Feeding Baby Formula

Kinds of Formula

There are basically three types of formula, soybean based formula, cow's milk based formula, or protein hydrolsysate formula. If you have just given birth to or adopted an infant, your pediatrician will suggest what type of formula is best for your baby. Special formulas are available for children with allergies. These amino acid based formulas contain no whole proteins so they don't cause reactions. They are generally only available by prescription

Forms of Formula

Formula comes in a variety of forms, including liquid concentrate, powder, and ready-to-use liquid. The ready-to-use is typically the most expensive, while the powder is the least expensive.

Mixing Formula

Before feeding baby formula, you will need to mix it thoroughly. Many pediatricians suggest that parents microwave or heat the water before mixing with the formula. Once you have heated the water, follow the directions for mixing, which are located on the package of formula, and shake well. Be sure you let the formula cool until it is lukewarm, and test it on your wrist before giving it to your baby. If the sterilized water has already cooled, you can mix your formula and then place it into a cup of heated water, shake it, test the temperature, and then give it to your baby.

Feeding Baby Formula Safety

As with any other foods, you will need to store your baby's formula safely. You should use any prepared and/or opened formula within forty-eight hours. Opened cans of pre-mixed or ready-to-use formula should be stored in the refrigerator, as well as any formula that you have mixed using powder and water. If you offer a bottle and your baby doesn't drink it all, it may be refrigerated for up to two hours. Bacteria from your baby's saliva can contaminate the bottle so it should be thrown away after two hours.

Formula Allergies

Babies can develop allergies to certain formulas, especially those that are cow's milk based. If your baby develops continuous diarrhea, abnormal vomiting or spitting up, a skin rash, or shows unusual tiredness, he may have a formula allergy. You will need to contact your pediatrician for advice. He may suggest placing your infant on a protein hydrolsysate formula. Some infants with severe allergies need amino acid formulas. You should not, however, switch your infant's formula without discussing this with your doctor first.

Enhanced Baby Formulas

Is it really necessary to buy formulas that are advertised as enhanced? Enhanced formulas have two fatty acids called arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These acids are in breast milk and foods, such as fish, nuts, and eggs. They are thought to be important to the development of infant development, specifically brain development and eyesight. You can discuss the necessity of using enhanced formulas for your baby with your pediatrician.

Using Whole Milk

Finally, most pediatricians believe that it is perfectly fine to give your baby whole cow's milk once he has turned one year. Remember, the milk that you give your baby should be whole, not skim or low-fat! Your baby needs all of the added nutrients, calories, and fat that are found in whole milk.

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