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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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ABC's of Infant Formula
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby. Parents should
not feel bad, however, if mother is unable or chooses not to breast feed.
Today's infant formulas are specially made to meet a babies' nutritional
needs. Even some mothers who breast feed may at one time or another use formula
to supplement their breast milk.
There are basically two types of infant formula: milk based and
soy-based. Cows' milk is the standard base for the majority of infant
formulas. Manufacturers modify cows' milk for human babies by adjusting the
sugar, protein, and fat levels and adding vitamins and minerals in an attempt
to mimic the ratios found in human breast milk (while formula manufacturers
have come close, they still have yet to reproduce the unique qualities of
breast milk!). Approximately 32 ounces of standard formula per day will meet
100% of Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamins and minerals for term infants.
Most milk-based infant formulas provide the baby with 20 calories per ounce.
Cow's milk formula's are available in both iron-fortified and low iron varieties.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly suggests that babies who are
not breast fed or who are partially breast fed should be given an iron fortified
formula from birth to 12 months. The amount of iron in these infant formulas
will not cause constipation.
The next type of available infant formulas are for those children
who are sensitive or allergic to the cow's milk protein. Some of the most
obvious signs of this sensitivity include a rash, hives, eczema (dry, flaky
patches of skin, especially inside the elbows and knees), or vomiting. There are
also subtle clues that a baby may be having trouble with the cow's milk protein.
These include fussiness, or crying and obvious discomfort during or after
finishing a feeding. The baby may be excessively gassy have loose, watery,
and foul smelling stools. For these infants, there are soy-based formulas,
made from soybeans instead of cow's milk. These formulas have also been modified
with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and also contain 20 calories
per ounce. When parents feel that their child may be allergic to cow's milk
protein, they should check with the baby's doctor before switching to a soy-based
formula.
Brand Example |
Indications |
Type of
Protein |
Type of
Sugar |
Type of
Fat |
Calories
per ounce |
Similac®
(with and without iron) |
|
cow's milk -60% whey
and 40% casein (similar
to breast milk) |
Lactose |
Mixture of
vegetable oils |
20 |
Isomil®
(with or without iron) |
Sensitivity or allergy
to cow''s milk protein |
soy protein |
Sucrose |
Mixture of
vegetable oils |
20 |
Life would be easy for parents if these were the only formula choices,
but who said that parenting is simple! There are specialized formulas on
the market to meet the needs of those infants who may be allergic to either
the sugar in cow's milk or the protein. Remember, these formulas are designed
for babies with specific medical or nutritional needs, so ask your healthcare
provider before using one. Here's the lowdown:
Some babies can not tolerate cow's milk formulas because of the milk-sugar
(lactose) . Most healthy term infants are born with the ability to absorb
large quantities of lactose. However, if your baby has symptoms of lactose
intolerance such as chronic diarrhea, or fussiness and crying because of
excessive gas or bloating, they might suffer from this condition.
Some babies are allergic to the protein - not the sugar - in milk,
which can cause wheezing, eczema, or gastrointestinal problems. These formulas
are designed to trigger fewer allergies and be easier to digest than standard
varieties. Hydrolyzing, the process used to make the formula more digestible,
also leaves it tasting bitter, even after sweeteners have been added. Specialty
formula also are four to five times more expensive.
Brand Example |
Indications |
Type of
Protein |
Type of
Sugar |
Type of
Fat |
Calories
per ounce |
| Similac® Lactose-free |
allergy to lactose |
cow's milk -60% whey
and 40% casein (similar
to breast milk) |
Sucrose |
(vegetable oil)
Medium-chain
triglycerides |
20 |
| Alimentum® |
*<Milk protein or soy
protein allergy
*Complicated gastro-
intestinal disorders
*Colic
*Feeding intolerance
to cow-milk or soy
formulas |
casein hydrolysate
(small peptide
considered to be
hypoallergenic) |
modified tapioca
starch and sucrose |
(fractioned
coconut oil)
Medium-chain
triglycerides |
20 |
Remember that all newborns have developing digestive systems so functions
will not always be regular. Your child will regurgitate m formula on some
days. Variations in stool spitting, gas and crying can be expected during
first year of life and these symptoms do not mean you must immediately make
a formula change. Before trying a new formula, always consult with your baby's
doctor for his or her recommendation.
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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