6 Infant Formulas You Should Know

Breast milk is the best choice for infants and young children, so in order for the healthy growth of newborns, mothers should be encouraged to use breast milk products. However, if breast milk is not available, fortified infant formula is a good choice for feeding your child during the first year. Infants and young children grow rapidly in their early years, and they need adequate vitamins and minerals to develop strong bones and healthy organs. Today'sInfant formulaDesigned to provide for the specific dietary needs of infants, just like breast milk. Today, experts fortify infant formula with key nutrients to support the overall health and development of infants and young children. Whether an infant formula can fully or partially replace breast milk depends on the product you choose.

Some infant formulas include:

Cow's milk or soy infant formula (iron-fortified)
Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Other formulas designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants and young children

This article focuses on some common types of infant formula, and also provides some tips for formula feeding to every mother.

Types of Infant Formula

1. Cow’s milk-based infant formula

The most common infant formula is modified cow's milk, usually by adding carbohydrates (usually lactose), canola oil, vitamins and minerals to the formula. Please note: Casein is the important protein in cow's milk, however the important protein in breast milk is whey protein, not casein. So, some cow's milk-based infant formulas are modified by adding more whey protein. Despite these changes, the proteins in infant formula are still very different from those in breast milk because their amino acid and protein compositions are different. In cow's milk-based infant formula, protein provides 9% of calories, fat provides 45%, and carbohydrates provide 40%-45%. These formulas are lower in fat than breast milk but higher in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.

2. Iron-fortified infant formula

Iron is an important nutrient for babies as young as 1 year old, as it promotes brain development and helps the lungs carry oxygen to the rest of the body. Today, iron deficiency is linked to poor cognitive ability and development in infants. Some pediatric experts believe that iron-fortified infant formula is best for infants up to 1 year old who are not breastfed or who are occasionally breastfed. They believe that giving iron-fortified infant formula and cereals to infants under one year old can prevent iron deficiency. Taking iron-fortified infant formula can ensure that formula-fed babies get enough iron. Standard iron-fortified formula usually contains 1-10 mg of iron in the form of ferrous sulfate.

3. Low-iron infant formula

Low-iron infant formula means that the formula contains less than 4 mg of iron. The most commonly used cow's milk-based infant formulas are also available in reduced-iron versions, and today these low-iron infant formulas generally contain about 5 mg of iron. Some mothers also prefer formulas lower in iron, believing that the iron content in these formulas may cause gastrointestinal problems such as colic, constipation, abdominal pain, or vomiting. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that iron-fortified or low-iron formula causes gastrointestinal problems in infants and young children. Therefore, iron-fortified infant formula can be an option for occasional breastfeeding or no breastfeeding to ensure that the iron needs of infants and young children are met.

4. Soy-based infant formula

Soy-based infant formula is specially designed for babies who cannot tolerate infant formula made from cow's milk. These infant formulas contain soy protein isolate, made from soybeans, as a source of protein. They also contain canola oil as a source of fat, and have added carbohydrates (usually cane sugar or corn syrup solids), vitamins, and minerals. Most soy-based infant formulas are usually fortified with an essential amino acid called methionine because soy only contains small amounts of methionine. Note that these soy-fortified formulas also contain 5 mg of iron. More importantly, soy-fortified formula is safe and can be considered an effective alternative to cow's milk-fortified formula.

5. Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

This formula is designed primarily for babies who are allergic, intolerant to cow's milk or soy formula, or have a family history of allergies. Hypoallergenic infant formulas are more expensive than cow's milk and soy formulas, and they taste different and may be rejected by babies. Therefore, you should only give your child this formula if your pediatrician recommends it.

6. Lactose-free infant formula

Lactose is the main carbohydrate in cow's milk infant formula, but a small number of infants and young children cannot fully digest the lactose in dairy products because their bodies do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Please note: Although this situation is rare, it is recommended to use lactose-free infant formula for these babies just in case. Additionally, soy infant formula is also lactose-free and can be used for infants with a documented lactose intolerance.

Basic formula feeding tips:

Wash your hands with soap and water before feeding your child;
Always check the expiration date on the infant formula label, on the cap or on the bottom of the bottle. Do not use if it has expired;
Always sterilize water and baby bottles. Babies and children under 3 months of age are at high risk of becoming sick if bottles and nipples are not properly cleaned or become contaminated.
Store your infant formula in a cool, indoor location, not in a vehicle, garage, or outdoors.

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