A New Beginning

Every baby is different: Formulas are designed to resemble human milk as closely as possible, but there’s no exact match. Therefore no one type of formula is best for all babies.

Formula Feeding Your Baby

The time you and your baby spend together during feeding is a wonderful opportunity to bond, build trust, and get to know your baby’s unique personality. Breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. When it is not possible for your baby to receive breast milk, infant formula can provide the nutrition your baby needs to grow.

CHOOSING FORMULA FOR YOUR BABY There are several basic types of infant formula. It’s easy to get confused about what commercially prepared formula to use. Your baby’s health care provider will have some guidance to help make the choice that is right for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends one that’s fortified with iron.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are healthy nutrients found naturally in human breast milk. These are both types of omega fatty acids, and most formulas now contain them. These nutrients help with the baby’s development. To help with the health of the intestines, some formulas add probiotics and others are fortified with prebiotics.

TYPES OF INFANT FORMULA

In cow’s milk-based formula, the milk is treated to make the protein easier for babies to digest. Lactose is added, and the fat is replaced with vegetable oils and other fats. Soy-based formula is made from soy protein and carbohydrates from glucose or sucrose. Soy formula does not contain lactose or animal proteins.

Milk-based

Soy-based

Hydrolyzed formulas are made with broken-down proteins. The proteins are smaller and can be digested more easily. It is also called predigested formula.

Hydrolyzed

Specialty formulas are available for specific medical needs, allergies, or premature babies. Only use these if instructed by your health care provider.

Specialty

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A New Beginning