Choosing The Right Baby Formula And Baby Bottles For Your Baby. Infant Nutrition 101
So you need to pick a baby formula and baby bottles for your baby. Remember that cow's milk is ideal for calves but it is not a natural baby food for babies. Babies under one year old should not be fed any kind of cows' milk. Breastmilk and infant formula are the only acceptable form of infant nutrition!
It is fine to let your baby have some milk products to eat, such as yogurt, after you have started solids. But, it is better to use baby formula exclusively for babies before they are fed solids (solids should be introduced between 4-9 months, depending on your baby and his/her infant nutrition needs). Infant formula should be used to mix all baby cereals and baby food before he or she is one year of age.
Baby formula varies in convenience and constituents. Discuss all your infant nutrition concerns with your pediatrician before choosing an infant formula. Once you have decided whether your baby should be placed on a regular baby formula or a milk alternative infant formula such as a soy based infant formula you can go to the following baby feeding guidelines:
- Whey - based baby formulas are the most like breast milk, with similar levels of protein and minerals.
- All baby formulas have added vitamins and iron so discuss with your pediatrician whether to still give your baby the traditional multivitamin baby drops in addition to their infant formula.
- Ready to mix baby formulas: There are many "ready-to-mix" baby formulas available on the market today. The two types to choose from are powdered infant formula and liquid concentrate. The liquid concentrates are easier to mix, but they do require refrigeration after they are opened. The powders are more troublesome to mix and require more attention to sterilization of baby bottles.
- Ready to pour liquid baby formula. These need no mixing are available in various sizes for very convenient infant nutrition! You just pour them straight from the can and into your pre-sterilized baby bottles! Although this form of baby formula is ultra convenient, you will have to pay significantly more for it's convenience!
It is useful to note that some brands of baby formula offer various forms of its formulas. One brand may carry a powdered form, ready to mix form and ready to pour form of its infant formula. You can then choose which form is more convenient for your current situation. I.e., it may be cheaper for you to use the powdered baby formula for home use, and the ready to pour baby formula for when you are vacationing. It is important to remember not to switch baby formula as babies have sensitive digestive systems. So a brand with alternate convenience forms of it's infant formula is a better one to choose!
Note: it is VERY important to sterilize everything that comes into contact with baby formula: baby bottles, nipples, tongs, etc… Babies are very susceptible to intestinal infections!
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