Baby 101: A beginner’s guide to Formula

Like many moms, I vowed to exclusively breastfeed for six months. Spoiler alert: I didn’t make it! By month five, my milk supply couldn’t keep up with her growing appetite, especially during those dreaded cluster feeds. So, I reluctantly entered the world of baby formula, hoping for a quick and easy solution.

Turns out, finding the right formula is like online dating – lots of swiping left before you find “the one.” My baby rejected the first few options I tried, including the highly-rated Bobbie (apparently, my little one has expensive taste). But then, like a knight in shining armor, Kendamil, a European formula, swept in and saved the day. t was love at first sip for my little one! Not only was it organic and similar to breast milk, it was also readily available during our European travels (albeit under the name Aptamil Bio in some countries).

Lesson learned: Formula feeding isn’t always a smooth ride, but with a little perseverance, you’ll find the perfect match for your baby.

Understanding Baby Formula

Baby formula is a manufactured food designed to provide infants with the nutrients they need to grow and develop when they cannot be breastfed. It typically comes in three forms:

• Powdered: This is the most affordable option and has a long shelf life. It requires mixing with water before feeding.
• Concentrated liquid: This is more expensive than powdered but easier to prepare, as it only needs to be diluted with water.
• Ready-to-feed: This is the most convenient but priciest option, as it can be fed directly to the baby.

The primary ingredient in most formulas is cow’s milk that has been modified to be easily digestible for babies. However, there are also formulas available for babies with specific dietary needs, such as lactose intolerance or allergies.

Types of Formula

There are various types of infant formula available to suit different needs. Here are the main types:

1. Cow’s Milk-Based Formula: The most common type, modified to resemble breast milk.
2. Soy-Based Formula: For babies who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk protein.
3. Hydrolyzed Formula: The proteins are broken down into smaller parts for easier digestion, often recommended for babies with allergies.
4. Specialized Formula: For babies with specific medical conditions, such as preterm infants or those with metabolic disorders.

Choosing the Right Formula

Choosing the right formula can feel overwhelming with so many options available. However, here are some factors to consider:

Feature	Bobbie	Earth’s Best Standard	Earth’s Best Sensitive	Earth’s Best Gentle	Earth’s Best Soy	Kendamil	Enfamil	Similac
Organic	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	X	X
Non-GMO	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Carbohydrate	Lactose	Lactose	99% Corn Syrup Solids, 1% Lactose	52% Maltodextrin, 48% Lactose	Corn Syrup Solids	Lactose	Lactose, Maltodextrin	Lactose, Maltodextrin, Sugar
Protein	Intact	Intact	Intact	50% Partially Hydrolyzed Whey, 10% Intact Whey, 40% Intact Casein	100% Soy Protein Isolate	Intact	Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat Milk	Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate
HMO*	X	X	X	X	X	✔	X	X
Whey	60:40	70:30	70:30	70:30	–	60:40	60:40	48:52
Fat Blend (oil)	High Oleic Safflower, Sunflower, Soy, Coconut	Palm Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Oleic Safflower or Sunflower	Palm Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Oleic Safflower or Sunflower	Palm Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Oleic Safflower or Sunflower	Palm Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Oleic Safflower or Sunflower	Whole Milk, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Rapeseed Oil	Palm Olein, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil	High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil
Price/Ounce	$1.86	$1.36	$1.28	$1.35	$1.52	$1.20	$1.15	$1.30

• *HMO: Human Milk Oligosaccharides
• ** Whey and casein are the two main types of proteins found in milk. Whey is more easily digestible and tends to be in higher proportions in breast milk, especially during the early months. A higher whey content can help reduce the risk of digestive discomfort and make the formula closer to the composition of breast milk.

How to prepare the formula

Tips:

• Never microwave formula! You can use warm water to heat up. I just use room temperature or just cold water from the tap.
• Wash your hands before preparing.
• Sterilize the bottles in the first 3 months.

Storage

1/1 Rule:

• 1 day in the fridge (24 hours)
• 1 hour at room temperature (after the baby sips needs to be discarded can’t be refrigerated)

Tip! Don’t use breastmilk as base, you can mix it with breastmilk, but don’t use breastmilk as based (this is called fortifying).

Bottle feeding the baby

Here is the guide to pace feed.

Advantages of Formula Feeding

1. Flexibility: Allows other caregivers to feed the baby, providing mom with more flexibility and rest. Less stress on mom to produce enough milk.
2. Monitoring Intake: Easier to measure how much your baby is eating.
3. Less Frequent Feedings: Formula-fed babies typically eat less frequently than breastfed babies.

Common Concerns

1. Cost: Formula can be expensive, especially specialized types.
2. Preparation Time: Formula needs to be prepared, which can be time-consuming.
3. Digestive Issues: Some babies may experience constipation or gas with formula.
4. No immunization: It doesn’t contain the antibodies that are present in breastmilk.

Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Formula

If you are transitioning from breastfeeding to formula, do so gradually to allow your baby to adjust:

1. Start with One Bottle: Replace one breastfeeding session with a bottle of formula.
2. Increase Gradually: Slowly increase the number of formula feedings over a period of weeks.
3. Monitor for Reactions: Watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues, and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Happy feeding! You got this!

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