How to Choose the Right Baby Formula

Are You Choosing the Right Formula for Your Baby? Read This

There you are, standing in the middle of the formula milk aisle and thinking to yourself, “what am I going to choose for my baby?” The good news is, you’re not the only one who’s gone through such a mind-boggling experience. In fact, a lot of mothers think that all milks are created equal, only to find out that they come in all shapes and sizes.

To make the decision easy when you buy baby formula, there are a few things that you need to consider first:

The milk type

Of course, breastmilk is still best for babies especially in the first year of their lives. But some mothers cannot breastfeed due to several health reasons, prompting them to use formula instead.  Fortunately, there are milk types suitable for babies that may not have the same nutritional content as breastmilk but are decent alternatives. These include formula milk, cow’s milk, soy-based milk, and many more. There are also specialty baby formulas created specifically for infants with lactose intolerance, low-birth weight babies, and those who are on a restricted salt intake. The right thing to do here is to consult your pediatrician before you make the switch.

The milk preparation

Before the options get overwhelming, it’s also best to think of the milk preparation that you prefer for your baby. Ready-to-use baby formulas are often the most convenient option because you can pour them straight into the bottle. You also have liquid concentrates that are easily diluted with equal parts water, and of course, the most popular and least expensive option, powders that are usually mixed one scoop of milk to two ounces of water.

The brand

If there’s one time when brand does matter, it would be when you buy baby formula milk for your child. The biggest difference between generic and brand name milk formulas is the amount of research done to see their outcomes on babies. It’s not just about whether your baby will like the milk or not, but also how it will benefit him and how his brain will respond to the formula.

Organic or Formula?

It’s worth noting that there has been no data suggesting that organic milk formula is better than the regular milk formula. With the organic revolution in full swing these days, it’s easy for moms to spend more on organic milk formula thinking that it’s the best option for their baby. But if you ask the experts, you could just spend that money on organic produce, which you’re sure would really have the best benefits. Plus, organic milk, e.g. cow’s milk, cannot be digested by babies easily, so baby formula milk is a much better alternative.

In the end, it all depends on the needs of your baby. The Food and Drug Administration regulates all milk formulas, so they’re all safe for consumption. You just have to choose what fits your baby’s nutritional requirements best to make sure you’re maximising the benefits of your milk formula.