The major health organizations - including the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), the
American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health
Organization (WHO) - agree that
breast milk
is the ideal form of nutrition for babies (especially during the
first 6 months). However, only you can decide what's best
for you and your baby. And commercially prepared formulas are
designed and strictly regulated to provide the nutrients your baby
needs.
Whether you've decided to formula feed your baby from the
start, are supplementing your breast milk with formula, or are
switching from breast milk to formula, you're bound to have
questions. Here are answers to some common questions about formula
feeding.
What supplies do I need?
Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be downright
intimidating, especially at first. From formula to bottles, from
nipples to sterilizers, the choices can seem endless for new
parents.
But with most of the supplies you'll need, it's probably
a good idea to hold off buying - or registering for - too much of
any one type of product, whether it's formula, bottles, or
nipples. After all, you may end up having to return them when you
find that your baby doesn't like what you've chosen. Your
little one may actually prefer something completely different.
What type of formula should I use?
Many different formulas (at a wide variety of prices) are
available these days, which can make the process of choosing one a
little overwhelming at first. Of course, which brand you use is up
to you, your baby, and your budget. All your friends may have told
you that Brand XYZ is the way to go, but your baby might think
differently.
Infant formula comes in three basic forms:
- Powders that require mixing with water and are the least
expensive.
- Concentrates, which are liquids that require diluting
with water.
- Ready-to-use (or ready-to-feed) liquids that can be poured
right into bottles. These are the most expensive but are
convenient if you're traveling or can't get to a sterile
water supply quickly.
And within those choices are even
more
choices. The many kinds of formula on the market include:
- Cow's-milk-based formulas, which make up the vast
majority of formulas. Most milk-based formulas have added iron,
which the AAP recommends.
- Soy-based formulas (for babies who may be lactose intolerant
or
allergic to cow's milk
), which sometimes have added iron. However, some babies who
are allergic to cow's milk also are allergic to the protein
in soy formulas.
- Hypoallergenic formulas for babies who can't tolerate the
basic formulas, like those with allergies to milk or soy
proteins. The proteins in these hypoallergenic formulas are
broken down to their basic components and so are easier to
digest.
- Specialized formulas designed for
premature
, low birth-weight babies.
Some formulas can be much pricier than others. All formulas
manufactured in the United States have to meet strict nutritional
standards from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so just
because a formula is name brand (versus generic) doesn't
necessarily mean that it's the best for your baby.
To help you decide which one to pick when you're in that
jam-packed formula aisle in the store, ask your doctor about which
brands might be best for your baby. You also can talk to other
parents of infants about what they use and why.
Whatever kind you choose, make sure to check the expiration date
on all cans and bottles of formula, and don't use formula from
leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers.
What about formula with DHA or ARA?
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are
ingredients that can be found in some, but not all, formulas.
DHA and ARA are polyunsaturated fatty acids (considered the
"good" kinds of fat) that may be linked to brain and
nerve development and can be found naturally in fish oils and eggs.
The fatty acids are also found in breast milk. By putting DHA and
ARA in infant formulas, the manufacturers are attempting to make
their formulas as close to breast milk as possible.
But is it beneficial to buy an infant formula with these
ingredients? The jury still seems to be out on that. Some studies
have indicated that formulas supplemented with DHA and ARA benefit
visual and cognitive development. But others haven't shown any
significant improvement with DHA and ARA formulas.
Formula can be pricey. Any way to cut costs?
Just as you may do already for your groceries and other baby
supplies, shop around for the best deals on the formula you've
chosen:
- After your baby is born, ask the nursing staff in the
hospital if there are any coupons or freebies available for you
to take home.
- Take advantage of all of the free samples and coupons you
receive in the mail the first few months after your delivery.
Many times, new moms are placed on mailing lists for everything
baby-related, from children's book clubs to formula
companies.
- Clip coupons. You may even want to save some for different
kinds of formula, in case you end up changing your baby's
formula for some reason.
- See if your child's daycare has a coupon exchange program
in which parents bring in their coupons and other moms and dads
take what they need.
- Sign up for online coupon clubs that allow you to print and
save coupons for only the things you indicate you need.
- Sign up for formula companies' clubs and special programs
(through the mail or online) that may offer discounts, coupons,
and/or free formula and other products.
- Compare prices on formula at your local grocery stores. Some
stores also have special clubs that allow you to regularly save
on certain products.
- Check for specials at your local grocery stores and/or baby
center.
- See if your local wholesale/bulk items store offers your
baby's formula for cheaper than local grocery stores. But
don't automatically expect it to be less expensive in the
long run just because it comes in a bigger container. Whether
you're buying in bulk - or in bigger sizes - be sure to do
the math on how much you're spending per ounce. Sometimes, it
may seem like a deal when it really isn't.
- At well-child or sick-child visits, ask your doctor if any
samples or coupons are available. Offices often receive these
from the formula companies.
What kind of bottle should I use?
Bottles come in different shapes and sizes, can be made of glass
or plastic, and may be reusable or have disposable liners inside.
Some babies do better with certain shapes or bottles with liners on
the inside. You may need to try a few different brands before you
find the one that works best for you and your baby.
It's important to note that some plastic bottles are labeled
"BPA-free"- meaning that they do not contain the chemical
bisphenol A, which is found in some plastics and may effect
development in children. Glass bottles are free of BPA and can last
for a long time, but can crack and chip, so they need to be checked
frequently to avoid harm to your baby.
What kind of nipple should I use?
Walk down the nipple aisle in your local baby center and
it's easy to be completely overwhelmed. For starters, nipples
come in silicone (clear) or latex (brown). But the options
don't end there.
The many different varieties include orthodontic nipples,
rounded nipples, wide-based nipples, and flat-top nipples, just to
name a few. And some are advertised as being closer to the natural
shape of a mother's breast. But which kind is best really
depends on your baby and what he or she seems to prefer. After all,
every baby is different.
Nipples also often come in different numbers,
"stages," or "flow rates" to reflect the size
of the nipple's hole, which affects the flow (i.e., slow,
medium, or fast) of formula or breast milk. For example, fast flows
may cause younger babies to gag or may simply give them more than
they can handle, whereas slower flows may be frustrating to some
babies and may cause them to suck more vigorously and gulp too much
air.
But whether these different flows are necessary depends on each
baby. Your little one may seem to prefer variety or may be content
throughout infancy to use the same kind and size of nipple. If your
baby seems fussy or frustrated with the nipple, you can certainly
try a different kind (like one with a larger hole) to see if
it makes any difference.
How often should nipples be replaced?
That depends on how the nipples you're using hold up to
cleaning, sterilizing, and everyday use. Be sure to check them
regularly for signs of wear and replace them often. Also, as your
baby grows, he or she might prefer nipples that come in different
sizes and flows (the holes get bigger as babies get older and are
ready to handle faster flows).
What are follow-up formulas?
For babies from 4-12 months old, some manufacturers offer
follow-up formulas with more nutrients. While every child's
nutritional needs are different, most do not need to change to
follow-up formulas. Before starting your baby on a follow-up
formula - or any formula different from the one you've been
using - talk to your doctor about whether this is right for your
little one.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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