The Basics of Infant Formula

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Feeding your baby a bottle can be a special time — as you cuddle together you're doing something only a mother can do: making sure he or she gets the food and nutrients needed to properly grow and develop. And if your bottle contains infant formula, you can rest assured that you've made a safe and nutritious choice.

In fact, today's infant formula is more like breast milk than ever. While scientists cannot replicate breast milk exactly, infant formula contains a similar mix of the nutrients your baby needs to thrive. This includes a carefully selected balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

What's more, infant formula may be one of the safest foods produced in the United States — the exact content of commercially produced infant formula is heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its safety is protected by very strict quality control procedures.

You have two choices when it comes to infant formula: those made using heat-treated cow's milk and those made from soybeans. Most experts and pediatricians recommend starting with an iron-fortified formula made from cow's milk protein. "Soy formula is only used for very specific metabolic conditions or a vegetarian diet," says Jatinder Bhatia, MD, a neonatologist and nutritionist.

For the sake of convenience, infant formula also comes in three forms: powder, liquid concentrate or ready-to-feed. Start by reading the directions on the formula and following them carefully. Formula that must be mixed with water, such as powdered or concentrated forms, should be prepared with tap or bottled water that has been boiled for 1–2 minutes and then cooled, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This heating process eliminates any bacteria in the water that might be harmful to your baby. To be safe, you should also sterilize all bottles and nipples in boiling water before use.

If cost is a concern, keep in mind that powdered infant formula is usually the least expensive option and ready-to-feed is the most expensive choice. And remember to keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always buy from reputable sources and purchase only well-known brand names.
• Once you've prepared the formula, be sure to refrigerate it properly.
• Never use homemade baby formula.
• Remember, every baby is different. What works for your friend's baby or even your sister's baby may not work for you, so always check with your doctor, pediatrician or medical professional for expert advice about infant formula.

For more information about infant formula from the FDA, including a list of commonly asked questions, visit www.cfsan.fda.gov.

Visit www.huggiesbabynetwork.com for more information.

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