How to Choose a Formula When You Can’t Nurse Your Baby

Baby Formula

Q: I am very confused about all the different kinds of infant formulas out there. I wasn’t able to continue breastfeeding my baby and now I’m not sure which formula to use. How do I decide?

A: Selecting a formula for a baby has become more complex. During the past few years, the choices have expanded, creating a dilemma for many mothers. Not only is this topic one of the most controversial in pediatrics, it’s also an emotional issue for many moms who feel guilty when they aren’t able to nurse their baby.

Formula companies market their products as being the “closest to breast milk.”

Two products, Enfamil A + and Similac Advanced, are used most commonly as starter formulas.

For babies who have troubles digesting these standard starter formulas, a change can be made to a lactose-free formula — which are usually identified by the letters LF (lactose free) on the label. Lactose is a form of sugar and it’s important to know that the true incidence of lactose intolerance and colic is regularly overestimated.

The proteins in breast milk are 60 per cent whey and 40 per cent casein. Cow’s milk-based formulas are predominantly casein-based.

Source: Dr. Peter Nieman , For The Calgary Herald

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