Whether you can’t breastfeed or opt to feed your baby formula milk, choosing the best formula for your child is an extremely important decision. It might seem like a simple process of going to the store and picking up some formula, but the thinking behind choosing which formula to go for is more complex because of how much of an impact it has on your child. Here are 5 factors to consider to help you make the right choice for you and your baby.
1. Type of Formula
Firstly, baby formula is available in a number of different types. This is the main differentiator between the choices you have, so let’s learn more about them.
Powder
Powdered formula is the most common form of baby formula, whereby you mix the powder with water to create the formula drink for your baby. This type is great because you can buy it in bulk and it lasts a long time, plus you have control over how much milk you make. It’s also a more budget-friendly option too.
Liquid concentrate
Liquid concentrate baby formula simply needs diluting to create milk for your child.
Ready-to-drink
You can also buy baby formula that comes ready to drink. This option is good for those who are strapped for time and need an easy and pre-made solution. For example, if you’re heading out for the day where you won’t have access to a kitchen, taking some ready-to-drink formula is an easy solution.
This kind of baby formula isn’t the most long lasting, however. Seeing as it is pre-mixed, they are likely to have an expiration date to be aware of.
You can use a mixture of all three formats of baby formula to fit your routine, or opt for the one best suits your needs.
2. How Much Formula They Will Drink
If you’re planning to give your baby a diet of 100% formula, then this will affect your decision of baby formula as you’ll be getting through a lot more. On the other hand, if you’re simply using formula as a supplement to a food diet, then you won’t need to buy in bulk.
3. Brands
There are lots of different brands who use different ingredients in their formula, so it’s also important to do your research before choosing. Some contain preservatives that you might not want your baby ingesting, so remember not to assume that all formulas are the same.
4. Budget
Every family will have a different budget to stick to, and baby formula can get pretty pricey. So it’s also worth considering this when you’re choosing which formula to feed your baby.
5. Your Baby’s Needs
Lastly, you have to make sure that the formula you choose is the best fit for your baby. This includes making sure that they don’t have any intolerances such as lactose intolerance. Most baby formulas are based on cow’s milk, so you might need to look for a dairy-free alternative. You also should consider your child’s age, as different formulas contain different nutrients to support your child’s development depending on their age.
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