The Best Baby Formula

There is always controversy over which methods of raising children are best. Are you a helicopter parent, or do you favor the free range approach? Will you be breastfeeding or bottle feeding? While the last question tends to invoke strong feelings, the truth is either choice is fine! You know your baby and your lifestyle, and formula feeding works for you. What you might not know is which baby formula to choose from the myriad of options.
Age Matters

It might surprise you to hear that commercial formula first appeared on the market in 1867. While early versions of baby formula were quite basic, today's supermarkets overflow with options. We understand so much more about child development than our grandparents did. Newborns have different needs than crawlers do, so your choice of formula should change as your baby does. For newborns, look for a formula that is gentle on their digestive system, with small protein molecules that are less likely to upset their tender tummies. Enfamil Newborn Baby Formula is a solid choice, as it is manufactured to be as close as possible to the makeup of breast milk. As your baby grows, choose a next-step formula from the same brand, such as Enfamil Infant Baby Formula, which is ideal for babies up to 12 months of age. Another good formula for newborns is Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formulas with Iron. Not only is Similac fortified, but it was designed to build your baby's delicate immune system, helping them fight off the many germs in your environment.

Consider Price

Ask any new mom, and they will tell you that formula can be expensive! Many states subsidize formula for low-income mothers because the cost can be so prohibitive. Some formulas can cost $1.50 per ounce. When you're feeding your baby 4 or more ounces multiple times per day, that can add up. If you're on a budget, then the price per ounce will probably be one of the biggest deciding factors in which formula you choose for your baby. While it's common for new parents to stick with well-known brand names, store brands and generic formulas deserve your attention. The truth is that all baby formulas conform to high manufacturing practices and many store brands are made in the same factories as the higher priced brand names. If you frequently shop Walmart, their Parent's Choice Gentle Powder Infant Formula with Iron is significantly cheaper than brand name formulas and includes cutting-edge ingredients to promote proper physical and mental development. Target's Up & Up Sensitivity Infant Formula with Iron is ideal for babies from zero to three months and has the added benefit of being gentle of sensitive stomachs.

Understand Ingredients

You don't have to read every baby formula label to help your baby grow robust and healthy. In fact, if breaking down the nuts and bolts isn't your style, know that decades of scientific development in infant feeding back every formula on the shelf of your local market. However, if you want to dig deeper, there are several brands and ingredients that you ought to keep in mind. When you shop for fruits and veggies in the market, you know that the organic produce adheres to a higher standard. Formula choices like Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron provide the same benefits for your baby. This formula is made with organic dairy, includes brain and eye-loving ingredients such as DHA, ARA and lutein, and leaves out unwanted ingredients like corn syrup, growth hormones and artificial flavors. Similac Advance Organic Infant Formula with Iron also uses USDA certified organic milk and is fortified with their proprietary OptGrow formula, which includes lutein, DHA and Vitamin E.

Flavor is Finicky

Just like you have favorite foods and things you prefer not to eat, your baby has preferences as well. Most babies are happy to jump back and forth between brands and formulas and will take nearly any bottle you offer. Some babies, however, are finicky when it comes to flavor. In most cases, there is no rhyme or reason to this besides your child's personal preference. If you do notice that your baby has an aversion to a new formula, stick with the brands that you know they like. If it is imperative that you switch formulas for reasons such as allergies, try to find a flavor that is close to what your baby already enjoys, such as a different variety of the same brand. If you have the flexibility, slowly introduce the new formula to your baby. Consider mixing your old brand with the new type in a ratio of 1:1, gradually increasing the new formula until your baby becomes accustomed to the flavor. Babies that are already used to switching between several brands on a regular basis are likely to have a less discerning palette and be less sensitive to flavor variations.

Watch for Allergies

Most babies can tolerate any formula without being terribly picky. However, if you are noticing excessive gas, colic or digestive upset in your baby, you might consider whether allergies or sensitivities are a factor. Reading an infant's reaction can be challenging, so consult your doctor to help you understand what yor baby's specific needs are. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, only about 2-3% of children have an allergy to milk protein. If your baby seems to experience negative reactions to your first choice of formula, look at something like Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Formula with Iron. Produced by Enfamil, 70 studies back this formula, showing its ability to reduce colic. Its ingredient list boasts Enflora LGG, a probiotic to promote gentle digestion, as well as DHA and ARA, mentioned above for their ability to aid brain and eye development. Soy formulas are another good option for babies with milk sensitivities. Similac Sensitive Isomil Soy Powder is well tolerated by many infants and includes ingredients like omega fatty acids and non-GMO soy proteins. Be aware that sensitive babies may also react to soy formula, so if your baby is still uncomfortable, try another brand or formulation. Finding the right fit for your child may take time and experimentation, so be patient!

Trust Your Gut

Starting from the day they're born, babies have the tendency to invoke parental anxiety. Are you doing it right? Is your baby tired, hungry or sleepy? How do you know what choices are best? The good news is that in almost all cases, parents figure things out and become more comfortable with time. Trust yourself! You know your baby and what they need. Relax and don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different priorities to consider when choosing the best baby formula for your little one, but it's not necessary to examine everything at once. Choose one or two priorities that are the most important to you, and use those factors to make your choice. If your baby objects, try something else until you find the right fit. The truth is, no matter what formula you select, your baby is likely to grow and thrive regardless.

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This page about Baby Formula was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-04-25 08:03:46 and has been viewed 6000 times.