What type of formula is best?

Question

Does anyone know what type of formula is best and why? thanks :)

Answer 1

About choosing formulas from a doctor.

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp#T031003
CHOOSING FORMULA
When it comes to infant formula, parents need to know a few simple facts:


Be sure to choose a DHA-enriched formula. Most, if not all of the US formula companies will offer AA/DHA-enriched formulas. For information about the brain-building benefits of DHA click on www.Store.Martek.com.

There are some subtle differences among the major brands of infant formulas which may affect how your baby tolerates one formula over another. Reading the labels may leave you feeling like you need a Ph.D in biochemistry to make an intelligent decision. We want to help you with an analysis of the big three nutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The vitamins and minerals in all formulas are similar, since these are governed by strict regulations, however, the nutritional fine points of the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins differ from one brand to another, as the marketing departments of each company are very willing to point out, especially to pediatricians.

STANDARD FORMULAS
Standard formulas are those that are tolerated by most infants. Infants with special digestive needs require special formulas. Here are some guidelines on how standard formulas differ and how to match the formula to your baby's needs.

Comparing proteins. In looking at the protein content of the big three brands (Similac , Enfamil, and Carnation), you will notice the main difference is in the whey/casein ratio. In recent years there seems to be a whey war going on among formula makers, and each company has its own semi-scientific rationale as to why their product is best. Carnation contains 100 percent whey, claiming that the cow's milk casein used in other brands, unlike the casein in human milk, forms difficult-to-digest curds that contribute to constipation. As an added perk, Carnation predigests the whey, breaking the protein up into smaller particles which are supposed to be easier for a baby to digest.

Enfamil promotes a 60/40 whey-to-casein ratio similar to human milk. Actually, a 70/30 whey/casein ratio is more typical of human milk, and the whey content of some human milk can be as high as 80 percent. Similac has always claimed that casein was the best protein, and for many years Similac formulas were 82 percent casein and 18 percent whey. In recent years, Similac has "improved" on this, and now boasts 48 percent whey and 52 percent casein. How much of this is science, how much is market pressure, and how many other factors are involved is hard to say. A consumer might conclude that Similac isn't sure about the optimal protein composition and seems to be going along with the whey crowd, but not as far as Carnation. Similac backs up their protein choice with studies showing the amino acid profile in the blood of Similac-fed infants is similar to the amino acid profile in the blood of breastfed infants. Unlike the manufacturers of Carnation and Enfamil who claim their formulas are most like human milk "on paper," Ross, the maker of Similac, has departed from this way of thinking and formulates their protein based on what actually gets into baby's blood, not what is listed on the can. This approach seems to have more scientific merit. Until this whey war is settled, let your baby's own digestion system be the guide.

Comparing fats. The label tells you that the fat in all artificial baby milks comes from vegetable oils. There is no acceptable alternative source, though long ago some infant formulas were made with lard. The five types of vegetable oils that are used are palm olein (not to be confused with saturated palm or palm kernel oil), soy, coconut, safflower, and sunflower. The different blends of these oils all have percentages of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to breastmilk, though some rely more on one oil than another. Sunflower oil, for example, is extremely high in monounsaturates, whereas safflower is high in polyunsaturates. Formula companies claim that regardless of the source of the fat, as long as the final blend yields a fatty acid profile similar to human milk it's okay for babies. Enfamil has even published a study showing that their product has a fatty acid profile similar to that of breastmilk. Actually, comparing the fat profile of human milk with the fat blends of formulas is more difficult than it seems because the fat content of human milk changes with the age of the baby and from feeding to feeding. The fat blend of formulas tries to match an "average" fat profile for human milk (whatever that means).

Of all the nutrients in formulas, the fatty acid profile is the most concerning. While formula fat does contain the two essential omega acids, linoleic and linolenic, it does not have any DHA , the fatty acid vital for brain development. Up until recently, researchers believed that infants could make DHA from these essential fatty acids as adults do, but recent studies have shown that formula-fed infants don't have the same high DHA levels that breastfed infants do. Babies may need a supply of DHA ready-made. This biochemical infant quirk has caused a lot of controversy among formula manufacturers as to whether or not to add DHA. As it stands now, the DHA precursors, linoleic and linolenic acids, are there, but they are not as biochemically active as they are in breastmilk. In Europe, additional DHA fatty acids are added to artificial baby milks, and some nutritionists believe that without added DHA, American babies are currently fed formulas that have a fatty acid deficiency. Many researchers attribute the intellectual advantages of breastfeeding that are showing up in new studies to DHA. For the most updated information on DHA in infant formulas, see www.Store.Martek.com.

Another problem with the current fat blends is they don't contain any cholesterol . On the surface this may sound like a nutriperk, yet we are once again tampering with Mother Nature. Human milk is sort of a medium-cholesterol diet, like all animal milks. The absence of cholesterol is another reason for concern in artificial baby milks.

Carbohydrate comparisons. Similac and Enfamil are practically the same in carbohydrate content, both containing only lactose. Carnation, on the other hand, contains 70 percent lactose and 30 percent malto-dextrin, a table-sugar- like carbohydrate that is, according to the manufacturers, necessary to balance the biochemical properties of the whey.

Let baby be the judge. With current knowledge, it's impossible to rate one formula higher than another, and they're all likely to change with time. While the three main brands seem to be nutritionally similar, it all comes down to which formula works better in your baby's intestines.

