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Niche Topics (Pregnancy and Kids) is all about practical parenting advice and parenting
skills to help you deal with common parenting challenges from toddlerhood to teen
years. You’ll find tons of healthy food ideas and easy-
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10 Nifty Ideas to Get Kids to Eat Fish
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5 Fun Ideas to Keep Preschoolers Busy While You Cook
By Martha Sanders
If for some reasons you're unable to breastfeed your baby or decide not to, the next best alternative is commercially prepared iron fortified baby formula.
The kind of formula you choose depends on the needs of your baby and your budget. Formulas are prepared according to FDA regulations, nutritionally complete and safe for your baby.
However, some babies (premature babies or babies with allergies) require special infant formula. Your pediatrician may recommend you get a formula with certain additives or nutrients. Request for any new parent packets which your pediatrician received from formula companies. They often contain coupons that you can use to save money.
How Do I Know Which Formula Is Right for My Baby?
Selecting infant formula can be daunting for most parents. In general, there are
3 main types of infant formula – milk-
In addition to basic formula types, you can also find lactose free formula, formula supplemented with DHA and ARA, and formula for premature babies. All formulas are fortified with iron, Vitamin D and contain lactose.
Many brand-
When possible, choose powdered infant formula over liquid infant formula. Powdered
formulas have lower rate of BPA (Bisphenol A) leaching than liquid. If you're using
ready-
If not, then consider a glass container over canned for prepared liquid formula. According to a Enviromental Working Group (EWG) report, metal cans of liquid prepared formula had the highest concentrations of BPA while glass containers will only have BPA lining in the metal lid.
Milk Based Formulas
Milk based formulas are manufactured from cow's milk. They're available as basic formula and as a predigested formula for lactose intolerant babies.
Cow's milk based infant formula is developed from modifying and treating regular cows milk. The protein quality is improved and has reduced salt levels. A range of different fats is added and the milk is supplemented with 13 essential Vitamins and 11 essential minerals including iron and calcium.
Goat's milk is slowly gaining in popularity among parents as they feel it's better for both baby and the environment.
Using goat's milk is probably fine but goat's milk only contain about 10% of the folic acid in cow's milk. If you plan to use goat's milk, go for a brand that has been fortified with folic acid. On the plus side, goat's milk formula contains higher levels of copper and antioxidant, selenium.
Some parents believe that lactose intolerant babies will fare better when switched to goat's milk. Whilst it's true that goat's milk does contain lower levels of lactose, it's probably best switching to soy based formula or a lactose free formula of cow's milk.
Soy Based Formulas
Soy based formula is also becoming more popular these days as an alternative to milk based formulas for lactose intolerant babies or for babies that are raised vegetarian or vegan.
Strictly speaking, soy is not milk as it's derived from whole soy beans or soy protein isolates. When soy based infant formula is produced, it's supplemented with essential fatty acids, vegetable oils, and carbohydrate in the form of maltodextrins, corn syrup solids or sucrose. Other essential Vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron are then added to soy based formulas.
You can find brands such as Enfamil ProSobee, Similac Isomil, and Nestle Good Start Supreme Soy available on the market.
Specialty Formulas
Usually, specialty formulas are only prescribed when the baby has a specific health
condition such as heart disease, malabsorption, an inability to digest fats or other
conditions that neither regular milk-
Specialty hypo-
Some babies may have a tough time ingesting certain types or brands of infant formulas. If that happens, you might want to experiment around until you find a formula that best satisfy your baby's needs.
How to Choose Baby Formula
How Much Milk Formula to Feed My Baby
Confused about how much milk formula and how often to bottle-
5 Clever Ways to Save Money on Baby Diapers
Find out how you can save money on baby diapers or even get baby diapers for free.
Best Money-
Learn practical advice and ideas on how to save money on baby stuff.
How to Treat Baby Colic Naturally
Natural homemade remedies to treat and prevent baby colic and what you can do to calm a crolicky baby.
4 Must-
Learn how you can buy baby clothes online that are cute, comfortable and practical for a cheap price.
What to Look for in a Baby Cot Bed
Learn how to choose and buy a cot bed that is safe, durable and comfortable for your baby.
Caring for Baby Skin on a Budget
Learn how to care and protect your baby's skin from rashes and common skin conditions for less money.
Homemade Diaper Rash Cream Recipe
Make diaper rash cream and ointment for pennies, and cure your baby's irritated bottom. Also, find home remedies to prevent future rashes.
10 Killer Tips to Lose Pregnancy Weight Fast
A look at some safe and easy ways which you can use in your everyday life to help you lose pregnancy weight fast and naturally.