When parents give birth to a new child, there are many challenges that they need to overcome. In addition to the added expense of having another mouth to feed and the challenges of sleeping through the night, parents need to choose the formula that is right for their baby. When parents go to the grocery store, they are often overwhelmed by the number of choices staring them in the face. Some claim to have all of the necessary ingredients. Others say that they are all natural or completely organic. All of the choices come with a price tag. With so many options available, how can parents figure out which formula is the best infant formula for their little one? Answering some of the most common questions can help.
Finding the best deals on infant formula is important for optimal nutrition for babies as they grow without busting the household budget. Fortunately, there is a wide range of baby formula at different price points, and these regularly go on sale. The best deals on infant formula can be found by shopping with major retailers, buying infant formula while it's on sale and combining these sale prices with manufacturer coupons.
In some cases, babies require specialized formula in order to receive the nutrition required for healthy development. Specialized formula is typically more expensive, but costs less than parents might expect. Major brands produce specialized infant formula, which often go on sale and have manufacturer coupons that parents can use.
One of the most common ingredients that formulas rarely lack is iron. Babies need to have enough iron to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen to their bodies. Iron-fortified infant formula is ideal to ensure babies' growth and development.
Extensively-Hydrolyzed Formulas is hypoallergenic, designed for babies who are intolerant or allergic to intact cow's milk protein. The term "hydrolyzed" means that some of the formula has been broken down in advance. By breaking down some of the ingredients in advance, hypoallergenic infant formulas will prevent some of the allergic reactions that could make babies sick.
Babies of all ages consume formulas and as they grow, their nutritional needs will change. As infants develop, parents need to transition into choosing a toddler formula that will give them the calories, nutrition, and vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
It is not unusual for babies to be deficient in vitamin D. In fact, this is often one of the first blood tests performed on babies when visiting the doctor. Infant vitamin D supplements may be necessary if the baby is deficient in Vitamin D. However, parents need to check with their children's pediatricians before giving their babies any supplements.
Some babies should ingest formulas that have probiotics in them. Probiotics contain healthy bacteria that line the intestines of people and help prevent infection and break down food, releasing their nutrients. Probiotic infant formula is ideal for babies who require probiotics to remain healthy.
Infant formula comes in different forms. Parents can choose to use powdered formulas, premixed formulas, and formula concentrates depending on their needs. For example, families on the go may want to take advantage of ready-to-use infant formulas for added convenience, but use powdered formula at home.
The best soy-based infant formulas provide needed nutrition for babies who have a milk allergy. This type of formula is designed to deliver the necessary nutrients without putting the baby’s health at risk.