auzziekat
01-14-2006, 03:16 PM
By the way, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends that all healthy babies who aren't breastfed exclusively be given "iron-fortified" formula until they reach their first birthday. It's important that babies receive the minimum recommended amount of iron, to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia inhibits the blood's ability to circulate oxygen, which all the body's cells need to function properly. Studies have shown that getting enough iron in the first year of life is important for school success later on. (Because a baby's iron stores are established in the last trimester, it's especially important for premature babies to get plenty of iron supplementation.) Most formulas will contain at least 4.0 mg. of iron per liter (the minimum recommended amount), although "low-iron" formulas are on the shelves. (These were developed years ago in response to the misconception that iron causes constipation). The AAP would like these low-iron formulas to be discontinued, or labeled as nutritionally inadequate.
Other Ingredients:
Here's where the different brands tweak their formulas to make them just a bit more unique from one another.
Nucelotides:
These are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, naturally present in breast milk. They have several functions and may aid in immune system development. Different brands of formula have different amounts of nucleotides added.
Rice Starch:
Rice starch is added to "anti-regurgitation" formula. Some research shows the pre-thickened formula does result in less spitting up and choking. However, other research indicates there may be the same amount of acid reflux regardless. Ask your baby's doctor before using an "AR" formula to help with your baby's spitting up.
Dietary Fiber:
Soy fiber is added to soy formula for the temporary treatment of diarrhea. (The only formula containing fiber is Isomil DF, which is clinically shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea).
Amino Acids:
Amino acids (like taurine, methionine and carnitine) are added to soy formulas, and sometimes to cow's milk formula, to better match the amount of these amino acids in breast milk.
Should I buy a generic brand?
Generic brands of formula must meet the FDA requirements for nutrients in formula, so in many instances the only difference between generic and brand names is the price. Whether you're buying generic or name brand, though, take a minute to look at the label before you purchase formula. As mentioned above, the ingredients vary from brand to brand, and this can make a difference to your baby.
Can I make my own formula?
No. It would be impossible to include all of the ingredients in the right amounts for your baby. The resulting homemade formula could lead to failure to gain weightand malnourishment, or even death.
What about adding cereal or milk to my baby's formula?
Never add vitamins, cereal, fatty acids, olive oil, regular cow's milk, or any other ingredients to your baby's formula unless your doctor recommends it. Formula is a carefully developed substance with precise amounts of dozens of nutrients. Adding anything to formula could jeopardize your baby's health. Olive oil, for example, can lead to permanent lung damage and even death, because of the danger of inhaling the oil into the lungs when spitting up. Because cow's milk is so hard for babies to digest, never mix it with formula or give it to your baby straight until he's at least 1 year old. And adding breast milk to formula is a waste of breast milk if your baby doesn't drink the entire bottle.
What if I'm still not sure?
If you've decided to feed your baby formula and you're still baffled by the many options available or you're considering switching formulas, talk with your baby's doctor. She'll consider your baby's health, age, and nutritional needs and make an appropriate recommendation. She can also monitor your baby's reactions and investigate any symptoms. Don't try to diagnose an allergy or sensitivity on your own. You could miss a serious underlying condition or prevent your baby from getting adequate nutrition.
If you'd like to learn more, visit the FDA pages on infant formula at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/inf-toc.html http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/596_baby.html
Other Ingredients:
Here's where the different brands tweak their formulas to make them just a bit more unique from one another.
Nucelotides:
These are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, naturally present in breast milk. They have several functions and may aid in immune system development. Different brands of formula have different amounts of nucleotides added.
Rice Starch:
Rice starch is added to "anti-regurgitation" formula. Some research shows the pre-thickened formula does result in less spitting up and choking. However, other research indicates there may be the same amount of acid reflux regardless. Ask your baby's doctor before using an "AR" formula to help with your baby's spitting up.
Dietary Fiber:
Soy fiber is added to soy formula for the temporary treatment of diarrhea. (The only formula containing fiber is Isomil DF, which is clinically shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea).
Amino Acids:
Amino acids (like taurine, methionine and carnitine) are added to soy formulas, and sometimes to cow's milk formula, to better match the amount of these amino acids in breast milk.
Should I buy a generic brand?
Generic brands of formula must meet the FDA requirements for nutrients in formula, so in many instances the only difference between generic and brand names is the price. Whether you're buying generic or name brand, though, take a minute to look at the label before you purchase formula. As mentioned above, the ingredients vary from brand to brand, and this can make a difference to your baby.
Can I make my own formula?
No. It would be impossible to include all of the ingredients in the right amounts for your baby. The resulting homemade formula could lead to failure to gain weightand malnourishment, or even death.
What about adding cereal or milk to my baby's formula?
Never add vitamins, cereal, fatty acids, olive oil, regular cow's milk, or any other ingredients to your baby's formula unless your doctor recommends it. Formula is a carefully developed substance with precise amounts of dozens of nutrients. Adding anything to formula could jeopardize your baby's health. Olive oil, for example, can lead to permanent lung damage and even death, because of the danger of inhaling the oil into the lungs when spitting up. Because cow's milk is so hard for babies to digest, never mix it with formula or give it to your baby straight until he's at least 1 year old. And adding breast milk to formula is a waste of breast milk if your baby doesn't drink the entire bottle.
What if I'm still not sure?
If you've decided to feed your baby formula and you're still baffled by the many options available or you're considering switching formulas, talk with your baby's doctor. She'll consider your baby's health, age, and nutritional needs and make an appropriate recommendation. She can also monitor your baby's reactions and investigate any symptoms. Don't try to diagnose an allergy or sensitivity on your own. You could miss a serious underlying condition or prevent your baby from getting adequate nutrition.
If you'd like to learn more, visit the FDA pages on infant formula at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/inf-toc.html http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/596_baby.html