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The Different Types of Formula
While breastfeeding is best for your baby, sometimes it doesn’t work out and many moms need to use formula. With so many types of formula out there, it’s hard for first time moms to understand the differences in each one.
The most common formulas on the market are either milk based formulas like Similac With Iron and Enfamil With Iron or soy based formulas like Isomil and Prosobee. Both are considered to have adequate calories and nutrition for your growing baby. However, many babies have an intolerance to milk either causing them to vomit or have diarrhea.
This is something they usually grow out of and when its time to switch over to whole milk, many children are then able to tolerate it. When a baby has an intolerance to any milk based formula, pediatricians usually recommend switching to one of the soy based ones as an alternative. Both types of formulas are roughly the same price and can be bought at any store that sells baby food and supplies.
There are some babies that have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts and can’t tolerate either of the above formulas. Sometimes the reason for the allergy or intolerance is unknown while other times an immature digestive tract or esophageal reflux is to blame. Doctors will switch the babies to special hypoallergenic formulas that are easier for the baby to digest like Alimentum and Nutramigen Lipil. There are also special formulas with higher caloric content for babies that metabolize faster and need more calories.
Unfortunately, these formulas are very expensive costing as much as a few hundred dollars a week. The added financial strain can sometimes put more stress on the new mom and her family. There are programs like WIC (Woman, Infants, and Children) that help with the cost of the formula. However, in order to receive WIC you must apply for it at your local county agency and you must meet the salary guidelines.
If you start to notice your baby fussing during feedings or if they are vomiting, having diarrhea or experiencing too much gas, ask your doctor if you should switch formulas. Some pediatricians will recommend switching right over to another formula while others will ask that you gradually introduce a new formula to your baby. In order to do this you should begin by only adding once ounce of the new formula to your current formula. Do this for a few feedings over the next couple of days. Then begin to increase the amount of the new formula. Gradually switching over to a new formula sometimes helps to prevent any further digestive problems.
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