant to cow’s milk formula, you want to provide vegan formula, etc.). (On the other hand, there isn’t any convincing evidence that soy formula has adverse effects on health and development, so don’t worry if you do need to use it.)
Both cow’s milk and soy formulas have a variety of “subtypes”, such as organic formulas, sensitive gastrointestinal formulas, etc. Again, these decisions depend on your own preferences, as well as seeing what “works” for your baby…
Natural and Organic Brand
Organic recipes need to adhere to the same production standards as organic products (which needs to be done separately another day…). If you like organic food, go for it. But don’t suffer from insomnia for it if you’re out of your power – experts report that “there are no documented health benefits from using organic infant formula.” There is no difference between inorganic and organic in terms of micro/macronutrient composition, hormone levels, antibiotic levels, etc.
For Sensitive Tummy – Probiotics and Low Lactose
Another subcategory of formula is for babies who suffer from various gastrointestinal discomfort problems (manifested as irritability, colic, gas, spitting up, etc.). These formulas use partially hydrolyzed protein, are low (or absent) in lactose, and often have added probiotics. These things should essentially be digestive aids that help babies digest formula more easily.
There are many other formula categories that actually exist entirely for marketing purposes, such as “for breastfeeding supplements”, “for older babies”, and even “for young children”. In contrast to the strict regulation of infant formula itself, such claims are practically unregulated. (In short – you don’t need them.)
Formulation: Powder, Concentrate or Ready-to-Use
Any type of formula can be formulated in three different formulations: powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-eat liquid. Powdered milk powder is the most cost-effective, and since formula comes at $$$$, this may be your best bet, but ready-to-eat liquids can be a lifesaver for some outings, especially travel. (Let me tell you, it’s not easy to prepare a bottle with a screaming baby on a plane.)
The formula portion of the baby aisle can be a little overwhelming, but the main thing is that you shouldn’t feel pressured to pick a formula. Keep in mind that you’ll most likely try a few different brands before choosing the right one for your baby.
Top 7 Favorites Infant Formula
- Earth’s Best Organic
- Similac Advance
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start
- Similac Alimentum (hypoallergenic option)
- Enfamil Nutramigen (another hypoallergenic pick)