This week I will discuss the three forms of formula, there
are many types of formula but three forms. I will go into the types in a
different blog entry. The three types are powder, concentrate and ready to
feed.
Powder is, well its powder. Generally speaking, it is mixed
with two ounces of water per heaping scoop. Please always read the feeding
instructions on the particular formula you are using, but that is general use.
Powder is considered to be the least expensive form and is what is distributed
by the federal program WIC. However, there may be situations where it is not.
Calvin was a reflux baby and even still has trouble with it as a toddler. To
help him hold his milk down we added an extra scoop of formula to thicken it.
Adding the extra scoop, sometimes scoop and half did not make it the cheapest
option. Powdered formula is also not sterilize and there is a small risk a bacteria
named Cronobacter can grow in powder products. It is a very small risk but not impossible.
You can read more about Cronobacter from the CDC HERE.
Concentrate formula is much like condensed milk as far as
mixing goes or frozen concentrate juices. You make X size of bottle and add X amount
of water to it and stir, generally two ounces of water per concentrate. If you have a baby like ours who either likes or needs their milk to
be thicker this may be the cheapest option. I say maybe since the availability of
concentrate formula seems to be hit or miss in different areas and in stores.
Not only is concentrate itself spotty in availability but the brands and
variety of types available as well. Calvin did tolerate the concentrate very
well and because it tends to have less bubbles that creates gas since there is
not shaking of powder. It does need to be mixed but it’s stirred rather than
shaken.
Lastly, there is Ready to Use formula which is open the
container and pour into bottle (heat if baby likes) and that’s it. This is
considered to be the most expensive but most convenient. Going back to the
topic of reflux, ready to use is what we ended up sticking with as it was just
the right weight for Calvin and readily available anywhere that sold formula. We didn't buy ready to use because we were too lazy to measure water. It was necessary for Calvin's health and comfort, who wants to puke their food up all the time? I
also found it for sale in bulk boxes at Babies R Us which saved us money over
buying individual jugs. Liquid formula is also sterile, which eliminates the
risk of Cronobacter. Read more about Cronobacter here from the CDC.
No matter what form of formula you decided is best for your
baby and your wallet keep in mind that infant formula is very regulated by the
FDA. All forms have safety standards, although the CDC does recommend liquid
over powder, many many babies consume powder formula without incident. If you
are currently struggling to find the right formula or if formula is in your
future please discuss any concerns you may have with your pediatrician. Pediatricians
are well informed on formula as well as may have samples of the different forms
and types to see what may be best for your baby without spending money on each
one.
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