How to Choose the Best Baby Formula for Optimal Nutrition and Health

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There are times that bottle feeding is the best option for a parent, which is totally fine, everyone has their own reasons. Even though there are pros and cons to bottle feeding, you have the right to know what the best is. First of all, every new parent should consult with a doctor about the baby formula they will be using through the first years of your new cub. Understand that it is possible that you might need to try a few depending on if your cub is allergic to the content, supply is not enough, etc. Communication and honesty with your doctor are very important. You must consider the carbohydrates, proteins, extra ingredients and cost.

While I was researching, I came upon an important fact about formula. What type of formula? and What form of formula? Let us focus on what type of formula.

• Cow Based Milk Formula: Is the most common. The main ingredient comes from cows and it is easier to digest. It is said that this formula is more prevalent. This type of formula does not breakdown entirely because there are bigger proteins. This type of formula is the most common to provide once the cub is born.

• Hydrolyzed Formula: This type of formula contains proteins that have been broken down into smaller proteins beforehand. These are designed more for cubs who cannot digest cow milk so easily. Thanks to this type of formula, it won’t trigger any allergies.

• Soy Formula: Made from soy and contains proteins that have a soy source. This formula is mainly for those who would like to exclude the intake of animal products or if the cub is allergic to cow milk formula.

• Specialized Formula: Designed for cubs with particular medical needs or conditions such as premature or babies with high risk of developing allergies.

There are so many good types of formulas. However, these are the top for cow-based formula:

1. Kirkland Signature ProCare Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron: This is the most affordable brand formula. This is found in Costco. This product can nourish little cubs from newborn to 12 months. It is said it contains two probiotics to support the immune system and brain development. It has a

2. Similac 360 Total Care: One of the newest formulas that models breastmilk very well, however, this product contains soy. If your cub is allergic to soy, unfortunately this formula is not for your cub. It helps support the immune system, brain development, and digestive health. It has no artificial growth hormones. This product comes in liquid and powder form.

3. Enfamil infant formula: This formula is designed to provide nutrients for infants (0-12 months). This is available in powered and liquid form. This brand and type of formula is what many hospitals provide. In liquid form, the bottle that the formula is in is very ideal. Its practical, compact, and measure the specific amount. All you need to do is open the bottle and place the drinking part on and your set. This product comes in powder form.

“This formula also has galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose, two prebiotic fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut and keep the immune system healthy” (Younkin, 2024).

5. Up & Up Advantage Premium Infant Formula with Iron:. This formula adds immune system support. This formula provides benefit for infants to 12-month-old cubs; it is also budget friendly. This product comes in powder form only. It focuses on the immune system. This formula is gluten free and has non-GMO.

These are the top for hydrolyzed formula (also called hypoallergenic).

1. Enfamil Nitramigen: This is for cubs that are allergic to cow-based products, however, it is more expensive. “It is lactose-free and has DHA and ARA to support healthy brain development. Nutramigen also includes the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to support the gut and immune system.” (Younkin, 2024). This formula is found in powder form. It contains LGG which help control the allergic reaction.

2. Up & Up Gentle Premium: This formula is also made for sensitive stomach containing DHA and choline. This formula helps your cub digest food easier for fussiness or gases; it supports growth, brain and general development. This formulais found in a powder form.

3. Gerber Good Start GentlePro Powder Infant Formula: This has pre- and pro- biotics which helps with the digestion. This formula is found in powder form.

4. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease: This is great for gassy cubs. Usually common in newborns; it helps alleviate the fussiness. It is also recommended to premature cubs. This formula is for gassy, fussy babies and is proven to reduce it within 24 hours of use. It is recommended for cub up to 12 months of age. It can be found in a liquid or powder form.

5. Up & up Premium Powder Infant Formula with Iron: Although this is a store brand (Target), the amount of nutrients that is included is a game changer. This formula focuses on your cubs growth.

How do you know which formula is right for your cub?

According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), all formulas are FDA approved and should provide the nutrients needed for your cub. Usually, hospitals suggest cow-based milk. To be honest, the cub is what decides at the end of the day because the cub will be the first to know if he/she is allergic to cow-based formula. From there, you would have to redirect to a different type of formula.

The following link has many brands of formulas and products more in detail of their pros/cons, and what type of formula it represents.

“The FDA regulatory requirements address, among other issues, the safety, nutritional adequacy, packaging, and labeling of these products” “If a product does not meet applicable requirements, the formula may be deemed adulterated, misbranded, or both, and the FDA has the authority to take enforcement action.” (FDA, 2024).

Bridget, Y. and Diz, M. (2022). Choosing the right baby formula: A guide. Healthline. Retrieved from Choosing Formula for Your Baby: A Guide (healthline.com).

FDA. (2024). Infant Formula. FDA. Retrieved from Infant Formula | FDA.

LaBracio, J. (2024). Best Baby Formulas of 2024. Baby List. Retrieved from 10 Best Baby Formulas of 2024 (babylist.com).

Szalinski, C. (2023). The Best Baby Formula. Wirecutter. Retrieved from The 7 Best Baby Formulas of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter (nytimes.com).

Vallie, S. (2022). What to Know About Types of Formula. WebMD. Retrieved from Types of Infant Formula: What to Know and How to Choose (webmd.com).

Williams, V. (2024). Best Baby Formulas of 2024, According to Research. Forbes Health. Retrieved from 10 Best Baby Formulas Of 2024 – Forbes Health.

Younkin, L. (2024). Seven Best Baby Formulas: According to the Doctors and Dietitians. Parents.com. Retrieved from The 7 Best Baby Formulas of 2024 (parents.com).