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Breast Milk and Baby Formulas

Feeding time is an important bonding experience for a woman and her baby. Some mothers are unable to breastfeed because of certain physical conditions. Iron-fortified commercial infant formulas are the best alternative to breast milk. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, they're also aware that supplemental feeding might be the preferred option for some.

Commercial Infant Formulas or Cow's Milk?

Commercial infant formulas are recommended over cow's milk if a mother is unable to breastfeed. Cow's milk is difficult for babies to digest and doesn't provide enough iron for proper nutrition in the early stages of life. Infant formulas are scientifically developed to incorporate vitamins and minerals that infants need in their diet for the first six months of life before they begin solid foods.

Standard Formula or Soy Formula?

Infant formulas vary in protein types. Standard formula is made from the protein in cow's milk. Because cow's milk protein can be difficult for infants to digest, some infants develop intolerance for standard formula. Soy formulas are also available. Soy formulas are made with a soy protein as its base. Infants can also develop intolerances to soy protein.

Preparing Baby Formula

Infant formulas should be prepared according to the directions on the container. Thinning the formula can lead to inadequate nutrition and vitamins for your baby. Mixing formula with a reliable water source is also important. Clean water and sterilized bottles reduce the risk of bacteria entering the baby's digestive system.

Follow these steps when mixing formula for your baby.

Wash your hands with soap and hot water.
Wash everything that will come into contact with the bottles and the formula can: bottles, nipples, covers, can opener, spoon/scoop, etc.
Boil the water that will be used with the formula and allow to cool to body temperature.
Follow the directions on the formula container and fill each bottle with enough formula for one feeding.
Refrigerate any bottles not being used for feeding. Do not store mixed formula for more than 48 hours.

Heating a Bottle of Formula
When heating a bottle, the best method is heating the bottle in a pan of hot water (heat the water on the stove then remove the pan from the element). That way, the formula in the bottle will be heated evenly.

If you decide to heat the bottle in the microwave, be aware that the formula may contain "hot spots," where the formula is hotter than in other parts. In order to prevent the "hot spots" from burning your baby's mouth, shake the bottle after heating and let it sit for about a minute.

Whether you use the stove top or microwave oven technique, always test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist. The formula should be slightly warmer than your skin.

The Trouble with Fruit Juice

Juice is never a substitute for formula or breast milk. Juice is high in sugar and calories but lacks the vital proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for proper nutrition and development. Infants can easily fill up on juice and lose interest in breast milk or formula. Undiluted juice can be added to the diet after the baby reaches six months but should be limited to a maximum of six ounces a day and should only be a 100% juice formula.

Introducing Other Foods

Babies are ready to try solid foods when their neck muscles are strong enough to hold up their heads and they can sit up. This occurs between four and six months for most infants. Breastfed infants may require iron supplementation at this time and formula-fed babies should continue with iron-fortified infant formulas.

Most babies don't get enough iron with prepared baby foods. When babies reach their first birthday their gastrointestinal systems are better equipped to digest cow's milk. Only whole milk should be given to children under the age of three. During the first three years of life, children need the extra fat they get from whole milk. After age three, reduced fat or two percent milk can be given. As children reach their toddler years their dietary requirements continue to change.

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians. (updated 2003).Breast feeding: Hints to help you get off to a good start.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (updated 2004). A woman's guide to breastfeeding.

Barber, C.L. (nd). Keep baby's formula safe. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.

Briefel, R.R., Reidy, K., Karwe, V., & Devanaey, B. (2004). Feeding infants and toddlers study: Improvements needed in meeting infant feeding recommendations. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104, S31-S37.