Infant formula
Whether you breast feed your baby and supplement or start baby directly on infant formula from birth, you will need to find out more about milk products on the market.
ABCs of baby formula
Standing in the infant formula aisle at the local supermarket can be daunting for a new mother! Not only do brands differ but there are many different types of formula to choose from. Variations range from standard cow’s milk formulas to formulas designed for babies with special needs like those born pre-term, allergic babies or babies with lactose intolerance. Which is right for your baby?
Ask for advice
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Your clinic sister or doctor can provide you with proper guidelines for feeding your baby. If you plan to start bottle feeding directly from birth, the hospital staff will be on hand to guide you in a formula selection and answer any questions. Switching from breast to bottle when your baby is older or supplementing feeds while you are at work need not be a stressful time for mom or baby. Ask your clinic sister or paediatrician for advice on how to proceed.
Bottle basics
Even if you plan to start bottle feeding from the start, don’t purchase too many bottles before your baby’s birth. You may need to buy several types before finding one your baby likes. The hospital should have a selection of bottles and teats for you to try. If you breast feed and decide its time to wean baby, purchase a few bottles and teats to start off with and see which baby prefers. Anti-colic bottles with flow vents and air regulators are on the market for babies with colic. These are worth a try but don’t expect them to be a quick-fix for colic. You’ll also need a sterilising unit for cold water or the microwave, sterilising liquid and a bottle and teat brush to keep your baby’s bottles clean and healthy. Bottles need to be submerged in the cold water sterilising liquid for at least 45 minutes to be safe. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for a microwave unit.
Choosing formula
“There is no question that breast feeding is the best choice for all babies,” says Deborah Jacobson, a Clinical Dietician with an interest in paediatrics. “If this is not possible, then any one of the cow’s milk based starter formulas on the market is an alternative from birth or after breast feeding before six months.”
Only if there is a strong history of food allergy in your family will your doctor or clinic sister suggest a hypo-allergenic (HA) formula or if the allergy is dairy, you may be advised to switch to a soya formula. Special formulas like these should only be introduced under your doctor or clinic sister’s direct supervision.
Avoid introducing cow’s milk too early. “Full cream milk can only be given to a child from one year,” says Deborah. “A child needs full cream milk products until two years. Only after two years can 2% low fat milk products be used. If a child is not eating well and not gaining weight appropriately, she would benefit from a nutrient-fortified milk or formula for children aged one year and above.”
Formula guide
- Pre-term formula is a special formula designed to meet for the unique needs of pre-term and low-birth weight babies.
- Standard whey-dominant formulas are manufactured from cow’s milk to give baby the right balance of nutrients according to his age in starter and follow-on formulas. Casein-dominant formulas are also available to satisfy the nutritional needs of bigger, hungrier babies.
- Hypoallergenic formula can be used for babies who are at risk of developing allergies, especially to cow’s milk. It is also suitable for babies presenting with eczema. Hypoallergenic formulas are available in starter and follow-on formulas.
- Lactose-free formula (starter and follow-on) is suitable or babies with lactose intolerance, often presenting as severe diarrhoea.
- Thickening agents added to milk formula can help combat regurgitation or reflux problems. Specialist anti-reflux formulas are also available.
- Soya formulas (starter and follow-on) are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies following a vegetarian diet or those with a cow’s milk allergy.
- Acidified formula is a specialist formula that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the prepared feeds. It is indicated in places where refrigeration is limited.
- Standard growth milk is a high-energy formula designed for toddlers from one year upwards. Most contain essential nutrients like calcium and iron. Some brands also contain probiotics for healthy digestion. If your older child doesn’t eat well, ask your medication practitioner about supplements formulated to meet your child’s nutritional needs.
- Soya growth milk is a milk drink for toddlers and older children who are being raised as vegetarians or have a cow’s milk allergy.
Changing formulas
It may be necessary to change your baby’s formula if he presents with problems or appears unsettled. Never change your baby’s milk without first consulting your doctor, dietician or clinic sister. Switching formulas too often isn’t indicated and can worsen problems rather than solve them. There are times when change is warranted. Food allergies are one of the most common reasons for having to switch. “Babies can present with digestive difficulties from a few weeks old,” says Deborah. “This is presented as cramping, diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. They could also present with symptoms of food allergy which include the digestive problems as well as eczema and chest problems.” Should any of these symptoms be present, see your paediatrician or clinic sister for further investigation and advice.
Preparing formula
- Always follow the instructions printed on the formula tin.
- Allow boiling water to cool first before adding formula powder.
- Take extra care when measuring the power and adding it to the bottle. Count correctly!
- Always test the temperature before giving your baby his bottle. Formula can be offered to baby at room temperature. If the milk is too cold, re-heat it by standing the bottle a jug of boiling water for a few minutes.
- Never re-heat the bottle in a microwave. A hot pocket will scald your baby’s mouth.
Sources
- Deborah Jacobson, dietician – www.babyassist.co.za
- Aspen Pharmacare.