Which newborn formula

However, it is challenging as a parent to feel that you're making the "right" choice. Rest assured that you do not need to make this choice alone. Always speak with your child's pediatrician to determine which formula—and how much to feed—is appropriate for your child. While the infant formula market is certainly saturated, it is important to remember a few key details when shopping for formulas.

Formula ingredients are tightly regulated by the FDA. There are certain criteria that all infant formulas have to meet, including a certain percentage from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and a very specific vitamin and mineral profile. Whey and casein are the most common protein sources.

Vegetable oils such as coconut, corn, soy, palm olein, palm kernel, palm, and high oleic safflower are common fat sources. Maltodextrin and lactose a sugar found in human breastmilk are frequently used as carbohydrates. Which formula you choose should depend on the nutrition needs of your child. Some children cannot tolerate whey or casein from cow's milk and do better on a goat milk formula.

Always look at the ingredient list, and discuss your infant's nutrient needs with their pediatrician. According to the AAP, all full-term healthy babies receive enough iron from their mothers to last for the first four months of life.

If a baby is fed a mixture of breastmilk and formula, speak with your pediatrician to determine whether iron supplementation is needed. Probiotics healthy bacteria and prebiotics food for probiotics are not required in infant formula, but may improve the gut microflora of the formula-fed infant.

A clinical report published by AAP states that probiotics and prebiotics added to infant formula do not appear to be harmful for healthy infants, but "the clinical efficacy for their addition is insufficient to recommend routine use in these formulas.

Formula comes in powder and pre-mixed, ready-to-feed liquid. Powder formula usually requires mixing with water, while liquid formulas do not necessitate preparation. Some formulas come in both forms, which is convenient, especially if you prefer pre-mixed formula for on-the-go, and powder for at-home use.

Price is not directly correlated with quality. Be sure to speak with your pediatrician to do your research on what brand and product is most appropriate for your infant. Powder formula is generally less expensive than ready-to-feed, pre-mixed formula. Some supplements have generic counterparts, which may be less expensive. Here, the best infant formulas:. Gerber Good Start GentlePro is an excellent overall formula. However, Gerber Good Start GentlePro is percent whey with a portion of the proteins predigested or hydrolyzed.

Why does this matter? Casein is historically the more difficult protein to digest, at times, curdling in the stomach acid. With predigested whey protein, we are giving those little bellies the most gentle introductory food. In addition to the partially hydrolyzed whey protein, this formula contains a mix of vegetable oils derived from palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic safflower or sunflower oil , lactose, corn maltodextrin, 2'-O-Fucosyllactose a prebiotic , ARA, DHA, and all necessary vitamins and minerals.

There is not a "one size fits all" when it comes to infant formula, and an infant's needs change over time. You may need to do a bit of trial and error—with your pediatrician's approval—before finding the infant formula that works best for your child. The budget-friendly formula offers complete infant nutrition that's made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial growth hormones.

The predominant carbohydrate source is corn maltodextrin, while the majority of the fat content comes from high oleic safflower or sunflower, soy, and coconut oils.

While the pediatric nutrition market is, admittedly, saturated with brands—few stand out like Happy Baby. The brand known for its fruit and veggie purees is highly regarded because of its commitment to affordable, organic nutrition. Happy Baby currently has three organic infant formulas on the market—two standard products and one sensitive product comparable to Similac Sensitive.

The blend includes DHA and ARA to support your infant's brain and eye development, as well as probiotics to promote optimal digestive health. Of note, this product does not contain any corn syrup solids or maltodextrin. Instead, the formula uses organic lactose, nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, and a blend of palm, soy, coconut, and high oleic oils.

The USDA-Certified Organic Formula is produced from organic milk from cows that are fed certified organic grain and hay grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

The ingredients are non-GMO, and the product is free of added corn syrup solids. The formula is fortified with iron, contains prebiotic fiber to boost immunity, and includes lutein for eye health. The primary carbohydrate source is lactose, while protein comes mostly from organic nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate.

Fat sources include organic palm, soy, coconut, and high oleic oils. Many hospitals provide you with formula to take home, which is helpful to have on hand, even for parents who plan to breastfeed in case of supply or feeding issues. A little bit of acid reflux is normal for everyone, babies included. For some infants, however, gastrointestinal reflux can not only impair intake but impair growth. Symptoms of significant infant reflux include vomiting up breastmilk or formula after feeds, back-arching, irritability, and food refusal.

Historically, physicians would recommend adding rice or oatmeal cereal to baby bottles to help thicken the consistency and weigh the product down in the baby's belly. The AAP recommends against adding cereal directly to baby's bottles, but there may be an alternative formula option on the market that works similarly if your pediatrician approves.

The thickened formula holds down in the belly, preventing it from refluxing up the esophagus and into the mouth , allowing for a more comfortable feeding experience.

Enfamil AR contains a variety of carbohydrates, including rice starch, lactose, maltodextrin, galactooligosaccharides, and polydextrose.

Galactooligosaccharides and polydextrose are also sources of probiotics. The primary protein source is nonfat milk, and the majority of the fat is derived from palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils.

Similac Sensitive is a unique lactose-free formula designed for healthy babies who are simply fussy. Lactose intolerance is very rare in infants , but lactose does go through a fermentation process to digest and absorb, which can cause gas and discomfort for the baby. This formula is most appropriate when a baby is fussy and gassy but otherwise growing well.

The main protein source is milk protein isolate, and the majority of the carbohydrates come from corn syrup, sugar, and galactooligosaccharides. The fat content is derived from high oleic safflower oil and coconut oil. Formulas can look very similar. The Enfamil line alone has over 11 products. Be sure to read labels carefully before purchasing a formula. Occasionally, infants will present with a milk-protein allergy.

This is when the body cannot break down casein and whey proteins. This milk-protein allergy has several symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight failure, and occasionally blood in the stool. Should your little one present with these symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician. The best formula for your child is the type your pediatrician recommends and your baby accepts. The good news is that all formula is heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and has to meet the same basic nutritional requirements.

Formula is designed to mimic breast milk, but ingredients can differ. There are three main types of formula:. For the full lowdown on formula ingredients, review the information on choosing a formula by the AAP.

Do you think this content is helpful? Let our editors know! HMO is important because it feeds good bacteria to the gut, where the majority of the immune system exists. It contains high quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids and no added corn syrup solids. The brand also makes gentle formula for sensitive tummies, a reduced lactose formula and a plant-based soy formula.

Neuro-Pro also contains DHA, proteins and baby probiotics for immune support. Parents love the gentle formula that helps reduce fussiness, colic and gas. When it comes to babies who have extra-sensitive tummies, finding the right formula can be a bit of trial and error.

This can lead to a reduction in fussiness, gas and crying. The lactose is made from cows raised on organic farms and the formula is non-GMO and free of corn syrup. Choosing an Infant Formula.

Minus Related Pages. To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address. Email Address. What's this? Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. Related Links. Body and Mind Resources for Teachers. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website.