Bottle-feeding Options
Even though breastfeeding is touted as best for both infant and mom, the following article from our library identifies several options available to moms and provide helpful bottle-feeding tips.
If you decide not to breastfeed, or are unable to breastfeed, commercial iron-fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for your infant. Infant formulas contain adequate amounts of protein, calories, fat, vitamins, and minerals for growth. However, formula does not contain the immune factors that are in breast milk. The immune factors that are found in breast milk can help prevent infections.
Infants who take enough iron-fortified infant formula usually do not need vitamin and mineral supplements. Fluoride is sometimes needed after 6 months of age if the water supply does not have enough fluoride. Check with your baby’s physician about fluoride supplements. Types of infant formula include the following:
- cow’s milk-based formula
Most infants should be able to tolerate a standard cow’s milk formula such as Enfamil® with iron, Similac® with iron, or Nestlé® Carnation® Good Start®. These formulas use cow’s milk as a base, but have been modeled after breast milk. These formulas have lactose as the carbohydrate (sugar) source. They are available in ready-to-feed cans, liquid concentrate, and powder.
