Baby Formula Guide

Choosing between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is a highly personal choice for each new mom.  Although breastfeeding is virtually free, sometimes it is not a viable choice or needs to be supplemented with a baby formula.  The milk just doesn't come in, baby doesn't latch on or has health concerns, or you choose to wean prior baby‘s first birthday.  Whatever the reasoning for using an infant formula, you want to choose the best for your baby.  So where do you start when you walk up to the wall o' formula at the grocery store?  Read on and you'll find a guide to assist in choosing the right formula for your baby's needs. 

So What Baby Formula is Available?

Baby formula can come in a variety of forms (powder formula, concentrate and ready to feed formula).  Each has their own unique pros and cons depending on the needs of the buyer.

• Powdered baby formula: Contained in a canister, all you need to do is measure it out with a scoop, add water and shake. Powdered formula is probably the most common format and by far the least expensive. The biggest problem with powdered formula is properly measuring it to ensure the desired level of nutrients. Individual powder packets are available but of course you pay for this convenience.
• Concentrated Baby Formula: In a pour-able format, all you have to do is add water and the bottle is ready to go. Although it is more costly, concentrated formula tends to be easier to mix.
• Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula: As the most convenient way to feed baby, ready-to-feed is packaged in individual servings, generally either baby bottles or individual packets. You can be assured baby is receiving the right mix of nutrients, but you are also going to pay a lot more.

What do all those "ingredient" terms mean?

When looking at a canister of baby formula there are many weird different terms you may have never heard of before.  Here's a quick run down of some you will encounter:

• Milk, soy or rice based formula: this refers to the primary ingredient the formula uses to derive the basic nutrients the same as with cow's milk, soy milk or rice milk.

• Iron Fortified formula (or with Iron): Almost all formulas are fortified with iron. The APA recommends starting with a formula with iron, to reduce the risk of iron deficiency. Some babies though cannot tolerate the amount of iron in some formulas and will have a harder time filling their diapers. There are low-iron formulas available if needed.

• DHA/ARA baby formula: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA) are two very valuable fatty acids that most formula companies have begun adding to infant formulas. Although these are synthesized fatty acids found naturally in breast milk, it is theorized DHA and ARA are crucial for brain and eye development. Baby formulas fortified with these nutrients are usually more expensive than those without.

• Organic Baby Formula: These days you can find pretty much everything with an organic alternative, including organic infant formula (or natural infant formula). So what does it mean for a formula to be considered organic? "Organic ingredients are produced without the use of growth hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals." (Similac)

• Toddler Formula: Designed for little ones 9 -24 months, toddler formulas provide extra nutrients during the time when baby is regularly eating solid foods but needs more nutrition than regular cow's milk can provide. Each of the major manufactures as well as a few others have their own version. Toddler formula is slightly less expensive than baby formulas but much more costly than cow's milk. In general if your baby is eating a well balanced diet of solid foods a toddler formula is not necessary. NOTE: Toddler formulas should not be used by infants as they are more difficult to digest.

What are the major baby formula brands?

In the world of baby formula, there are three major manufacturers: Enfamil, Nestle Good Start and Similac.  Many store chains also have their generic version of infant formula such as Parent's Choice from Walmart.  Your friends, family and doctor may have made recommendations but remember that, even though one baby absolutely loved Similac, another may only do well with Enfamil.  Be prepared to experiment at first by purchasing smaller containers or using samples. 

Every brand of baby formula must meet FDA requirements to ensure your baby receives the minimum nutrition.  So, you can rest assured that your baby is receiving the nutrition he/she needs.  Manufacturers then create their own recipes based on these guidelines.  Of course each company is going to say their particular recipe is best, but the even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend any one brand over another.

What's the difference among the major brands?

The main difference between baby formulas is the protein used as a base for the formula as well as the predominant source of fat used. 

• Enfamil and Similac both use a mixture of whey proteins and Casein which is claimed to be the same composition as breast milk. The difference between these two is Similac does not use palm olein oil as the source of fat. Similac claims the absence of this oil assists with calcium absorption. The cost of these two formulas is fairly similar depending on which one is on sale at the time.

• Nestle Good Start uses 100% whey proteins that are partially hydrolyzed which they call their "comfort proteins," which are supposed to be easier for baby to digest. So instead of being formulated like breast milk, it seems to behave like breast milk in the way it digests. This is a great baby formula for gassy babies or those with acid reflux.

• As for generic/store brands, you will have to do some label reading to determine exactly what is being included. Examples of store brands include Parent's choice from Walmart, Target brand and Member's Mark from Sam's Club.

Best Baby Formulas: Parents Speak out

*** First things first... it's best to consult with your pediatrician for his/her recommendation on which formula is best for your baby.  If your baby has specific needs your doctor will recommend a particular formula designed for that need.***

If there is no recommendation from your doctor, and your child does not have special needs, you are lucky!
The options are endless.... pick any of the three major brands and start DHA/ARA formula.  It is speculated that these two ingredients help in brain and eye development.  A one week supply will tend to cost around $25.

