Feeding your baby formula
Attend any gathering of a group of mothers and you sense a great divide among the breast fed and formula fed. I suppose the divide is inevitable; mothers, sleep deprived and convinced that they are doing what is best for their family. Regardless of what you choose, there are differences among the formula options. The wide variety available allows you to choose what is best for your situation. There are formulas specially made for premature babies, babies with sensitive stomachs, milk allergies and much more.
According to a CNN article, found here, with information gathered from the Mayo Clinic …
All commercial infant formulas are nutritionally sound and designed to support your baby’s growth and development. Most babies thrive on cow’s milk formula, but some babies fare better with other types of infant formula.
* Cow’s milk formula. Most infant formula is made with cow’s milk that has been altered to closely resemble breast milk. The alteration gives the formula the right amount of carbohydrates and the right percentages of protein and fat. The alteration also makes the formula easier to digest. Remember that regular cow’s milk isn’t a substitute for infant formula. Pasteurized goat’s milk and evaporated milk aren’t either.
* Soy-based formula. Soy-based formula is an alternative for babies who are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk formula or who can’t tolerate lactose, a sugar naturally present in cow’s milk. If you choose to use soy products, be sure to use a soy-based infant formula — not soy milk.
* Protein hydrolysate formula. This type of formula is meant for babies who have a family history of milk allergies. It’s easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions than standard cow’s milk formula because the proteins it contains are broken down in a process that mimics digestion.
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