New parents sometimes read about potential difficulties associated with feeding infants cow’s milk, and so shy away from formula based on it. But all commercial formulas are safe and nutritious.

Cow’s milk isn’t a preferred food for babies under 12 months. That much is true. But that’s chiefly because it doesn’t have the same percentage and type of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other compounds that is contained in natural human breast milk. And, indeed, a small percentage of newborns are lactose intolerant.

But baby formula based on cow’s milk isn’t just your regular dairy product in a different bottle with a higher price sticker. The formula is carefully prepared. The cow’s milk fats and proteins are altered to emulate human breast milk to a very high degree.

But, for those few who truly have difficulty digesting cow’s milk-based infant formula, there are good alternatives.

Soy-based formula is a healthy choice. They’re useful primarily for those babies who lack the enzyme to correctly break down lactose, the natural sugar in cow’s milk. Here again, it’s important to get soy formula, not soy milk. The latter is not appropriate for newborns.

A specialized formula called protein hydrolysate is another alternative for those who have some types of milk allergy. The proteins in the formula are already broken down to products that would result from natural digestion. For those rare but unfortunate few babies who are born with a family history of milk allergies, it can be a lifesaver.

Beyond the general category of ingredients, there are many types of infant formula. They differ primarily in cost and convenience.

Powdered formula is the least expensive. It’s designed to be mixed with water. It’s possible and usually safe to mix with tap water. But many parents will want to use bottled water to ensure purity, which largely eliminates the price advantage.

Concentrated liquid formula is also intended to be mixed with water. It has the advantage of being a little easier to prepare, but (like powdered formula) requires careful measurement. The right ratio of formula to water is important for optimal nutrition and ease of digestion.

Ready-to-use formula, by contrast, is already pre-mixed to the exact concentration and form for instant use. Like the others it can be fed warm or cool, whichever the baby prefers. Not surprisingly, it is also the most expensive.

Some formula labeled ‘enhanced’ contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are omega-3 fatty acids found in natural human breast milk. They’re safe, but research is mixed on how much extra benefit they add.

All formulas are safe and nutritious, but all carry the same requirements. They should be prepared with clean, preferably sterile, utensils. Hands that contact anything that would make its way into the baby’s mouth should also be thoroughly cleaned before feeding.

Prepare formula to the exact concentration recommended and feed only what the baby wants. Don’t force the infant to take more than it is willing to consume after waiting a few minutes to relax caregiver and child. If it hasn’t drunk the ‘right’ amount or at the time desired, simply wait and try again later. Babies regulate according to an internal clock, not the one on the wall.

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Do Brands Make A Difference?

Because of the FDA standards, the brands of baby formula that you see in the store really do not vary much from one to the other. A store brand of baby formula will work just as well as a name brand of baby formula. And if all brands meet the same requirements, then what is the difference between baby formulas from different brands? It is the proteins that make all the difference when you are shopping for baby formula.

The Baby Formula Recipes

The protein differences in the formula are where it comes from. For Good Start, the protein comes from whey protein. This is in a 100% concentration. Other brand such as Infamil and Similac are composed of a combination of casein and whey proteins. This makes the baby formula more like breast milk.

There are also other differences in the ingredients of baby formula. Similac is not made with palm olein oil, which is a predominant source of fat. Alternatively, Enfamil is made with palm olein oil. But all formulas have their own recipes, so it is best to study the labels before purchasing it.

Choosing The Right Brand Of Baby Formula For You

Choosing the brand of baby formula that is right for your baby is not a scientific choice. There have been no studies done to compare baby formula brands to each other to see which is best. This means that any brand will do. If you want to purchase a brand that is cheaper, you can. The type of formula also does not matter. You can get pre-made formula, or you can purchase the powder. And with a baby formula dispenser, you will be making bottles with ease.

The only difference in nutrition that your baby will get is when you make the choice to either breastfeed or give them formula. Breastfeeding is best, but for those who have trouble with it for medical reasons or just do not feel like doing it, formula is the next best source of nutrition for your baby.

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