The Importance of Selecting the Best Formula for Newborns
Scientists have been working to create a healthy alternative to breast milk for a long time.
In fact, baby formulas have been on the market since the mid 1900's.
Are you a new mother struggling to make a decision with many options formula types and options available?
With a growing list of new mom worries, knowing what to feed your newborn should not be adding to your stress level!
We've got the scoop on choosing the best formula for newborns. The information below will help you pick the best option for your child.
What Type is Right? - The first step to finding the best formula for newborns
The first step in finding the best formula for newborns is learning about the varieties that exist.
There are three main types of infant formula available.
Cow Milk Based:
Nearly all babies do well with cow milk formula. Most cow milk formula options have been altered in a way to be similar to breast milk.
This makes it easy to digest and ensures the best nutrition value. Cow milk formulas usually also have iron added to them.
Iron is essential for infant growth so most doctors suggest using a cow milk formula fortified with iron until an infant's first birthday. It helps prevent anemia.
This is why cow milk based formula is often considered the best formula for newborns.
Goat milk is a second milk option. Using goat milk can be easier to digest for some infants.
Goat milk is also helpful when an infant is allergic to cow milk.
Soy:
Don't want your baby to consume animal products?
Soy-based products can help with this.
Soy has been used in infant formula for about 100 years. Soy milk can also be great if a baby has an allergy to standard milk products. Signs of an allergy to cow milk include diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and cramps.
Soy milk based formula is made from soybeans and has vitamins and minerals added.
Prior to settling on a soy milk alternative, it's important to beware of soy allergies.
If your baby is having an allergic reaction to soy, they may have hives or swollen lips, face or tongue.
Hydrolysate Formulas:
These formulas have a protein that has been broken down into small bits. This makes the formula easier for some babies to digest.
This type of product can be useful for babies who cannot tolerate cow milk or soy milk.
Doctors may recommend this type of formula if allergies run in your family.
It should be known that switching to this type of formula can be difficult.
If your baby has a severe milk allergy, use caution. Studies show that 10-30% of babies with milk allergies additionally can't tolerate hydrolysate formulas.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before making the switch! Doctors can help you choose the best formula for newborns.
Other Formula Options
Special formulas for babies with specific issues are also available. Choosing one of these may help you and your baby have happier feedings.
Probiotic formulas have probiotics or healthy bacteria added to them. This is aimed at to preventing diarrhea in healthy infants.
Night milks are said to be more satisfying for infants' growing appetites. The goal of this product is to decrease night-time feeds and are suggested for babies six months or older.
Acid-reflux formulas are thickened with rice starch. These can make infants suffering from reflux more comfortable when eating. They can help infants who are not gaining weight or who are very uncomfortable.
Formulas for premature and low-birth-weight infants are also available. These have extra calories and minerals to meet the needs of these infants.
Infant formulas containing DHA and ARA omega fatty acids from algae have also can be found in infant formulas. These fatty acids appear to help baby brain and nerve development.
These types of formulas are shown to also improve vision.
Choosing the best formula newborns and your family can be hard. Be sure to talk over your options with your doctor.
Please understand when searching for the best formula for newborns, it may take time to find the best option for your family and child.
Choosing Organic
Choosing organic products can have multiple health benefits.
Organic produce has less than one-fourth the amount of pesticides found in regular produce. Organic crops have 48% less toxic metal than non-organic produce.
Using organic formulas can be part of a healthy family lifestyle. Organic foods may be more expensive, but the quality is worth the price.
Some doctors consider organic formulas to be healthier because they are free from pesticides and antibiotics. Organic products also tend to be free from growth hormones.
For example, organic milks come from cows that never were injected with growth hormones or fed genetically modified feed.
While organic is usually viewed as best, not all organic infant formulas are created equal. Be sure to read labels.
Organic regulations vary by region. For example, organic food produced in the UK has stricter regulations than food produced in the United States.
Therefore, UK based formulas are believed to be more pure and free from GMOs and hormones.
Be sure to do your research before you buy.
When considering organic brands to find the best formula for newborns, it's especially important to take certain ingredients into consideration.
Sweeteners:
Lactose is a sweetener closest to what is found in breastmilk. It is also the most expensive for manufacturers to use, so some use cheaper options such as corn syrup or brown sugar.
The European Union banned formula sweetened with sugar. The ban was due to concerns about rising childhood obesity in the UK.
According to the NHS, nearly 10% first-year school children in England are obese.
