The debate as to whether ‘breast is best’ will always be at the foreground of most moms’ minds, but is formula really good for your baby?
What is Formula?
Most baby formula is milk based infant formula, fortified with the vitamins and minerals your baby needs to grow and be healthy. Regulated by the FDA, infant formula manufacturers must only use safe ingredients in their formulas, or additives approved for inclusion in infant formula.
Milk Protein Intolerance
For babies who can’t tolerate milk protein or lactose, soy infant formula is available, made from soy beans – it’s ideal for babies who are sensitive to the proteins in milk. You should always discuss your baby’s feeding regime with your physician prior to making the switch.
Longer Between Feeds
It’s true that formula-fed babies really can go longer between feeds than breastfed babies. Milk based infant formula for baby contains casein, a protein which babies digest more slowly, keeping them fuller for longer. Breast milk, on the other hand, contains whey, which babies digest quickly, meaning that they are soon hungry again! Whilst this is true for most babies, remember that all children are different – some moms report no difference in sleeping patterns between breastfed and formula fed newborns.
A Combination of Breast and Bottle
In an ideal world, moms would feed babies a combination of breast milk and formula – but as most new moms know, this isn’t always possible. By feeding both to your child, you can ensure they are receiving the benefits of breast milk and the extra nutrition provided by formula. If you’re unable to breastfeed, then of course formula is a great choice for your little one – be sure to choose a milk based infant formula which contains DHA, essential for vision and cognition.
Health Scares
In recent years, there have been many health scares over the safety and nutritional benefits of baby formula. Some have argued that too many formulas contain a high quantity of corn syrup, and organic baby formula can contain brown rice syrup, which has been rumored to contain arsenic. There will always be news stories developing concerning the health risks associated with milk based infant formula and even organic and soy formula, as there is with many food items on the market today. Ultimately, baby formula is a safe and convenient way to feed your baby if breastfeeding is not an option, and by buying organic you are cutting out the chance for any formula ingredients containing pesticides to be included in your baby’s food.
Whichever formula you choose for your baby, rest assured that it has been rigorously tested by the FDA and approved as safe for infants. There is no need for moms who bottle feed to feel guilty; formula is a great way to ensure your baby gets the nutrients he or she needs.
Walmart’s exclusive brand Parent’s Choice Formula was introduced in 1998, and is one of the leading baby formula brands in the USA today. As well as milk based infant formula, the brand also offers soy and rice formula and a range of infant food including toddler formula, pediatric nutritional beverages and snacks including cereal bars and yogurt bites. Nutritionally comparable to leading brands, Parent’s Choice Formula meets FDA standards and could save parents $600 a year compared to purchasing name-brand formula.
