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Infant formula: Which formula is right for your baby?
Sometimes exclusive breast-feeding isn't possible. Here's what you need to know about choosing infant formula.
By Mayo Clinic staffInfant formula can be a practical and safe alternative to breast milk. Breast milk is the best source of infant nutrition. However, providing breast milk for the entire first year of life may not be feasible for all mothers. Infant formulas offer another option.
Following are answers to common questions about infant formulas.
What are the main types of infant formula?
Commercial infant formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Three major types are available:
- Cow's milk formulas. Most infant formula is made with cow's milk that has been altered to resemble breast milk. This gives the formula the right balance of nutrients — and makes the formula easier to digest. Most babies do well on cow's milk formula. But some babies, such as those allergic to the proteins in cow's milk, need other types of infant formula.
- Soy-based formulas. Soy-based infant formulas may be an option for babies who are intolerant or allergic to cow's milk formula or to lactose, a sugar naturally found in cow's milk. Soy-based formulas can also be useful if you want to exclude animal proteins from your child's diet. However, babies who are allergic to cow's milk may also be allergic to soy milk.
- Protein hydrolysate formulas. These are meant for babies who have a family history of milk or soy allergies. Protein hydrolysate formulas are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions than are other types of formula. They are also called hypoallergenic formulas.
In addition, specialized formulas are available for premature infants and babies who have specific medical conditions.
Why use formula instead of regular animal or plant milk?
Commercial infant formulas provide all the nutrients that most infants need. Milk from animal or plant sources doesn't contain these nutrients in a healthy balance for your baby. For example, infants who drink such milk are at risk of iron deficiency.
What infant formula preparations are available?
Infant formulas come in three forms. The best choice depends on your budget and desire for convenience:
- Powdered formula is the least expensive. Each scoop of powdered formula must be mixed with water.
- Concentrated liquid formula also must be mixed with water.
- Ready-to-use formula does not need to be mixed with water. It's the most convenient type of infant formula. Ready-to-use formulas are also the most expensive — especially when packaged in disposable bottles.
What's the difference between generic and brand-name infant formulas?
All infant formulas sold in the United States must meet the same nutrient standards set by the FDA. Although manufacturers may vary in their formula recipes, the FDA requires that all formulas contain the same nutrient density.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Feeding infants: A guide for use in the child nutrition programs. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/feeding_infants.pdf. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- Morrow AL. Choosing an infant or pediatric formula. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 2004;18(1):49-52.
- Heird WC. The feeding of infants and children. In: Kliegman RN, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102690089-2/0/1608/114.html?tocnode=54475504&fromURL=114.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50044-X_767. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- Feeding your baby with breast milk or formula. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/feedbby.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- Do "house brand" or generic infant formulas differ nutritionally from name brand formulas? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-inf7.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- What does the "use by" date mean on infant formula product labels? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-inf9.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- What is the evidence that addition of DHA and ARA to infant formulas is beneficial? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-inf17.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- Why is there interest in adding DHA and ARA to infant formulas? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-inf16.html. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
- Wright K, et al. Formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA): A critical review of the research. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. 2006;11(2):100-112.
- Indrio F, et al. Effect of a fermented formula on thymus size and stool pH in healthy term infants. Pediatric Research. 2007;62(1):98-100.
- Weizman Z, et al. Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: Comparison of two probiotic agents. Pediatrics. 2005;115(1):5-9.
