BABY FORMULA: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION
By Alan S. Peterson, MD
When Should I Use Baby Formula?
Breastfeeding gives your baby the best nutrition, but formula can be used if you are unable to or choose not to breast feed. Formula gives your baby most of the calories, vitamins and proteins he or she needs.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, however, on added vitamin D supplements. Baby formula gives your baby all the liquids he or she needs. If you are using formula, it should be used until your baby is around one year of age.
How Do I Choose Which Formula to Use?
Most babies need regular formula with iron. Formula comes as a powder, concentrated liquid, or ready-to-use liquid. Powder and concentrated liquid must be mixed with water. Ready-to-use formula does not need to be mixed with water.
Powder formula is the least expensive and ready-to-use formula is the most expensive. You pay for the convenience obviously. Many stores make their own brand of formula. All regular formulas (brand name or store brand) have the same nutrition, so you can choose the formula based on cost and how easy it is to use.
Do I Need to Buy Formula with DHA and AA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are fatty acids that are found in breast milk. They are also added to some formulas. DHA and AA are advertised to improve eye and brain development. There is no proof that adding DHA or AA to formula provides any benefit. Formulas with DHA and AA obviously cost more than regular formula also.
If My Baby Has an Upset Stomach, Will Using a Low-Iron Formula Help?
Iron in formula hardly ever causes stomach upset or constipation in babies, although it is blamed for it. Babies actually need more iron to prevent a deficiency, which can cause anemia (having fewer or smaller red blood cells than normal) and learning problems. Never switch to a low-iron formula without talking to your doctor first.
If My Baby Has Colic, Will Changing Formula Help?
Most colic goes away on its own when your baby is 4-6 months old or sooner. Formula does not usually cause colic, so, you do not need to switch formula. Soy formula does not seem to help with colic. Talk with your doctor about ways to respond to your baby’s crying.
Less stimulation for your baby may help (for example, a quiet room, low voices, fewer visitors). If your baby’s colic is bad, your doctor may have you try lactose-free or hypoallergenic formula for 1 or 2 weeks. These formulas cost more than regular formula. If they don’t help, there’s no need to stay on them.
If My Baby Spits Up a Lot, Will Antireflux Formula Help?
Parents often worry about gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), also called spitting up. Almost all babies spit up to some extent, but it gets better as the baby gets older. Reflux usually goes away when your baby is 6 to 12 months of age or sooner.
If your baby is growing well, you can be sure that enough formula is staying down, and no treatment is needed. If your baby has bad reflux, antireflux formulas may help. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about reflux.
Can I Keep Giving My Baby Formula if He or She Has Diarrhea or Is Throwing Up?
Many sicknesses can cause your baby to throw up or have diarrhea. The relatively new rotavirus vaccine for infants can prevent a lot of diarrhea due to that virus and prevent hospitalizations as well as deaths. You should take your baby to the doctor to make sure that your baby is not dehydrated if there is vomiting or diarrhea, especially if he or she has a fever. It is best to keep giving your baby breast milk or regular formula when he or she is sick. It will not make the symptoms worse.
IT IS NOT SAFE TO GIVE BABIES ONLY WATER. Water alone can cause a low blood sodium and sometimes convulsions and death in infants. Ask your doctor before giving your baby rehydrating drinks (one brand: Pedialyte). These can be helpful.
For more information concerning formulas and other items in this article, please contact your primary care provider.
Dr. Peterson is a doctor of Family and Community Medicine at the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, 317 S. Chestnut St., Quarryville.