New mothers are advised that breastfeeding is best for their newborn, but in some cases, it is not possible or practical. For these babies, nutrition will be supplied through infant formula. Today, many types of formulas are on the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates infant formulas in the United States to ensure they meet specific nutritional guidelines. Formulas not meeting these standards are considered "adulterated," although some formulas, including those designed for premature babies or those with certain medical conditions, are exempt from these standards. Consult with your pediatrician before deciding which formula is best for your baby.
Milk-Based Formula
Milk-based infant formulas are by far the most commonly purchased products, accounting for about 80 percent of U.S. formula sales, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. These formulas are made from cow's milk, but they are processed in such a way to make it easier for babies to digest and safe for them to eat. In addition, milk sugar, or lactose, is added and some butter fat is replaced with vegetable-based oils to make it more similar to breast milk and suitable for promoting growth and development. Most healthy babies who do not have food allergies can safely drink milk-based formulas.
- Milk-based infant formulas are by far the most commonly purchased products, accounting for about 80 percent of U.S. formula sales, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- These formulas are made from cow's milk, but they are processed in such a way to make it easier for babies to digest and safe for them to eat.
Soy Formula
Comparison of Infant Formulas
Learn More
Soy-based formulas use soy as the protein source and also contain an added carbohydrate to meet the baby's nutritional needs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. These formulas are often recommended for babies who are lactose-intolerant or who are allergic to milk. However, many babies with milk allergies are also allergic to soy, so you may not see a noticeable improvement after switching. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not typically recommend soy-based formulas unless a baby has a rare medical condition called galactosemia, which makes them unable to drink any formula containing lactose. Some vegetarian families also opt for soy formulas because they contain no animal products.
- Soy-based formulas use soy as the protein source and also contain an added carbohydrate to meet the baby's nutritional needs, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- However, many babies with milk allergies are also allergic to soy, so you may not see a noticeable improvement after switching.
Lactose-Intolerant Formula
Lactose-free formulas are another type of milk-based formula, but they have been altered for babies who cannot tolerate the milk sugar lactose. In these formulas, the lactose is removed and replaced with another carbohydrate source, such as corn syrup, according to BabyCenter 1.
Hydrolyzed Formulas
Enfamil Gentlease Nutrition
Learn More
Hydrolyzed formulas are another type of milk-based formula, but in these products, the protein has been partially broken down into smaller protein units. These formulas, which are sometimes referred to as hypoallergenic or predigested formulas, are often recommended for babies who have or are prone to food allergies or those who cannot be exclusively breastfed for at least four months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although more expensive than other formulas, they are effective: at least 90 percent of babies with food allergies benefit from using a hydrolyzed formula.
Premature Baby Formulas
Babies who are born prematurely or have a low birth weight are often given a special formula designed to meet their nutritional needs. These babies often need to consume more protein and calories than babies who are born full-term, so special formulas have been produced to meet these needs, according to BabyCenter 1.
Metabolic Formulas
Babies with certain medical conditions, including metabolic disorders, need to use specialized formulas specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. These formulas, called metabolic formulas, vary depending on your baby's medical condition. Some of these formulas are available by prescription and may be covered by your health insurance.
- Babies with certain medical conditions, including metabolic disorders, need to use specialized formulas specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs.
- These formulas, called metabolic formulas, vary depending on your baby's medical condition.
Related Articles
References
- BabyCenter: Choosing Formula
- Hays T, Wood RA. A Systematic Review of the Role of Hydrolyzed Infant Formulas in Allergy Prevention. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2005;159(9):810. doi:10.1001/archpedi.159.9.810
- Walker M. Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Infants. ICAN: Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition. 2015;7(4):198-207. doi:10.1177/1941406415591208
- Borschel MW, Baggs GE, Oliver JS. Comparison of Growth of Healthy Term Infants Fed Extensively Hydrolyzed Protein- and Amino Acid-Based Infant Formulas. Nutrients. 2018;10(3):289. Published 2018 Mar 1. doi:10.3390/nu10030289
- Ovcinnikova O, Panca M, Guest JF. Cost-effectiveness of using an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula plus the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG compared to an extensively hydrolyzed formula alone or an amino acid formula as first-line dietary management for cow's milk allergy in the US. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2015;7:145–152. Published 2015 Feb 27. doi:10.2147/CEOR.S75071
- Burks, Wesley, et al. Hypoallergenicity and Effects on Growth and Tolerance of a New Amino Acid-Based Formula with Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid. Journal of Pediatrics. Aug. 2008 153(2): 266-71.
- Greer, Frank R., et al. Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas. Pediatrics. Jan. 2008 121(1): 183-91. 25 Aug. 2008.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Hypoallergenic Infant Formulas. Pediatrics. August 2000, Vol. 106, Issue 2.
Resources
Writer Bio
Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant.