For the wellbeing of your baby, it is essential that you feed him/her the best baby formula. Since a lot of babies are allergic to cow milk, parents often look for healthy alternate formulas that are easily digestible by babies. The best formulas provide babies with all the necessary nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
However, with so many different types of baby formulas available in the market, choosing the right one can get a little confusing. In this article, we are going to talk about the important factors that you should know in order to choose the best baby formula in 2021. Let’s have a look.
Read down below to find out all about baby formula.
Ingredients
The ingredients of the formula is the most important thing that you need to consider to pick the best baby formula. The two main ingredients that are present in all best baby feeds are carbohydrates and proteins. However, some brands also include extra ingredients such as HMOs, DHA, lactoferrin, and MFGM. Though these are safe and healthy to be consumed by the baby, these are not essential.
The main focus should be to look for formulas that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates, looking for extra ingredients should always be the second priority. Moreover, most of the baby formulas with extra ingredients are more expensive as compared to the ones with simple ingredients.
Brand
As far as proteins, carbohydrates, energy, minerals, and vitamins are concerned, there is not a lot of difference in the brands, since most of them use a similar formula. Hence, the main deciding factors are availability and price.
When you switch to a new brand, check how many scoops are required and whether there is a difference in the scoop to water ratio. Other than this, you might want to avoid frequently changing the baby formula since it can upset the feeding routine of your baby. If you do switch, give your baby some time to adjust to the formula.
Cost
The cost of the baby formula is another factor that you might need to consider. Before you head out to buy baby’s formula, have a rough estimate in your mind about how much you are willing to spend.
- If you can’t afford expensive baby formulas, then your best option is to opt for powdered formula since it is the least expensive. It is also easier to store. However, the amount of baby formula needs to be measured each time you use it.
- Concentrated formula costs more as compared to powdered formula. For preparing your baby's feed, this formula needs to be mixed with water. As compared to powdered formula this one is easier to prepare.
- Ready-to-feed formula costs the most among all options. Since it does not need any water or other soluble to be made it is a convenient option.
What are the different types of baby formulas?
There are different types of baby formulas available in the market. The best baby formula for your baby is the one that it can easily digest. The four most common types of best baby formulas are:
Cow milk formula
Cow milk is the most widely used type of baby feed around the world. It also makes up 80% of all the baby formulas available. Since raw cow milk is not safe for babies, the milk used for cow milk formulas for babies is modified to make it healthy for them. Moreover, some babies don’t digest milk because of being allergic to cow milk’s protein. These babies should be fed alternatives instead.
Hydrolyzed formula
This formula is usually used for babies that are allergic to cow milk. Hydrolyzed formula consists of hydrolyzed protein. The protein is broken down so it is more digestible by babies. Moreover, there are two types of hydrolyzed formulas; partially hydrolyzed and extensively hydrolyzed.
Soy formula
Soy formulas consist of carbohydrates such as sucrose or glucose and a protein (soy). This formula is a great option for lactose intolerant babies and babies that don’t easily digest animal milk. Other than this, soy formula can also be fed to babies that are non-allergic. It can be introduced to the baby's diet between 6 months and 1 year.
Speciality formulae
This is another choice for babies that can't break down the nutrients in baby formulas because of allergies or an immature digestive system. You can find a variety of different types of speciality formulas that are made to help babies with different digestive issues such as bloating, colic, acid reflux, and more.
Conclusion
Not choosing the right baby formula for you baby can lead to health complications later on, which is why it is very important that you keep all the above mentioned factors in your mind while choosing the best baby formula for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to change baby formulas?
Yes, most of the time it is safe to change the baby’s formula as long as you don’t change the ‘type of the formula. Though there is always the possibility that you baby might not adjust to the new formula, it’s very unlikely to appen.
Which baby’s formula is the best for babies that have been breastfed?
For babies that have been partially breastfed, the best option is to go for iron fortified cow-milk based formula. Formulas that don’t have sufficient iron can cause iron deficiency in babies.
How long should a baby formula be tried before switching?
You might want to give your baby at least 3-4 days to try the formula before you change it. A lot of babies adjust to a new formula right away. However, if your baby is not adjusting to it, then you might want to switch it.