How to Choose a Baby Formula

How to Choose a Baby Formula
3 min read
03 December 2022

Choosing a baby formula that's right for your little one may not always go the right way, but we can help! Whether you're a first-time parent or you just want general advice on providing your child with the right nutrition, we wrote a guide just for you!

When a baby is born, there are a lot of choices when it comes to baby formulas out there in the supermarket (online or in-store). You are likely overwhelmed with a plethora of choices, which is probably the reason you're reading this article.

So, with that in mind, how do you choose a good formula for your little one? What are the considerations? We hope this guide can help your baby get the best nutrition possible.

How to Choose a Baby Formula

In general, a baby formula needs to be chosen based on the ingredients listed on the back. The front labels are usually confusing and sometimes misleading, so it's best to check the Nutrition Facts and Ingredients section. Here are our suggestions when choosing a baby formula:

Consider the type of protein

Most babies will handle dairy-based milk just fine. Compared to breast milk, dairy-based or full-sized protein formula requires more digestive activity.

If your child is not suitable for dairy-based milk and they have a sensitive tummy, you can opt for other milk formulas, such as soy-based (partially-hydrolyzed), which is easier to digest. Some doctors may also recommend fully-hydrolyzed protein formula for babies with allergies to cow's milk.

Lactose and alternatives

Not all babies can tolerate lactose, such as those who were born with digestive problems. Therefore, some baby formula manufacturers have created low-lactose variants that use other types of carbohydrates, such as glucose sugars.

Consider your baby's health condition

If your little one is diagnosed with reflux, you have to be careful with choosing a baby formula. Consider milk formulas that are rich in whey (a type of milk protein), which is typically easier to digest due to its liquid texture. Heavier formulas can also help with baby reflux.

Hydrolyzed whey is also good for babies with skin problems, such as eczema. For babies with constipation, we advise staying away from formulas with palm oil. If you are unsure, you can ask your pediatrician for recommendations for baby formulas based on your little one’s health condition.

Don't be fooled by extra ingredients

By "extra ingredients", we mean those "brain-enhancing" add-ons like DHA, HMOs, and more. They are optional in baby formula and they won't guarantee that your baby will become a college topnotcher in the future - it's how you raise your child that matters most.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, choosing a baby formula could be overwhelming at first, but once you know what to pick based on the criteria listed above, you’ll be on the way to having a healthy and happy baby. Remember that there’s no right or wrong formula – every baby is born differently. 

 

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Rebbeca 2
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