Different Formula Types and How to Pick One
We know that the decision on how to feed your baby is a highly personal one and one that you put a lot of thought and emotional energy into. How you arrived at that decision might have been hard or easy. And even once you made the decision, there can still be so many factors and choices at play that the whole thing can feel so overwhelming. This can be espeically true when it comes to picking a type of formula for your baby. So today on the blog we’re breaking down all the different formula options out there to give you a little more guidance and information when it comes to feeding your baby.
Preparation Methods
When it comes to choosing a formula, the first place to begin is with the preparation method for the formula. There are three main types of formulas on the market: ready to feed, liquid concentrated, and powdered. And there are pros and cons to each type. Let’s take a look at what these mean.
Ready to Feed
As the name implies, this type of formula comes ready to feed and requires no other real preparation. This formaula is already in a liquid format and does not need to be mixed with anything or re-constituted with water. All you need is a baby bottle, pour in the amount you want to feed your baby, and you’re ready to go.
Pros: This is the most convenient and easiest formula when it comes to preparation. It is shelf stable or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours after the container seal has been broken. And because it is liquid, it is also sterile so this is the preferred type of formula for premature babies or babies with immune compromised systems.
Cons: It is the most expensive type of formula when compared to other preparation methods.
Liquid Concentrated
This is another liquid formula type but requires a little more preparation than ready to feed. This type of formula is concentrated, so it needs to be mixed with water before serving to your baby. Most liquid concentrated formulas are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, so simply add the same amount of liquid formula and water to the bottle, shake or swirl, and now you’re ready to go.
Pros: Liquid concentrated formulas are still relatively easy to prepare and like ready to feed, the cans are also shelf stable. And because this formula is also in liquid format, it is sterile as well.
Cons: While not as pricey as ready to feed, this type of formula is still much more expensive than powdered formulas.
Powdered
Perhaps the most popular type of formula on the market is powdered formula. This formula comes in a can in powdered format and must be mixed with water before feeding to your baby. Most powdered formulas on the market in the US require a 2:1 ratio (2 parts water to 1 part formula) for mixing, but always check the manufacturer’s label on the can.
Pros: Powdered formula is normally the most readily available formula on the shelves and is also the most economical when it comes to price.
Cons: This preparation method requires the most work when it comes to making bottles. It is also not sterile, which means there can be a small risk of certain bacterias present in the formula. If your baby is under 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has an immune compromised system, you should refer to the CDC’s special formula prep instructions for these groups.
Protein Base
Another choice you will have to make when picking a formula is what protein base will work best for you and your baby. The human breastmilk protein is not something that can be scientifically replicated so formulas have to use a protein base that most closely represents that. But there are options when it comes to picking a base, with the most common choices being cow’s milk protein, soy protein, or a protein hydrolysate.
Cow’s Milk Protein: When it comes to proteins, cow’s milk protein is the closest animal-based protein out there to the protein found in human breastmilk. Thus, it is the most popular base for infant formulas and the one most readily available on the market. If your baby has no issue digesting a cow’s milk-based protein, then this is probably the one for you.
Soy Protein: If you are looking to an alternative to cow’s milk protein, especially if your household does not consume animal products, then a soy-based protein might be the best choice for you. This can also be an option when there is a suspected milk-protein allergy or intolerance for the baby. These proteins tend to be slighly easier to digest for babies with sensitive tummies.
Protein Hydrolysate: And finally, if your baby struggles to digest cow’s milk or soy based formulas, switching to a protein hydrolysate based formula might be the way to go. These formulas, while still made up of either cow’s milk or soy proteins, have gone through a hydrolyzation process to break the proteins down into smaller, more digestible sizes. These formulas can be partially hydrolyzed or fully hydrolyzed (like Alimentum or Nutramigen).
If you have questions about the right protein base for your baby, you can discuss this with your pediatrician.
Other Considerations
There are a few other things that might have you confused when picking a formula - such as organic versus non-organic or European made versus American manufactured or brand-name versus generic, so let’s look at those as well.
Organic Formulas: Some formulas bear the label that they are USDA Certified Organic. Does this mean they are nutrionally superior? Not at all. When it comes to the nutritional content of the organic versus non-organic formula, there is no difference there (and no scientific evidence that babies fed organic formulas are healthier). All this means is that the ingredients in the formula are pesticide and growth hormone free, as well as free of GMOs (or at least 95% of the ingredients are). So this really comes down to parent preference. If your household prefers organic foods, then you will probably also prefer organic formula.
Generic Formulas: And what about generic formulas - the Costco or Target brand of formula - are these not as safe for your baby? Again, the nutritional content of all infant formulas on the shelves in this country are the same, regardless of whether they are name brand or generic. So if you are looking to save a little money on your monthly formula budget, there is absolutely nothing wrong with picking a generic formula.
European Formulas: There are more and more European formula manufacturers that have caught the eye of American parents. This is because European food regulations have standards different from the FDA - the cow’s milk comes from grass fed cows, there are no pesticides, anitbiotics, or growth hormones introduced, and things like corn syrup and other sweeteners are not used. Does this make European formulas better? Not necessarily, just slightly different. Again, the nutritional content of American manufactured formulas is everything a baby needs to grow and thrive. But if this quality control over certain foods is important to your family, then you might gravitate to a European formula. Just remember, these formulas are not sold on shelves in this country and will have to be imported. There is no US governing body overseeing recalls of these formulas either, which is something else to keep in mind.
Clearly when it comes to picking an infant formula for your baby, there is a lot to consider. How is the formula prepared, what is the protein base, where is it made, what are the ingredients? It’s a lot to tackle. But hopefully, after reading the information here you have a better idea of what your choices are. And if you need more guidance when it comes to feeding your baby, reach out to one of our Infant Feeding Specialists for more advice or to your baby’s pediatrician.