Baby Formula Nutrition
In the United States, baby formula is required to meet very strict nutritional standards whether it's made by Similac, Nestle, Walmart or a lesser-known organic manufacturer. What should parents look for in an infant formula? The variety of formulas is greater than ever, and there are a few ingredients that are must-haves for newborn nutrition.
Other People Are Reading
-
Iron
-
Breast milk doesn't contain a lot of iron, but the iron it does contain is easily absorbed by a breastfed baby. Manufacturers of infant formula haven't found a way to make supplemental iron as digestible as breast milk, so formula contains a lot of iron. Even though finding a low-iron baby formula is rare, check the label to make sure your formula is iron fortified.
DHA
-
Look for formula that is fortified with DHA. DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, and it's a type of fat that helps with brain and eye development. Adults acquire DHA from foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and eggs.
-
ARA
-
When DHA is added to infant formula, so is ARA. ARA, which stands for arachidonic acid, is also a fat, but it is an omega-6. ARA contributes to the healthy development of the immune system. Omega-6 fatty acids are very common in adult diets and are found in foods like seeds, nuts and cooking oils.
Soy Formula
-
Soy formula is just as nutritious as milk formula--both are fortified with the same vitamins and nutrients. Switching to soy can have several benefits. Some babies have trouble digesting the proteins or lactose found in cow's milk formula. Using soy formula cuts down on the bloating and other digestive discomfort they may experience. Also, the sweet taste of soy formula may be more appealing to your baby--it offsets the metallic taste of the added iron.
Hypoallergenic Formula
-
Also called protein hydrolysate formula, hypoallergenic formula is given to babies who have a family history of soy and milk allergies. They're easy to digest and are least likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Quantities
-
Determining how much formula to give your baby isn't an exact science, but the general guideline is 2.5 oz. of formula per pound of body weight per day. A 10-lb. baby would drink 25 oz. in a 24-hour period. Don't be bound by those figures, though. Babies know when they need to eat more or less, if you stay attuned to your baby's feeding cues, you'll be sure she's getting the proper nutrition.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit -cr: Flickr Creative Commons
