Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your newborn baby. It gives her optimum nutrition and builds up her immune system. But for some mothers and their babies, it just isn’t an option. Baby formula is sometimes the only alternative for a number of different reasons.
Some parents, however, are concerned about potential problems resulting from feeding cow’s milk to babies. They’re not comfortable with the thought of giving their baby formula. In reality, though, commercially prepared baby formula is a safe and nutritious alternative to breastfeeding.
For infants under a year of age, regular cow’s milk isn’t recommended. The quality and quantity of nutrients it contains aren’t as ideal as those found in breast milk. Baby formula, however, is much more than just milk. The manufacturers of baby formula put considerable research into their products. The fats and proteins it contains imitate breast milk to a very high degree.
You can also find infant formula that is based on products other than cow’s milk. Occasionally, a newborn baby will be unable to process dairy products because she is lactose intolerant. But you have other choices that are healthy and safe.
One good alternative is formula based on soy products. It’s made with soy protein and is lactose free. Be careful though, that you buy soy formula, not soy milk, which is unsuitable for babies.
Another substitute for formula made from dairy products is a product containing protein hydrolysate. The proteins in this formula have been broken down so that they are similar to the product of normal digestion.
All these products are available in a variety of formulations. Your least expensive choice is powdered formula. It’s prepared at home using boiled water. Concentrated liquid formula is also intended to be diluted with water, but is typically easier to prepare.
When preparing either powdered or concentrated products, it’s important to measure carefully. It’s essential that you use the correct ratio of water to formula for the health of your baby. Also be sure to sterilize all utensils that are used to prepare the formula.
On the other hand, ready-to-use formula is pre-mixed for instant use. Not surprisingly, it’s also the most expensive choice. Like the others, it can be fed warm or cool, whichever your baby prefers.
One drawback with bottle feeding formula is that parents become more aware of the quantities being ingested. According to trusted sources of baby advice, you should never force your child to drink more than she is willing to consume. If she hasn’t drunk the full amount at the time you think she should, just wait and try again later. Your baby won’t starve; when she’s hungry, she’ll let you know.