Infant Formulas

Formulas now contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid). Both are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are thought to have positive effects on visual and nervous system development in babies. These fatty acids are present in breast milk.

Milk Based Formulas - Milk based formulas are iron fortified and contain between 11-12 mg of iron per quart (daily iron requirement for infants).

• Similac Advance with Iron
• Enfamil Liipil with Iron
• Nestle Good Start Supreme with Iron

Lactose Free Formulas - Lactose free formulas are milk-based and iron-fortified formulas that use corn syrup instead of lactose as the source of carbohydrate (sugar). These formulas can be used for babies who have lactose intolerance.

• Similac Advance Lactose Free
• Enfamil Lipil Lactofree

Soy Based Formulas - Isomil Advance and Lipil Prosobee are soy protein and iron-fortified formulas. These formulas are used in infants with soy allergy and lactose intolerance.

• Isomil Advance
• Isomil DF Advance
• Prosobee Lipil

Elemental Protein Hydolysate Formulas - Alimentum and Nutramigen are special formulas used in infants with milk allergy. These formulas are sometimes used in infants with colic.

• Alimentum Advance
• Nutramigen Lipil
• Neocate

Neocate is a special formula for combined milk and soy allergy.

Follow-Up Formulas - Follow-Up formulas can be used for babies 9-12 months of age. Follow-Up formulas have slightly more protein, iron, calcium, and carbohydrates and slightly less fat. Do not use these formulas without consulting your baby's doctor.

Note: The following formulas are NOT recommended because they do not contain sufficient amounts of iron: Iron in formulas rarely causes constipation or stomach discomfort in infants.

• Similac Low Iron has 1/8 the iron content of iron-fortified formulas.
• Enfamil Low Iron "Improved Formulation" has approximately 1/3 the iron content of iron-fortified formulas.

Formula Forms - Types of Formulas

• Ready To Use

Requires no mixing

Most expensive

• Concentrated Liquid

Requires mixing the concentrate in the can with an equal amount of water

Less expensive

• Powdered

requires mixing with water (see below)

Least expensive

Powdered Formula Mixing Instructions

• Mix 2 ounces of water with one level scoop of powdered formula. Example: Mix 2 scoops of powdered formula with 4 ounces of water.
• Use the scoop included with the formula can.
• For easier mixing, pour the powder into the bottle and add half the required amount of water.
• Shake well and then add the other half of the water.

Note:

• Formulas do not have to be warmed before use. Some babies like the formula cold or at room temperature. For warming, place the bottle in a container of warm water or hold under running warm tap water.
• Always check the temperature of the formula before giving it to your baby to ensure it is not too hot.
• Do not microwave formula as hot spots may develop and burn your baby's mouth

Formula Manufacturer Links

• Ross Formulas - www.ross.com/productHandbook/pedNut.asp
• Mead Johnson Formulas - www.meadjohnson.com/products/index.html
• Carnation Infant Formulas - www.verybestbaby.com/content/article.asp?section=bf&id=2001928151781575717469
• Neocate - www.neocate.com