Powdered Versus Liquid Formula

16:24 Unknown 1 Comments

Generally, infant formulas can come in ready-to-use liquid, concentrated liquid, and powdered form. The type of formula milk that will work best for you will depend on how much formula you plan to use, where you plan to use it (ready-to-use is actually more convenient if you are out and about) and how much you have in your budget. Ideally, all forms of formula are the same from a nutritional standpoint.

Powder formula

The concept involved here is that you add powder to a premeasured quantity of water and then shake a lot. Most powdered formula is mixed according to the same recipe which is: 1 scoop of powder to every 2 fluid ounces of water.

Formula in powdered form comes in cans containing enough powder to make between 90 ounces to about 200 ounces of prepared formula. It is the most economical choice and works perfectly well for most babies. For preparation, you can decide to mix it up as you go or prepare a full day’s worth of formula at a time and refrigerate it.

Concentrated liquid formula

This option is the one that requires you to just add water as directed and shake. Mixing and measuring of liquid concentrate formula is as straightforward as powdered formula, because all brands of concentrate formula requires equal amounts of concentrate and water. If you need a total of 4 fluid ounces of prepared formula, all you have to do is mix 2 fluid ounces of the concentrate with 2 fluid ounces of water. Some people may choose to mix a whole can of concentrate with an equal amount of water, resulting in ounces of now-ready-to-feed formula that can be covered and stored in the refrigerator which can be used over the next 48 hours. Although some parents find concentrate to be neater, easier and more convenient than powder, it is usually more expensive than the ones in powdered form.

Ready-to-use formula

This form of baby formula is an option that requires no measuring, no mixing and no mess. It is the most convenient type of formula. It is rich and thick, does not need the addition water to it before feeding. Also, it is less likely to constipate babies than the formula in powdered form. It is usually sold in 2,6 or 8-fluid-ounce containers or 1-quart/ 32 fluid ounce cans or containers. The use of ready-to-feed formula option is usually self-explanatory, that is, what you see is what you give. Although the small “Ready-to-Feed” caption may not be prominently visible on the label, it is difficult to miss the distinguishing price tag. Buying ready-to-feed formula may inevitably cost the most out of all the three options of formula, it however, leaves almost no room for error. It is also the easiest way to limit your baby's exposure to too much fluoride. You can store unopened cans conveniently at room temperature. After opening, unused portions of the formula can be covered and then refrigerated up to 24 hours.