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Infant formula: Which formula is right for your baby?
Should infant formula be iron fortified?
Yes. Your baby needs iron to grow and develop — especially during the first year of life. If you're not breast-feeding, using iron-fortified formula is the easiest way to provide this essential nutrient.
Should you buy enhanced infant formulas?
Some infant formulas are enhanced with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These are omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk and certain foods, such as fish and eggs.
Some studies suggest that adding DHA and ARA directly to infant formula can help infant eyesight and brain development. Other research has shown no benefit. Ask your child's doctor for guidance.
Manufacturers of infant formulas have added pre- and probiotics — to promote the presence of healthy bacteria in the intestines — to their formulas in an effort to mimic the immune benefits that breast milk provides. Some studies are encouraging but long-term benefits of these are unknown.
How important is the expiration date on an infant formula?
If the expiration date has passed, you can't be sure of the formula's quality. Don't buy outdated formula.
While checking the expiration date, also inspect the condition of the formula can. Don't buy cans with bulges, dents, leaks or rust spots. Formula in a damaged container may be unsafe.
How long should you use infant formulas?
You can generally use infant formula until a child's first birthday, but talk to your child's doctor for more specific guidance.
After you stop using infant formula, don't give your child reduced-fat or skim milk. While eating a balanced diet, these do not have enough calories or fat for a growing child.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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