Iron-fortified formulas. You will notice at the store that both Enfamil and Similac produce iron-fortified formulas and formulas that are lower in iron. In our opinion, and that of the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics, low-iron formulas have no place in infant nutrition. Carnation does not make a low iron formula, but only one formulation that contains the recommended amount of iron similar to that in the other two formulas.

(There is a chart so go click on the link)

FOLLOW-UP FORMULAS
A new trend in artificial baby milk, popular in Europe and now on the shelves in U.S. supermarkets, is formula designed for the infant older than six months and are meant to be a bridge between regular formula and cow's milk, which should not be introduced until some time after age one. Two questions arise about follow-up formulas: are they nutritious and are they necessary? The rationale for follow-up formulas is that the nutritional needs of infants greatly increase after the age of six months (especially for calcium, iron, and protein), and some infants may have difficulty meeting these increased requirements with greater volumes of standard formula, plus solid foods. The following discussion concerns Carnation Follow-up Formula. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of follow-up formula.
Advantages:
• Contains more calcium. From six months to a year the RDA for calcium in infants increases by fifty percent, from 400 milligrams to 600 milligrams. Carnation Follow-up formula contains 600 milligrams of calcium in 24 ounces. It would take 39 ounces a day of standard formula to meet these calcium requirements.
• Contains more iron. From six to twelve months a baby's daily iron requirements increase from six milligrams to ten milligrams a day. This extra iron could be supplied in 26 ounces of follow-up formula or 27 to 33 ounces of standard formula, so there isn't a great advantage to the follow-up formula here.
• Contains more protein. From six to twelve months an infant requires an extra three to four milligrams of protein a day. Follow-up formulas contain from 10 to 25 percent more protein. A baby would need an extra three to eight ounces of standard formula per day to get this extra protein.
• Costs less. The cost is around 20 percent less than the price of regular formula.
• May taste better. Because it is basically milk, it tastes more like milk.
Disadvantages:
• Casein/whey ratio different from human milk. Basically, Carnation Good Start Follow-up is like the older version of Similac: 82 percent casein and 18 percent whey, plus calcium and a newer fat blend.
• Sweetened with corn syrup. The rationale for replacing lactose in the milk with corn syrup is to get it to taste sweeter. In our opinion, using corn syrup as the prime milk-carbohydrate source in an infant under a year is nutritionally unwise. Besides insuring proper nutrition, one of the main goals in feeding an infant over six months is to shape young tastes toward the normal taste of fresh foods. Corn syrup is a sweetener and certainly shouldn't be part of a food babies eat several times each day. Our conclusion: we do not recommend follow-up formulas that contain corn syrup. They are nutritionally unwise and unnecessary. Better to give your baby a higher volume of standard formula (growing babies need more fluid anyway), plus calcium and iron-containing solid foods.

Answer 2

In the US all formulas must meet the exact same strict guidelines inforced by the FDA before being marketed. Some may say DHA and ARA others call it LIPIL same things. Most dr's dont even get involved in this choice but will tell you exactly what I did the only time a dr usually gets involved is when the child is having a tollerance issue to the formula that they are on. When you give birth you will be asked "what formula are you going to use" if you will be using WIC then you have to go by the WIC approved formula.

With my daughter I used Similac and with my son who just turned 8 months old he uses GoodStart DHA and ARA

Answer 3

It is hard to choose since there are so many on the market. First, you want a formula with iron. Look at the labels because some formulas have added sugar and you dont want that. Most formulas are milk based(Similac, Emfamil, Carnation). Most babies do fine on those. For babies who have trouble with milk, a soy formula works well(all my kids were on soy). It is really trial and error. Start with the formula that the hospital uses and then watch for any reactions(excessive gas and/or crying, baby pulling legs up, excessive spitting up or vommitting) These may be signs of a reaction to the formula. If you see any of these, call the doc. Good luck. It is also a good idea to have Mylicon drops in the house. They are gas relieving drops for infants, safe to give a baby. I always had a bottle in the house.

Answer 4

Your pediatrician may recommend a certain brand, but you don't need a pediatrician's opinion to choose a formula. The best food for your newborn is breastmilk. There is no formula that comes close. Even if you plan on formula feeding, please consider breastfeeding at least for the first few days, so baby can get the colostrum filled with antibodies. Any breastmilk is better than none, but exclusive breastfeeding is how babies are meant to be fed.

Answer 5

Generic/store brand is best. All formulas are created equal--there are federal standards that they must meet. So the only real difference is in price. Store brands are half or less the cost. So store brands win.

Answer 6

I can't express enough how great information from Le Leche League is!!! I read the book, The womanly art of breastfeeding, and it was great! you can get the book online or just about anywhere you get other baby stuff....

REMEMBER, BREAST IS ALWAYS BEST!!! IT HAS EVERYTHING THAT BABY NEEDS EACH TIME YOU FEED.

also, contact your local le leche league group! they can be an enourmous support system for you!

Good Luck!!!!

Source(s):

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Answer 7

I heard that the new Carnation is the closest to breast milk.

You may also have wet nurses in your area if you can not decide on a formula.
Lol sorry just one more thing to think about.

Answer 8

nestle good start supreme w/dha and ara. dha and ara are nutrients found in breastmilk. goodstart is easy on thier bellies. my baby was fussy and i switched to this, it helped a lot.

Answer 9

Breastmilk.

Barring that, no baby reacts the same to any given formula. Trial and error.

Answer 10

The one your doctor prescribed, or...the one that is on sale.