Types Of Baby Formula Feed

There can be no substitute for breast-feeding. It’s the natural and complete food for your baby. No doctor would recommend a formula for your baby instead of mother’s milk. But certain problems do arise and not every baby can be breast-fed. Then, it becomes all the more important that your baby gets all the energy and nourishment for proper growth. You take resort to formula feeds but are bewildered as to which one is the best for your baby. Let’s discuss some formula types.

Which one to choose from

Don’t go after the brand name rather look out whether the formula feed has been made according to the FDA requirements or not. FDA is the agency that sets regulations for formula feeds that they should have minimum and in some cases maximum percentage of nutrients in the formula. This agency decides as per the recommendations of American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Then there is the Infant Formula Act also that further helps in deciding whether your baby is getting the best formula or not. Actually, not even a single formula is recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics. Though, it gives various suggestions to mothers, one being that you should not use the formula that is low in iron.

Difference in different baby formulas

It’s the type of sugar and protein in the formula that differentiates one formula from the other. The sugar can be either lactose and the proteins may be derived from cow’s milk. Actually such formulas that use proteins derived from cow’s milk are the best ones. They ought to be fortified with iron for the complete growth and development of the baby. Similac Advance, Enfamil Lipil, and Nestle Good Start Supreme are some of the formulas that go by this scheme and hence are much dependable.

The Soy and the Elemental formulas

There are some feeds in the market that have Soy formula in them. Such formulas don’t use lactose or other milk proteins. They are best for children who have problem in digesting the milk proteins. Some elemental formulas also do not use lactose. Rather they use hydrolysate proteins. Certain infants who are allergic to protein should be fed on such type of formulas. In some cases there is a long family history of allergies or intolerance to formulas. Babies from such families must necessarily be fed on elemental or Soy formulas. No chances should be taken with such babies, as other formulas can be detrimental for their health.