There are three types of infant formula: milk-based, soy-based, and protein-based hydrolysates. Your doctor can advise which is best for your baby. Infant formula is preferable to animal or soy milk. Elemental formulas are suitable for babies with adverse reactions to cow’s and soy milk. Follow-on milk can be given to babies older than one year. Powdered formula is cheaper, while premade formula is more convenient.
Parents faced with the huge variety of infant formulas in the supermarket can be intimidated by all the options. How do you know which is the best option for your baby? There are three types of formulas: milk-based, soy-based, and protein-based hydrolysates. Your doctor can advise you which formula is best for your baby, especially for babies with special dietary needs. The choice of powdered or premade infant formula is a matter of cost and personal preference.
The ingredients in infant formula are intended to replicate breast milk. Although there is no formula that is exactly like human milk, infant formulas generally provide adequate nutrition for non-breastfed babies. Vitamins and minerals are added to all infant formulas, and they are fortified with iron. Infant formula is preferable to feeding a baby animal or soy milk because these milks can be difficult to digest and do not contain adequate nutrition.
Milk-based formulas are derived from cow’s milk and are suitable for most babies because the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are adjusted to resemble human breast milk. Some people choose formulas made with soy milk. These are nutritionally similar to cow’s milk formula, but do not contain animal protein. Some parents find that lactose intolerant or colicky babies are more comfortable on soy milk formula, while other babies may have the same reactions to the proteins in both cow’s and soy milk.
Protein hydrolyzate formulas, also called elemental or hypoallergenic formulas, are suitable for babies who have adverse reactions to cow’s and soy milk, such as rashes, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Elemental formulas are often recommended for premature babies or babies with a family history of food allergies. This type of infant formula contains proteins that have been broken down to resemble predigested proteins, and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Infant formula is usually sold as “first stage” and “second stage” or “follow-on milk.” The first stage formula is intended for babies under one year of age. It contains a 60:40 whey to curd ratio and is easier to digest. Second stage milk can be given to babies older than one year. It has an 80:20 ratio of curds to whey, so it is slower to digest. Many parents choose to use follow-on milk as supplemental nutrition for children up to three years of age.
In general, elemental formulas are much more expensive than cow’s milk and soy-based formula. Powdered formula is often cheaper than premade formula, but premade formula may be more convenient, especially for travel.
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