Nurturing a baby, especially as a new mother, is difficult. The confusion about the exact nutrients to feed your baby can sometimes be overwhelming. According to pediatrics, human milk contains all the essential nutrients an infant requires for growth and development. Therefore, they recommend infants be fed human milk for at least six months. Nevertheless, sometimes human milk is not adequate or available for unavoidable reasons. In that case, baby formula is the best alternative. Can you mix formula and breastmilk?
Whether you want to supplement breast milk with baby formula or want it to be an exclusive source of nutrients, you will probably be overwhelmed due to the high number of options available. It is worth noting that, though there is no perfect baby formula, there is one which is ideal for your baby.
The following article guides you through some tips for choosing an ideal baby formula.
What Is Baby Formula And Types Of Baby Formula?
Baby formula is a manufactured baby food with nutrients similar to human milk. It is a special diet for infants purported to simulate or represent human milk. You can get infant formula in liquid, powder, and concentrated forms. The diet is ideal for babies under the age of one year.
There are different types of baby formula that you should know, which include:
- Organic Baby Formula
This baby formula’s ingredients are purely organic or at least 96% organic. For example, if it’s cow’s milk organic baby formula, the cow must have been fed a purely organic diet. Similarly, if it is a plant-based baby formula, the plant must have been produced organically, with no pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. HiPP baby formula is an example of an organic baby formula that you can consider.
- Cow Milk-Based Baby Formula
Ideally, cow’s milk is considered unhealthy for infants under one year. However, cow’s milk-based baby formula is well-designed to ensure it’s digestible and safe for your baby. Like breast milk, cow’s milk infant formula contains healthy and essential lactose. In short, cow’s milk baby formula is manufactured from cow milk and designed through processing to ensure it’s safe.
- Soy Milk-Based Baby Formula
Soy baby formula is ideal for Babies with conditions such as galactosemia. This is because soy formula is lactose and cow’s milk protein free, which is unhealthy for infants with such conditions. Your baby should be screened for such a condition before deciding on the best formula.
- Hydrolyzed Baby Formula
Hydrolyzed baby formulas are formulas with small or broken-down proteins, which are ideal and easy to digest. Most cow’s milk baby formulas have large-sized and intact proteins, which may be challenging regarding digestion. This is why the hydrolyzed baby formula is essential.
- Special Baby Formula
Some babies have unique and special needs, maybe due to premature birth or medical conditions. A unique baby formula designed to meet those individual needs is required in such cases. That’s why manufacturers produce the special baby formula. You will most likely receive a recommendation from your child’s pediatrician. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully, especially on feeding schedules, the amount served, and preparations.
Here Are Tips For Choosing An Ideal Baby Formula
Since there are many baby formulas around, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of the best choice. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Cost
The baby formula differs in price. You need to remember that it is not a one-time purchase; you will have to frequent the store until your baby is about one year old. Therefore, when calculating the cost, you need to consider the amount you will spend before your baby is one year. Make a budget and decide which type is ideal for you. Additionally, it is good to note that most liquid baby formulas are expensive compared to powdered ones.
- Baby Condition
If your baby has a special need or medical condition, you must be careful about the type of baby formula you buy. If possible, as for recommendations from your baby’s pediatrician. Also, you can observe how your baby reacts to specific baby formula. Consider changing immediately if they have an allergy or experience some adverse effects.
- Convenience
You need to consider a baby formula that is accessible and easy to use. Though you can always order online, remember there is a high risk of delays; therefore, you need a baby formula that you can quickly get from the nearest store.
- Pediatric Reccomendations
Getting advice from your sister, neighbor, internet, or social media is helpful. However, sometimes this information and recommendations can be misleading as children tend to have different needs. Therefore, the best method is to consult your baby’s pediatrician. Let them recommend the best baby formula and provide accurate advice on feeding programs. Remember your baby’s pediatrician understands your baby’s medical history and health well. Therefore, they will consider all the essential factors to ensure you get the best baby formula.
- Avoid Marketing Influence
It is effortless to be swayed by marketing skills used by certain brands. For example, how they package their products, the descriptions, and enticing adverts. It would be best if you were careful not to let this marketing influence your decision. Have an independent mind and consider all the crucial factors, especially those concerning your baby’s health.
Final Thoughts
Getting a perfect baby formula fit for your baby. Unfortunately, there is no recommendation for the best bay formula. Nevertheless, following the above tips, you can quickly get an ideal one that meets your baby’s needs. Your baby’s health should be a number one priority whenever you are considering a baby formula. This means the baby formula you choose should boost your baby’s health and not interfere with its health.
