Baby Formula Health Facts

The gold standard of nutrition for your child is breastfeeding. Through breastfeeding, you’re offering your child active enzymes, hormones and other important compounds. Many feel that there’s nothing better than giving their newborn baby a piece of them, something that is beneficial to both their health and development in the years to come. For whatever reason, there are many women who can’t breastfeed, and some that choose not to. That’s why baby formula was invented and with plenty of choices to choose from, it’s a non-breastfeeding mother’s dream.

All Infant Formulas Are Tightly FDA Regulated

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients in formula. It consists mainly of water, carbs, proteins, fat, mixed with vitamins, minerals and additives that imitate breast-milk. The The Infant Formula Act requires all formula, both store brand and name brand, to adhere nutritional standards that are required for the growth of babies. All formula must consist of prebiotics, nucleotides, and both DHA and ARA.

Milk-Based Baby Formula

This formula, which is made from cow’s milk protein, is recreated to mimic breast milk. Most babies do well on milk-based formulas, but there are those that experience colic and fussiness. Many infants can’t tolerate cow’s milk. The stomach cannot break down the enzymes in cow’s milk, and it’s not easily digestible. Switching to a different formula isn’t necessary. Many have claimed goats milk was a better option for their children.

Soy-Based Baby Formula

This formula is made from soy proteins, and doesn’t contain lactose. Soy-based formulas are for children who cannot tolerate milk-based protein because of an allergy, colic or parents against their child consuming animal protein. Soy is also recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics for children who have galactosemia or congenital lactase deficiency.

Goat’s Milk Baby Formula

A lactose intolerant baby, and a baby who is allergic to milk protein, could benefit from goat’s milk. Goat’s milk is both easier to digest and settles in to the stomach easier. Goat’s milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk and contains less allergic proteins.

Organic Baby Formula

The label that is required to be on Organic Formula only means that 95% of what’s in the formula (milk or soy) doesn’t contain antibiotics, pesticides, or any other chemicals. This doesn’t mean that it’s nutritionally superior, just an option for parents to buy.