Willing to pay for quality?

One of the most highly recommended infant formulas right now is Nestle's Good Start Supreme with Natural Cultures.  Running a touch more expensive than the competition, The Natural Cultures Infant Formula is one of the only formulas to add a nutrient called BIFIDUS BL, which helps support baby's immune system. 

For Babies with special Needs:

Both Enfamil and Similac have a wide variety of infant formulas specifically designed for little ones with digestion concerns.  Several store brand formulas are also now manufacturing more special formulas as the needs are rising.  There are also special formulas designed for infants with special medical conditions (such as premature babies or those needing extra supplement) Your pediatrician will recommend which one is best for each specific condition.  Some of the choices available for common feeding problems include: :

• Gentle Formula - made for infants with fussiness or gas, the Gentle formulas have a lower amount of lactose as well as, broken down proteins to make it easier to digest. Enfamil: Enfamil Gentlease and Similac: Similac Sensitive
  
• Rice Formula - Got a frequent spitter-upper? Rice formulas are designed with a rice starch which is proven to reduce spit-up.
  Enfamil: Enfamil A.R. and Similac: Similac Sensitive R.S.
  
• Hypoallergenic Formula - Some babies have sensitivities to both milk and soy proteins. To reduce allergic reactions these formulas are lactose free and have proteins that have been extensively broken down.
  Enfamil: Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac: Similac Alimentum
  
• Soy Formula - Got Soy? Some babies cannot tolerate milk proteins. This is the time to look at a soy based formula. The are of course milk and lactose free formulas.
  Enfamil: Enfamil Prosobee and Similac: Isomil Advance

Going Green?  What is your best bet in Organic Baby Formula?

As healthy and organic eating becomes more and more mainstream, more brands of organic baby formula are rising to the surface.  Each brand is usually available in a milk based and soy based formula.  Some of the common labels you will see include Baby's Only, Vermont Organics, Earth's Best and Similac.  Earth‘s Best, Vermont Organics and all store brand organic formulas are manufactured by the same company.  For a comparison of the different organic formulas click here. Two of the highest rated organic baby formulas are:

• Baby's Only Organic Formula: One of the top rated Organic Infant Formulas, Baby's Only derives uses 100% rice starch as the primary source of carbohydrate, which means there is only naturally occurring lactose in the milk based formula. Baby's Only formula is marketed as a toddler formula since the company believes infants should be breastfed until 12 months, but it contains all the nutrition required by an infant. Although DHA and ARA ingredients are not included in the formula, Baby's Only does produce a supplement for those who want these added nutrients.
  
• Similac Organic: As a leading manufacturer of baby formula, Similac produces an organic formula comparable to Baby's Only Organic. Similac Organic does include the valuable DHA/ARA ingredients that Baby's Only does not.

Are you on a tight budget?

Making the decision to exclusively formula feed is going to stretch the already tight budgets.  Although there are some programs available to assist with purchasing baby formula, many budget conscience families do not qualify.  Shelling out up to $400 per month for your baby's formula is not an easy task, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the costs.

• Within the three major manufacturers, Nestle Good Start Supreme with DHA/ARA is the least expensive costing approximately $17 for a week‘s supply. With the added DHA/ARA nutrients combined with Nestle's "comfort proteins" Good Start Supreme comes highly rated by parents on a budget.

• The competition is feirce between baby formula makers. Each one wants you to choose their brand over the competition. With their own version of a "baby club" these companies regularly provide free samples and product coupons/checks. Coupons can range anywhere from $2 to $10 in value. Take advantage of these offers to help you choose which formula your baby prefers. Most hospitals give free samples to new moms as well.

• If you are purchasing your baby formula from a grocery store, also purchase your diapers there. If the store that has check-out coupons, you will generally receive valuable formula coupons for the purchase of smaller size diapers.

• Search for deals online as well as in stores. Using a formula coupon or check n coordination with a good sale can save lots. Also, you can often find good deals on baby formula on either amazon.com or ebay.com. Just remember allow for shipping costs.

• Once you have found the right formula, purchase larger containers. The higher the quantity, the better price per ounce you will pay. On this same note, Take advantage of warehouse memberships if you can. Many people have one these days. Find a friend who would be willing to taken you to stock up (this is great for diapers as well.)

• Consider store brand baby formulas. Remembering that all infant formulas sold in the U.S. must meet minimum requirements, a store brand formula can save over $5 per can. Compare the ingredients listed on the can and, the same enough for you then give it a try.

Congratulations and good luck in your new adventure.  Be comfortable with the infant formula you choose and do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician any questions you may have about bottle feeding your baby.  That is what they are there for.

Resources:

Enfamil: www.enfamil.com

Nestle Good Start: www.verybestbaby.com

Similac: www.welcomeaddition.com

Keep Kids Healthy: www.keepkidshealthy.com/infant/baby_formula.html

Baby's Only Organic: www.naturesone.com

Baby Organic: www.babyorganic.com