Consider the drawbacks of such sweeteners when deciding upon an organic formula for your newborn.
Oils:
Breastmilk is high in certain types of fatty acids. Some organic brands mimic this by adding palm oil.
Research has shown formula high in palm oil can lead to bone density concerns and other physical consequences.
Avoid formulas that list palm oil as a main ingredient.
Synthetic Ingredients:
Some brands contain synthetic preservatives or nutrients that can be harmful.
The National Organic Standards Board has rejected certain synthetic nutrients such as lutein and taurine. Some brands continue to use these and similar ingredients be sure to look at labels.
Preparation and Storage
Different preparations of infant formula are also available. Choose a preparation type that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
Powdered Formula:
Powdered formula tends to cost the least amount of money. A scoop of this formula usually needs to be mixed with water.
When purchasing powdered formula, be aware of expiration dates.
Powdered formula containers should be tightly sealed and never placed in the refrigerator. This can cause clumping.
Powdered formulas for some are considered the best formula for newborns.
Concentrated Liquid Formula:
This type of formula also needs to be mixed with water. However, it tends to be less messy to prepare. This means less time spent cleaning, more time with baby!
This type of formula can be stored unopened at room temperature. Once open, refrigerate and use within 48 hours.
Concentrated liquid formulas are typically priced between powdered and ready-to-use formula.
Ready-to-use Formula:
This type of formula is the most convenient type of infant formula. No water needed!
Store unopened containers at room temperature. Refrigerate open containers and use within 48 hours.
Ready-to-use formulas tend to be more expensive than powdered and liquid concentrate formula.
Many new moms find this type of formula to be the best formula for newborns and adjusting to a busy lifestyle.
3 Best Organic Baby Formula Brands:
HiPP is a family owned, German baby food company that has been offering the highest quality, organic products since 1932. HiPP is committed to biodynamic and organic farming practices, which ensure that your baby gets the best products available. HiPP is being manufactured in many countries and offers variety of products for specific needs:
HiPP Formula Dutch: Stage 1 (0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 12 months), Stage 3 (1 to 2 years)
HiPP Formula UK: Stage 1 (0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 12 months), Stage 3 (1 to 2 years), Goodnight Milk
HiPP Formula German: Stage 1 (0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 10 months), Stage 3 (10 to 12 months), Toddler Milk (1 to 2 years)
HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula: Pre (no starch, 0 to 12 months), Stage 1 (with starch, 0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 12 months)
HiPP Comfort Formula: Suitable for babies with colic and constipation
HiPP Anti-Reflux Formula: Suitable for babies with reflux and regurgitation
Holle has been offering the highest quality, organic products since 1933. Holle is dedicated to Demter and Biodynamic farming, which allows them to product infant formulas that are free from all chemicals, preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and added sugar. Holle offers cows milk and goats milk versions.
Holle Organic Formula (cow): Stage 1 (0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 10 months), Stage 3 (10 to 12 months), Stage 4 (1 to 2 years)
Holle Goats Milk Formula: Stage 1 (0 to 12 months), Stage 2 (6 to 10 months), Stage 3 (10 months and up)
Lebenswert is a German company owned by Holle. Lebenswert is committed to offering the highest quality, organic products. Lebenswert is Bioland Certified and manufactures infant formulas that are pure, free from pesticides, herbicides, GMO, hormones, and antibiotics. Lebenswert formula is available in 3 stages.
Other Helpful Tips
Choosing the best formula for newborns can be stressful. Once you make a choice, follow the tips below to get the most out of the formula and help your baby feed happily.
1. Be careful switching from formula to formula. As a new mother, you may rush to change formulas as soon as your child spits up or seems extra fussy after feeding.
Stick with one formula for at least a week before deciding to change. Frequent formula changes can actually lead to more digestive issues for baby.
2. Don't assume more expensive and special is better. Specialty formulas tend to be more expensive and not always needed.
Speak with your doctor before stocking up on an unnecessary formula.
3. Avoid heating bottles in the microwave. Place the bottle in a warm container for a few minutes instead.
Or run the bottle under running hot water. Always test the formula before feeding your baby to avoid burning your little one!
4. Your baby should eat the bottle within an hour of preparing. Throw away unused formula.
5. Snuggle! Skin-to-skin contact can make bottle feeding easier and is a healthy way to build attachment.
6. Be patient! You are a new mother and already doing great.
And remember, finding the best formula for newborns may be a trial and error process.
Have you found a formula that works best for your baby? Let us know in the comments!
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