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Breastfeeding has many benefits for babies and also for moms. The antibodies in breastmilk help protect babies from illness. Breastmilk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help babies continue to grow. The research and evidence is clear, breast milk is the best food for infants and breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk for infant morbidity and mortality.
But when moms are unable to breastfeed, or need to supplement breastfeeding or stop breastfeeding before a baby turns one year old, it’s important to give their baby infant formula because it’s the closest nutritionally to breastmilk. It is not recommended to give babies under age one cow’s milk, juice or soda.
New parents are often bombarded with choices for infant formulas: Organic, probiotic, plant-based, generic or brand name options. Which is best for baby?
Jade Elliott spoke with Becky Hurst-Davis, registered dietitian nutritionist and clinical nutrition manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital about the simple advice: there’s no “right” formula, but parents can find the right fit.
“Breastfeeding is best for babies. We encourage breastfeeding whenever possible – and we support parents in choosing formula by giving them good information to make the most informed decision,” Hurst-Davis said. “All formulas marketed in the United States must meet specific nutrition standards and labeling laws, so the choice really comes down to the baby’s needs and parent preference.”
Baby formulas marketed in the United States share these characteristics:
- Protein, which comes in three forms:
- whole protein from cow’s milk or soy;
- hydrolyzed protein, or broken-down protein, which helps with digestion or allergy concerns; or
- 100 percent synthetic amino acids, or fully broken-down protein, which helps with digestion issues, and are hypoallergenic.
- Carbohydrate/sugar sources, including lactose, corn syrup solids – different from high fructose corn syrup – maltodextrin, or sucrose.
- Fat for calories, brain growth, and eye development.
- Vitamins and minerals.
Beyond these staples, Hurst-Davis offers the following information to help parents choose what’s best for their babies:
- Generic formulas marketed in the U.S. are safe and adhere to the same guidelines as brand-name formulas, and often are less expensive.
- European infant formulas have different guidelines and standards including labeling standards. If they are not marketed or sold in the United States, Hurst-Davis says it’s not clear whether they meet FDA safety and nutritional standards.
- Aside from soy formula, there are no plant-based infant formulas available in the United States.
- Several infant formulas include prebiotics and probiotics, which research has found help support healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Oligosaccharides: Some new formulas are touting synthetic human milk oligosaccharides, which are prebiotics. Human milk oligosaccharides have been associated with fighting infection.
- DHA/ARA, a long-chain fat found in human milk, is added to most infant formulas. DHA/ARA supports vision and cognitive development.
- Organic formulas: Hurst-Davis has not seen studies to indicate they are more or less nutritious than other formulas. These tend to be more expensive.
Hurst-Davis reminds parents that formula benefits may not present for several weeks. If a baby is experiencing formula intolerance, diarrhea, rash or bloody stools, parents should contact their health care provider.
For mothers with questions about breastfeeding, pumping, or milk supply, Hurst-Davis recommends contacting a lactation consultant or la leche league.
For more information, visit PrimaryChildrens.org.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.