Supplementing Breastmilk With Formula

Breast Milk is the most natural and purest form of food you can give your baby. But under certain circumstances, you may have to supplement breastmilk with formula milk. If breastmilk production is low or if you work for very long hours, you might have to provide formula along with breastmilk. 

What Are the Things To Consider While Selecting a Formula?

The best formula milk for your baby is recommended by your doctor and which the baby accepts without making any fuss. It would help if you considered the below factors before selecting a formula.

Types of formula

Formulas are available in four different types:

Cows milk formula

This is the most easily digestible and readily available formula on the market. This formula contains cow’s milk as the main ingredient, which is then modified to make it safe and easily digestible for the baby. E.g., Similac Pro Advance. 

Soy formula

This is a vegan formula that the doctor prescribes if the baby is allergic to cow’s milk. This milk is made from soy milk that contains proteins and carbohydrates. Eg; Similac Soy Isomil infant formula. 

Hydrolyzed formula

This formula is designed for babies who cannot tolerate cow’s milk and soy milk. This formula contains proteins that are hydrolyzed into smaller proteins making them easy to digest. E.g., Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic powder infant formula. 

Specialized formula:

These are formulas designed to meet babies’ specialized needs like premature babies or those with a high risk of allergy. 

Forms of formula

Formulas are available in three different forms: 

• A powder form that is mixed with water before feeding. 
• A concentrated liquid formula that is also mixed with water before feeding. 
• A ready-to-feed formula that does not require any mixing.

How To Choose A Baby Formula?

Check with your pediatrician

The baby’s pediatrician should be the first point of contact for selecting the right formula for your baby. Pediatricians have an excellent knowledge of the various types of formulas available in the market. Your doctor will advises whether to go for a cow-based, soy, or hydrolyzed formula based on your baby’s health condition. 

If you are not breastfeeding the baby, it can result in iron deficiency. In that case, the doctor will prescribe formulas that are fortified with iron. 

Accessibility

This is particularly important if your local store does not stock up on all types of baby formula. Similarly, it might not be easy to get all formulas if you are traveling  a lot. Thus, it is best to zero in on readily available baby formula. 

Cost

Of all the different types of formulas, powdered formulas are the least expensive. It is also very easy to store. The only requirement is that you need to mix it in the right proportion. 

Concentrated formula is a little more expensive than a powdered one. But it is comparatively easy to mix and less messy. 

Of all the types of formulas, ready-to-use formulas are the most expensive as they can be fed right away. But the milk comes mixed in the right proportion, and you don't need to worry about messing up. 

Decide Which Formula Works Best for Your Baby

Baby formulas come in different types and varieties. Your baby’s requirements should be the first priority when choosing a formula. After all, the formula is meant to nourish the baby and help in his growth. Depending on that, you can decide whether to go for a powdered, concentrated, or ready-to-use one.