Im about to have a baby and i need formula answers???

Question

what in your opinion is the best type of formula for newborns

Answer 1

As others have said, breast milk is best. This is what UNICEF says is best:
#1 Breast milk from the breast
#2 Pumped breast milk from a bottle
#3 Breast milk from a donor (not really available in the US except for preemies and special needs babies)
#4 Artificial formula

Do you really want to feed your baby the fourth choice? Many parents in the US do, but you're selling your baby short of his or her full potential. So many advocates of breast milk will tell you that breastfeeding increases your baby's IQ, increases immunity, decreases risk of obesity, etc. If you think about it, breastfeeding is actually the 'norm' or natural choice that artificial feeding should be compared to rather than the other way around. Taking this view point, feeding artificial formula decreases IQ, decreases immunity, increases obesity, etc. Feeding formula is an acceptable alternative when breastfeeding is not an option, but this should really be the exception, not the rule.

All that said, some parents have a legitimate reason to formula feed, such as maternal drug or medication intake, active untreated tuberculosis, HIV, previous breast reduction surgery, or rare breast anomalies among others.

I hope I'm not being too harsh. This is a very strong opinion, I realize, but I truly believe that you cannot make any better decision for your baby than to breastfeed!

Check out Dr. Sears website. He has a great comparison of breast milk to formula:

here's the general breastfeeding link:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp

and more specifically:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020800.asp
and
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T021600.asp

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

You'll have to kind of do a trial and error approach. Enfamil Lipil with Iron and DHA/ARA has worked best for me. The Nestle Good Start has always caused a bad reaction for my kids; both my boys got very sick from that stuff, so I avoid it like the plague.
The hospital should have a variety of formulas available for you to try. When you find one that works, stick with it. Don't go buying whatever might be cheapest at the store that week. Changing formulas on your baby, at least for the first 6 months or so, is very hard on the baby's system. I found that out the hard way too.

Answer 3

Breastfeeding is so awsome for you and your baby! It's not only going to provide your baby with immunities to diseases but all of the essentials. It's amazing how your body can sustain another. It automatically knows how and when to meet specific needs of your baby! You also burn so much more calories and lose your baby weight really fast! I did it for 6 -7 months and then switched over to formula. In the begining it would seem tough, especially when the baby was going through a growth spurt and feeding all of the time, but when you realize in a few months that you not only nourished the baby on the inside but continued to keep that baby alive on the outside it is really impowering and something to be personally proud of! I switched to simaliac organic and now use parents choice (walmart brand). I carefully read the vitamin mineral content on the back of each can and did some online research and found it to be almost exact in every nutrient. Most are equal but a few are 1 millagram off. It's also 16.95 a can opposed to 28.00 a can. I am now pregnant with my 2nd and intend on breastfeeding again from having such a great experience! Good Luck!

Answer 4

The best person to ask would be the midwife or baby doctor.
If that's not possible read all the info you can get your hands on - there are specific formulas for newborns and they are always labeled as such.

Answer 5

Breast milk is best for newborns! Even if you only nurse for one day, its better than not at all.

The formula feeding moms I know use Good Start with DHA & ARA (the orange one) ot Similac. But ask your baby's pediatrician what is best for your baby.

Answer 6

Breastmilk is the best. If you want the best for your baby, then breastfeed.

If your using formula, they are all the same nasty stuff. I guess if I had to pick I would use an organic formula with DHA and ARA.

Answer 7

start with the breast it really is best and a great way to bond with your baby and if you cant then i would recomend enfimil its what i have used for all of my 5 kids and they have so many different kinds ot choose from if you need other kinds enfimil has it all

Answer 8

I like the Enfamil, Lipil. Premade not powder if you can swing it, it's a bit more expensive.

Answer 9

ask the doctor, he will tell you what he recommends for the baby (depending on his health) also, the hospital will give you some and that will help you see how the baby reacts to different kinds.

Answer 10

similac is the best formula for babies..