| Formual Feeding |
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| What are the various forms of formula? |
| Infant formula is available in 3 forms: Ready-to-feed, Liquid concentrate, and Powder Ready-to-feed- This is used "as-is". You can open the can, pour and feed. It is a little more pricey than the liquid contentrate and powder. Liquid Concentrate- Liquid concentrate must be used half water, half formula. Ex. If you want to make your baby an 8 oz. bottle, you put 4 oz. of formula and 4 oz. of water. One downside to concentrate is you usually use a can a day. Therefore, when you go to the grocery store, you have to buy several cans. Powder- The powder has downsides in infant feeding. It often causes constipation in your new baby. Not all babies will be affected by the powder formula. One good thing about powder formula is when you are shopping or traveling, you do not have to have the bottles fixed. You can simply bring the bottle and formula. |
| What is the difference between milk-based and soy-based? |
| The protein in milk-based formula comes from cows milk which has been heat treated to make it easier to digest. The sugar in milk-based formula comes from lactose, unless marked lactose-free. Soy-based formulas are milk-free and lactose-free. The protein in soy-based formula comes from a soybean source. If a baby shows signs of lactose intolerance or certain allergic reactions to milk protein, your doctor may reccomend a soy-based formula to help this condition. |
| Should I sterilize and use boiled water when making bottles? |
| Sterilization of all equipment and water used in preparing formula is commonly recommended. When you are preparing formula, your own personal cleanliness, as well as that of the utensils you use, is important. The American Dietetic Association does not recommend preparing formula with boiling water due to problems with the physical stability of the formula (ex. clumping or seperation) and nutrient degradation. |
| How long can formula be kept after opening? |
| -An open can of liquid formula or bottles made from liquid formula can be kept for 48 hours, if tightly covered and immediatly placed in the refridgerator. -Formula prepared from powder and placed in bottles for feeding should be used within 24 hours. The remaining powder should have the lid replaced and stored in a cool dry place. It may be kept for up to a month after opening. |
| Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
| -You know exactly how much your baby is getting -Food, medications, and health concerns of the mother does not effect feeding, as it does with breastfeeding -The entire family can be involved in a more intimate aspects of baby by feeding -Mother gets more rest -Formula fed babies eat less often -Great for working mommies |
| Cons |
| -Expense -Lack of infection-fighting antibodies (although the baby recieves a 4-6 month supply from the mother during pregnancy) |
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