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Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
There are many different brands of formula:
All formulas made in the United States must meet strict nutrition and safety standards. Generally, generic or store-brand formulas are the same as brand-name formulas.
There is no evidence that organic formulas provide greater nutritional or health benefits than non-organic formulas.
Studies have not shown a clear benefit to popular formula add-ons such as probiotics and prebiotics.
Key differences between formulas include the composition of protein and carbohydrates. These differences might benefit some babies with severe eczema, cow’s milk allergy, reflux, gassiness, or colic.
Formula types include:
These make up the vast majority of formulas.
Most milk-based formulas have added iron, which babies need. Use only iron-fortified formula, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
These are for babies born with congenital lactase deficiency or galactosemia.
This type of formula is also used by parents who do not want their babies to eat animal protein.
Give only iron-fortified soy formula, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Many babies who are allergic to cow's milk, are also allergic to the protein in soy formulas, so soy-based formulas do not help with milk-protein allergies.
These are for babies who cannot tolerate cow’s milk or soy formulas, like those with allergies to milk or soy proteins.
The proteins in hypoallergenic formulas are broken down so they are easier to digest.
Designed for premature babies
Formula comes in three basic forms:
Powders
Require mixing with water
Cost the least
Concentrates
Liquids that require diluting with water
Ready-to-use (or ready-to-feed)
liquids that can be poured right into bottles
Most expensive
Convenient if you are traveling or cannot get to a clean water supply.
Safety Considerations
Powdered infant formula is not sterile and is not considered safe for infants less than 2 months old, premature infants, or infants with weakened immune systems. These infants should be fed with ready-to-feed formula only.
Carefully follow directions on the label when preparing formula.
Do not add more water than directed. This can be very dangerous for your baby.
Use filtered tap water or sterile water when preparing formula.
Alkaline water is not advised.
How long is formula good for?
Formula that has been offered to, but not consumed by, your baby should be thrown away within 1 hour.
If the formula has not been offered to the infant, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
An open container of ready-made formula should be covered, refrigerated, and discarded within 48 hours if not used.
Check the expiration date on all cans and bottles of formula.
Do not use formula from leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers.
If you need help getting formula to feed your baby, talk to your doctor or call 211 to help find local resources.
You and your family may be eligible for assistance through:
This publication was adapted from information within Nemours KidsHealth articles.
Reviewed by: NM M.D., AR D.O. | 12/2023
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/formulafeed-starting.html#catdietary-needs