Disclosure: the following information is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. This post is not meant to promote baby formula, but rather to educate on the types of baby formula options available in the market. If you are unsure what is best for you and your baby, consult your healthcare team, lactation consultant, and/or registered dietitian.
Are you overwhelmed by all the different types of baby formula on the market?
There are currently many formula products in the market that can meet different needs.
Let me start by sharing that there are many ways to feed your baby. Some may choose to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump and feed breast milk, formula-feed, donor milk, or a combination of all.
Sometimes, the way a family is feeding their infant may not be the family’s first choice of how to feed their baby, but the decision is made for them due to a lack of support, time, and resources, or health and medical reasons.
Some families rely on formula to supplement breast milk feeding, and for others, formula may be the only option for infant feeding.
Whether you are looking for a backup formula or something for every day, this article will help you learn about the different formulas commercially available to you, the types of milk your little one should avoid, how to mix baby formula, and the safety of making homemade baby formula.
What are the different types of baby formula made up of?
Cow’s Milk Formula
Most infant formulas are made with cow’s milk that has been altered to resemble breast milk, allowing it to be safe and easier for babies to digest. Cow’s milk formulas can be found containing lactose or lactose-free.
Note: keep in mind that cow’s milk formula is not equivalent to whole cow’s milk! Cow’s milk formula is fortified with minerals and vitamins that mimic breast milk, and are designed to be safe for your baby to consume. Do not serve whole cow’s milk to your baby before the age of 1 as they are unable to digest whole cow’s milk yet – the proteins present in regular cow’s milk may irritate their digestive tract.
Soy Formula
Soy-based formulas contain soy protein and are lactose-free. Soy formulas may be an option for infants who are intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk. Some parents may be hesitant to use soy-based formulas, however, they have been shown to support normal growth and development in infants.
The use of soy formula may also be suitable for babies who may have metabolic disorders, such as galactosemia, and for families that prefer a non-dairy formula. Keep in mind that some babies may have a soy protein allergy. Seek advice from a medical professional before using soy formula if you feel your baby is at risk of allergic reactions to soy.
Note: soy formula is generally not recommended for preterm infants as soy formulas have a high aluminum content. This may cause aluminum toxicity in preterm infants due to undeveloped renal functions.
Hydrolyzed Formula
Hydrolyzed formulas, also known as “predigested” formulas, are infant formulas that have reduced lactose levels and contain cow’s milk protein that has already been broken down. This allows easier digestion for babies who may have difficulties digesting regular formula.
Babies who have a hard time digesting and have a cow’s milk or soy allergy may benefit from a hydrolyzed formula. When the formula proteins are broken down into smaller sizes, babies with cow’s milk or soy allergies can tolerate the formula better.
Formula for Preterm Infants
Other than the three mentioned formula types above, special formulas may be needed for preterm babies. Since preterm babies do not have fully established digestive functions, there may be a need for additional calories and special formulas. Additionally, higher amounts of calcium, protein, potassium, or other minerals may be needed. If your baby is a preterm baby, it is important to follow your pediatrician’s guidelines and seek supervision when it comes to feeding your baby.
Different Forms of Baby Formula
Powdered Baby Formula
Powder formula is the most economical and is most commonly used. However, powdered formula is not sterilized, which can pose a risk of contamination. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid giving powdered formula to babies under 2 months old, preterm babies, or those who are ill or have a weaker immune system.
Additionally, this form of baby formula requires the most steps as it involves measuring sterilized water and mixing it with the powder for the final product.
Concentrate
This type of formula is a condensed liquid stored in a container that requires diluting with water at a one-to-one ratio.
This type of formula requires fewer steps compared to the powdered form, however, it is more expensive.
Ready-to-feed Formula
The name says it is all! This is a liquid form that comes in a bottle that is ready to give to your baby immediately. Once opened, it must be refrigerated. Many ready-to-feed formulas come in single-serve bottles, making them helpful when traveling or short on time.
The most significant difference between ready-to-feed formula compared to powdered formula is that liquid formulas are sterilized during the process of making them, which poses a lower risk of contamination. However, it can also be more expensive.
Types of Milk to Avoid
There are so many options on the market, finding the right one that meets your baby’s needs can be stressful! Infants have very specific nutritional needs compared to toddlers, older children, and adults. The types of milk infants should avoid are those that are nutritiously insufficient for the developing infant.
Here are some examples of what milk and formulas to avoid:
“Growing up milks” or Toddler Milks
These “growing up” and toddler milks can be confusing to new parents, and many may mistake them for regular infant formulas. However, these kinds of milk are designed for toddlers 12 months of age and do not contain the nutrients that infants require. There are formulas specifically for infants from birth, infants from six months old, and toddlers from 12 months old. Make sure to read the labels carefully, as different age groups require different levels of nutrients, and we all know how important it is to provide everything a baby needs as they develop.
Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk
Condensed milk is made from cow’s milk in which water has been removed, and is often found with added sugar. Condensed milk does not contain added nutrients for your baby’s growth and development, and has a high sugar content of around 40-45%.
Evaporated milk is also made from cow’s milk with water removed through evaporation. Similarly, it does not contain the necessary nutrients for a baby’s growth and development.
Both of these types of milk should be avoided and should not be used as food or formula replacements for babies.
Choosing Formula with Iron
Iron is a critical micronutrient for all ages. However, children and women in particular are vulnerable to iron deficiency. Without enough iron, your baby could develop anemia, leading to all sorts of health problems. To support your baby’s motor and cognitive development, sufficient iron intake is important. A clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 1 mg/kg/day of iron supplementation for breastfed infants until they are able to consume iron-containing foods.
Newborn babies typically have enough iron stored in their bodies depending on gestational age, maternal iron status, and umbilical cord clamping. As they reach 6 months, most infants need an external source of iron other than breast milk. Since breast milk contains only a small amount of iron, exclusively breastfed infants should speak with a pediatrician to assess if the baby needs iron-fortified formulas or other external sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
More blog posts here:
- Introducing Breastfed Baby’s First Bottle And How To Bottle Feed With Paced Bottle Feeding
- Breast Milk Storage Guidelines & FAQ’s: How long does breast milk last?
- 8 Milk Alternatives for Toddlers Compared to Cow’s Milk
- Power Pumping to Increase Milk Supply
Being a new parent and choosing a formula for your baby might be intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, you’re already on your way to a great start!
