Best Formula For Breastfed Babies
If you are a parent, then you have already heard the news, breastfeeding is the best option for your baby. But sometimes, it is difficult, or even near impossible, for a woman to breastfeed hundred percent of the time.
Reasons for choosing to supplement breastfeeding with formula are different for each family. It may be a medical or physical reasons that prevents some women from producing an adequate milk supply, some may be returning to work and others may have babies with special dietary needs.
Which ever reason it may be, you have to first discuss it with a pediatrician so as to make sure it really is the best option for baby. However, it should not be an issue that will cause a nursing mother any guilt. The first responsibility of a mother is to make sure her baby is well-fed. In addition, it is also important to know which formula to use when supplementing the breastfed baby.
There are various brands and types of formulas available, so it may seem difficult to a first-time bottle-feeder when faced with different selection. Because all babies are different with unique needs and likes, this is a basic guide to some formula options on the market.
Powdered or Prepared Formula
Before you begin searching for brands, it is vital to know how infant formula is sold, and why it matters.
Baby formula is generally sold in two different types, and these are powdered or liquid. Liquid formula is a pre-prepared kind of formula. It is easy to use, since all you have to do is pour out the exact amount you need without having to mix anything.
Usually, most hospitals prefer this liquid pre-prepared baby formula because it is more sterile. It is purchased in already packaged disposable nurser bottles, which allows for very little risk of contamination.
The biggest advantage of this type of formula is that it is very convenient. There is no need to worry about mixing the wrong amounts and this makes it very friendly for babysitters. Also, It is the safest option when there is no clean water and it can make traveling with baby stress free.
The disadvantage of liquid formula is that after it is opened, it has to be used very quickly. Plus it is more expensive.
Powdered formula is the more affordable option because it costs less per container to buy and it lasts longer after being opened.
It is very important to follow the exact mixing directions listed on the container when using powdered formula. When mixing the bottles, you must use sterile water and wash your hands before preparing the formula. You can pre-mix them and store them in the refrigerator once you know how many bottles your baby will use in a day.
Another type of formula that is less common is the concentrate. This requires mixing like powdered formula, but is in liquid form, which makes it neater than powder. The price is between powdered and liquid formula in most cases.
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