Choosing the right formula brand for your baby can be a daunting task. That’s because many options are available, from big-name brands to smaller, lesser-known ones.
Whatever choice you make, you must ensure the formula you choose meets your baby’s nutritional needs without causing any adverse side effects. If you are having challenges deciding on the best formula brand for your baby, here are five crucial things to consider.
1. Doctor’s Recommendation
Your infant’s doctor understands your baby’s nutritional needs and medical history better than anyone else. Therefore, you should consult them before choosing a formula brand for your little one.
Some pediatricians even have a few free infant formula samples in their offices. They have tested them and can tell which brands are the safest and best for your child, depending on their condition.
2. Accessibility
When choosing a formula brand, you must also consider how easy it is to find it at your local store. You don’t want something that will be out of stock whenever you need it. Also, changing formula brands can be tricky for some babies who have become accustomed to one particular type.
Regardless of your choice, ensure the brand you opt for has multiple stores or distributors in your area. The same should apply when choosing between organic and non-organic formula brands. Organic formulas are not always available locally, so you may need to order online anytime you need them.
Ideally, prioritize brands that are made in the US. Besides being easily available, they are generally safer as they meet FDA standards, unlike most foreign alternatives.
3. Affordability
Among the many expenses of having a baby, the cost of infant formula particularly gets a lot of attention. The United States office of the Surgeon General estimates parents spend between $1200 and $1500 on formula in the first year of a baby’s life.
To keep your costs down, choose a brand that is affordable but still caters to your baby’s nutritional needs. If you are on a tight budget, reputable store brands may be a good way to save more money than well-known brand names.
4. Does Your Baby Have Allergies?
Some babies have food allergies or other conditions that affect how they respond to certain ingredients in a formula. So, you may have to avoid brands that use additives, such as artificial flavors and preservatives, that could trigger your infant’s allergic reactions.
Before you buy any formula, be sure to read the label carefully to understand its ingredients. You can also request your doctor to do an allergy test on your baby and recommend a formula brand based on the test results.
5. Is Your Baby a Preemie?
Preemies are babies born earlier than expected, usually at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy. As a result, they require a special nutritional diet to help them develop properly.
However, if you have been feeding your preemie with infant formulas Enfamil and Similac, you should have some reason to worry. These cow-based milk formulas have been linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially life-threatening bowel disease.
The good news is that you may be eligible to file an NEC baby formula lawsuit and recover compensation if your child was diagnosed with NEC after feeding them Enfamil or Similac. However, you will want to work with NEC lawsuit lawyers, such as those on this page, to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
6. Science Over Marketing
Companies use many sweet words and catchy slogans to sell their products. If you’re not careful, you may choose a formula that promises more benefits than it delivers.
Instead of being swayed by flashy marketing gimmicks, focus on how a particular formula brand will help your baby’s health thrive. As a good rule of thumb, do your own research and compare different brands before you commit to one.
