How To Choose a Baby Formula
Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, but if you
can't breastfeed, or have chosen not to, then learning how to
choose a baby formula is relatively simple.
You might try asking the pediatrician you have chosen to care
for your baby, before the actual birth. See if they have a
preference of brands or composition, since baby formula should
be rich in protein, fats, sugars and sodium.
Most baby formula manufacturers try as hard as possible to mimic
the mineral and other composition of natural breast milk. While
that's not completely possible, forumulas have come a long way
in the last few years, in meeting the nutritional needs of
newborn and growing babies.
Once you choose a baby formula that is going to meet their food
and calorie requirements, you'll need to decide what type of
formula will work best for your lifestyle and your budget. Most
formulas will come in powder, concentrate, or ready-to-serve.
Powder is the least expensive, but there is the extra work of
having to mix it up prior to use. Concentrate is less cumbersome
to mix, but does require that you add water. Ready to serve is
there whenever you need it, but it is also the most expensive
option.
If you would like to balance economy and convenience, try using
the powdered form and mixing a small pitcher of it, to fill a
small number of bottles. The stirring motions will help to
disperse bubbles that may gather as you whip up one for a hasty
feeding.
Just to make sure you're covered for emergencies, or when
something happens that you don't have any powdered mixed, keep a
couple of cans of either concentrate or ready to use on hand.
That way, you can satisfy the baby as quickly as possible while
eliminating some of the stress of trying to keep up with their
appetite! Be sure to use these extra cans before their expiry
dates.