When it comes to buying baby formula choosing the right formula for your baby can be difficult. There’s so many different formulas, ingredients, and brands it’s tough to know which ones are really the best for your baby.
To be sure you’re choosing the right formula for your baby you need to know what forms and types of formula there are. Keep reading to learn about the various types of baby formulas and for some tips on how to choose the right formula for your baby.
Forms of Baby Formula
While breastfeeding is always the best choice for your baby it isn’t always an option. Breastfeeding provides your baby with all the nutrients he or she needs. But you may find supplementing with baby formula can be helpful when returning to work or letting someone else feed the baby.
There are three forms of the baby formula: powdered, liquid, and ready-to-use.
Powder Baby Formula
These tend to be the least expensive option. This baby formula literally comes in a powder form and requires water to be mixed with it. Usually one scoop to two ounces of water.
One of the benefits of the powdered baby formula is the ability to mix as little or as much as you need. This can be great if you are supplementing your breastfeeding.
Liquid Concentrates
Liquid concentrate baby formula is a little pricier than powder baby formula but is easier to make. Only requiring equal parts amount of water.
Ready-to-Use Baby Formula
These are the most expensive forms of baby formula. These are all ready to go right out of the bottle with no preparation needed. Instead, simply fill up your baby bottle and let the feeding frenzy begin.
Choosing the right form of formula really comes down to which one best suits your needs and wallet. The various types of baby formula are where you need to really concern yourself. As far as trying to answer the question, “what is the best formula for babies?”
Types of Baby Formula
A type of formula generally refers to what the main ingredients or purpose of the formula. There is plethora of types of baby formula. However these are the more common ones.
Cow’s-Milk-Based Formula
This is the most common type of formula. Cow’s milk formula provides the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. But, before you go thinking you can feed your baby cow’s milk, the cow’s milk in the formula has been altered for easier digestion. Babies aren’t ready for cow’s milk until after their first birthday.
Soy-Based Formula
Similar to the cow’s milk protein, soy-based formula primarily uses a plant based protein that is altered for easy digestion by babies. For vegan families this may be a good option, but if not, there are only a small handful of medical uses.
Lactose Free Formula
This is for those rare cases when a baby is diagnosed as being lactose intolerant. Typically, this happens later in life, but occasionally a baby may have this issue. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe soy or lactose free baby formula option for your baby.
Organic Formula
You might be looking for an answer for “what is the best formula for babies?” It’s hard not to answer with organic formula. There’s no processed ingredients, preservatives, or harmful chemicals. It’s all natural and all healthy.
However, because organic baby food is not regulated by the FDA in the U.S., you’ll have to order your organic baby food from overseas. Organic baby formula is highly popular in the European Union and any companies can be found online that ship to the U.S.
Choosing Baby Formula
When it comes to choosing the right formula for your baby you need to know the forms it can come in and the types of formula available. But your best bet will always be to follow the advice of your doctor and pediatrician.
Your baby needs to get the right amount of balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Cow’s-milk-based formula and organic formula are the best sources of balance between the three.
Here’s a pro tip too for choosing baby formula. Go for the brand name products like Holle Formula. While the generic names may save you some money, they haven’t put nearly the amount of research into the health benefits of their formula as the brand names have.
Do your research and choose the baby formula that’s right for your baby today.
