The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies under 6 months, but 75% of infants get formula for various reasons [1]. Even with lactation consultants, many moms still have questions about bottle-feeding [2]. Let’s find the best option for your little one!
Where can I get a formula recommendation?
Your pediatrician is the best person to ask. Sometimes, though, parents feel hesitant to bring it up and end up relying on baby food websites and packaging [2].
What should I pay attention to on packages?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates commercial infant formulas to ensure they meet minimum nutritional and safety requirements. Most formulas sold in the US contain iron since iron-fortified formulas are recommended [3]. Also, make sure the formula is:
not expired
sealed and in good condition
not labeled for toddlers [4].
What should I do if the formula doesn’t work for my baby?
If your baby shows symptoms of digestive issues, their system might not be coping well with lactose. Consider finding a low-lactose or lactose-free formula. The goal is to find an amount of lactose that won’t cause problems. It’s a good idea to get a recommendation from your pediatrician [2, 5].
Are hydrolyzed formulas better than conventional ones?
Hydrolyzed formulas, with cow milk proteins broken into smaller pieces, are typically recommended for children at high risk of allergies. However, recent studies have not confirmed that they are truly "hypoallergenic" [6].
Is it necessary to switch formulas over time?
Sometimes a formula works well for a while, but then something changes—like your baby starts gaining weight too fast [2]. If this happens, you can switch formulas to prevent obesity.
If you’re using a lactose-free or low-lactose formula, you can try increasing the lactose content after 1-2 months. The older the baby, the better his digestive system works, and by three months, he will probably be able to digest formulas with more lactose [5].
Which type of formula is best: : powder, liquid, or ready-to-feed?
It depends on your preferences.
Powder Formula: the cheapest option and works for most babies. Mix one scoop of powder with 2 ounces of water.
Liquid Concentrate: just add water as directed and shake. Easier than powder but more expensive.
Ready-to-Feed Formula: no mixing needed. Most expensive but error-free. Generally the easiest option for traveling [7].
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