Breast is best. This is believed in that exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months may help to prevent food allergies and to reduce infection due to passive immunity. These are just a few benefits of breastmilk.
There are a vast number of formula products to choose from.In many situations , breastfeeding may not occur and then one nust choose to use formula as an option. Each formula has its own particular potential benefits. The bottom line is to find one your baby likes and that agrees with him so that he does not become colicky or fussy from intolerance to the formula. A good starting type is a regular formula that is milk-based, not a soy-based one or a lactose-free one. I usually start a formula- fed baby on Good Start®. “Good Start® seems to be so well tolerated because it is easy to digest. It is the only infant formula that is made with 100% whey protein that has been partially broken down. The partial breakdown results in its ease of being absorbed and processed. In addition it is the only routine starter formula clinically shown to reduce allergic symptoms in babies who have a family history of allergies.” I seldom find the need in switching once initiating with this particular brand.Good Start is considered to be a modified formula that has the added benefit of reducing the risk of eczema in babies who are at increased risk of allergic conditions when compared to regular cow milk-based or soy-based formulas.
One has three such formulas to consider in Canada. We already have mentioned Good Start that is a partially modified whey formula .The extensively hydrolyzed casein formulas available are Nutramigen and Alimentum and are usually unecessary as a first line choice and very pricey.
In more recent years Good Start has become available with probiotics. The probiotics specific to Good Start have been recognized in improving the newborns’ immune system. which has historically always been a big issue in formula fed babies. If, however there are any difficulties I will switch to one of the others. A very good formula I use for babies who regurgitate is Enfamil ® A+ with rice starch. This has a unique ingredient that expands in the stomach and reduces regurgitation quite substantially. Research has shown that breast milk has omega-3 and omega- 6 fatty acids that are crucial for development of the brain in infants.
Several formula companies have added these ingredients to their infant formulas, and advertise them as formula with docosahexaenoic acid or DHA (omega-3) and arachidonic acid or ARA (omega-6). Soy-based formulas are used for babies with sensitivity to cows milk protein, and lactose-free formulas are used for babies having trouble digesting lactose. As a clinician, I must admit that the distinction between the two is quite difficult. All formulas have vitamins and iron so that formula-fed babies generally require no additional vitamin or iron supplements. Some formulas have extra iron, which may increase the consistency of the baby’s stool and may also make a baby more colicky. Specific formulas are available for 6 months and through to 18 months. These ‘next step’ formulas are supposed to have a benefit in being adapted as a next step for the more mature infant. My preferred approach is to switch over from the initial formula once 12 months is reached.I must admit that I have seen some additional benefits over recent years in switching to the next step formulas in that they do offer extra iron and calcium in the growing infant stages.
The toddler is however mature enough to tolerate cows milk at 12 months and older.
Finally, mix water with formula for the powders that need reconstitution, but remember that this water is to be boiled and cooled for infants up to 3 months of age.
