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How to Choose the Right Formula for Your Baby
One question I get a lot is, "What formula should I give my baby?" There are so many choices out there: regular or sensitive, ones for spit-up, ones for soft stools, ones for gas. What about brand versus generic? My answer is always, "There is no one formula I recommend."
Parents often tell me their baby doesn't like a particular brand or that their baby doesn't want to drink it. And that happens. My boys didn't do well on one common brand, but did just fine on a different brand.
Some babies do just fine on milk-based. Some need a sensitive version or one that is more for babies with reflux. Only a very few need soy-based or special formulas for premature babies or formulas made with mainly amino acids for babies who are truly allergic to milk protein.
For many babies, generic formulas are just as good as brand-name formulas. We did generics at our house.
How to Tell If a Formula Works Well for Your Baby
It may take some trial and error, but the one your baby takes best and seems not to upset their stomach is the one you want to stick with.
And speaking of infant formulas, some parents are worried that their baby will be bored with just having formula. Babies really don't get bored of having the same thing over and over as we do. They don't know any different.
Also, formula and breast milk have the best nutrition that your baby needs when they're brand new. A baby's digestive system isn't set up for a lot of variety at birth or even 2 or 3 months old. Currently, the guidelines are to start pureed fruits and vegetables and grains at about 4 months old if your baby is ready. Some parents choose to wait until 6 months old to start solids.
A baby will need to continue to have breast milk or formula until their first birthday, when they are ready to switch to whole milk.
So the bottom line is, pediatricians don't typically have brand preferences. In fact, many of us don't have sample cans anymore in our offices and don't have relationships with brand representatives.
I can tell you what worked best for my boys when my breast milk supply wasn't sufficient, but every baby is different, and you as a parent, are the best one to determine what works best for your baby.
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