Choosing what to feed your baby is a big decision that many new moms and dads stress over. If your baby’s diet includes formula, you may feel overwhelmed by the selection. This guide can help you make smart formula choices.
Baby Formula Basics
Baby formula is a nutritional product designed to give babies all the calories and nutrients they need from a single source. While the formula may look like cow’s milk in a bottle, there’s a lot more to it. It’s fortified with nutrients specifically for newborns and infants.
Baby Formula vs. Breastfeeding
Choosing to use formula instead of or supplement breastfeeding is very personal. The notion that “breast is best” is prevalent, causing many formula-feeding parents to feel guilty. However, there are many reasons new parents may decide to use formula. Not all new mothers are able to breastfeed. Some parents adopt. Others may have personal reasons for deciding not to breastfeed.
What matters most is for babies to get the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. Today’s baby formulas are a very healthy choice for nourishing little ones.
Shopping for Baby Formula
There are many baby formula products on the market, which can make the selection seem overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when making your choice.
- Baby Formula Brands
- Whether to buy Gerber baby formula, Similac baby formula, or another brand is largely a matter of preference. However, all brands must meet federal nutrition standards to be suitable single sources of nutrition for growing babies. So you can rest assured that all major brands are acceptable choices for most babies. If you are not sure which one is right for your little one, ask a pediatrician to make a recommendation.
- Unique Dietary Needs
- While most babies do fine with whatever you choose, some may have particular dietary needs. For example, some babies may need more iron in their diets. Some may be allergic to certain ingredients, such as cow’s milk. Some parents find that certain types of formula seem to trigger tummy troubles or colic and other types seem to help ease it.
- It may take some trial and error to discover which brand or formulation seems to work best for your baby. Your child’s healthcare provider is an excellent source of information on all matters related to your baby’s health, including concerns you may have about baby formula.
- Ready-Made vs. Powdered Formula
- Some formulas are ready-made, while others come as powders that mix with water. A canister of powdered formula takes up less space than the same number of servings would in readymade packages. Yet, some parents like the option of not always having to hassle with mixing formulas. This generally is a matter of personal preference.
Shopping for baby formula doesn’t have to involve standing in a store in front of stocked shelves, turning over every label. With Simply Medical, you can browse our selection at your leisure and have baby formula delivered right to your door.