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Unfortunately, babies don't come with an operations manual. While the basics are clear (they need to eat, poop, cry and snuggle), the specifics are a little vaguer. In consultation with your physician and your baby's health requirements you can chose the baby formula that is most appropriate for your little one...continues below
Schedule a visit or conversation with the baby's health care provider. Feeding an infant can be a challenging and complex job. You want to make sure your baby doesn't have any specific or special considerations for what they should be eating. If you are starting right off with formula feeding in the hospital, ask your baby's provider what formula you should be using while they are giving your baby their initial check-up in the hospital. If you have started off breast feeding your baby and are now switching on formula, plan ahead. Ask your provider what his thoughts are well in advance of when you plan to wean your baby off of breast milk.
Figure out a workable budget. Formula is a significant cost for families. Decide how much you can afford to spend on formula per week. Knowing what you can afford will help you to select the formula that will best suit your needs. This will narrow your choices.
Choose the form of formula you're going to use. Powdered formula is the most commonly used and the least expensive. This form will need to be mixed with water. Take care in measuring so you're sure your infant is receiving all of the nutrients she needs. Concentrated liquid form is similar to powder formula in that you have to add water. It is a little easier to measure and mix--and will be a little more expensive as well. Ready-to-feed is your most expensive option as there is no preparation making it the easiest to use. While your budget may not have room for ready-to-feed formula on a full-time basis you may want to use it when going out for the day or perhaps when you're unsure if you'll have a place to easily and safely mix the powdered or concentrated versions.
Watch for reactions. Having chosen a brand and preparation of formula you'll want to watch your baby for any reactions they may have to the formula. If the formula does not agree with your baby you may begin to see signs of irritability and discomfort. If your baby is fussy and irritable, don't switch the formula right away. Call your baby's health care provider to help you decide if the fussy period is due to the formula or simply coincidence. Switching a baby's formula frequently can cause tummy upset and sleepless nights all around!
If your baby is very fussy and showing signs of colic (inconsolable crying, pain) a visit to your health care provider is in order. If your physician determines that your son or daughter is lactose intolerant then a soy formula will be your next step. Formulas have one primary ingredient. Milk, soy and rice are three types. Soy formulas are made with soy proteins so they're lactose free and are going to be easier to digest by little ones having difficulty with milk proteins. Soy formulas are not the only choice for children who aren't tolerating milk based formulas well. There are several types of formula made with cow's milk protein but do not contain lactose. Be sure to consult your health care provider if you are concerned about your baby's lactose tolerance.
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