Deciding how to feed your baby may come with a lot of questions. You may feel overwhelmed with the amount of information there is. If you are trying to decide and want more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding see our article, Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding – Good for Baby, Good for You.
If formula feeding is part of your plan for your healthy, full-term baby, this information is for you. Ask your health-care provider about what type of formula is best if your baby:
- is premature
- is ill
- had a low birth weight
- has special needs
How to choose an infant formula
- There are many types and brands of formula on the market. Choose what works best for your situation unless your health care provider says your baby needs a special formula. Do not choose a formula based on advertising or the brand they gave you in the hospital.
- All formulas must meet safety standards set by Health Canada. The law requires that all brands of regular formula have the same basic ingredients.
- For most babies, a cow’s milk-based, store-bought infant formula with iron is best. Always check the label for the type of infant formula you are buying for your baby.
- Formula with prebiotics, probiotics or DHA and ARA fats added are available. However, the research is mixed about whether these types of formulas are beneficial for all babies.
- Organic formula is not necessary. Parents may choose it for personal reasons.
- Formula with “partially broken down” proteins is not needed by most infants but may be recommended by a health-care provider for some medical conditions.
- When buying formula, check the expiry date on the package. Do not use formula that is expired.
- Never buy formula if the container is damaged, dented, unlabelled or bulging.
- Formula-fed babies need to stay on infant formula until they are nine to 12 months of age. “Follow-up” formula is not needed.
Did you know?
All breastfed/chestfed and formula-fed babies need a vitamin D supplement.
Do not use…
- homemade formula
- cow’s milk or goat’s milk
- plant-based beverages made from almonds, cashews, soy, rice or other plants
Note: Soy-based infant formulas are recommended for babies with some medical conditions, and some parents may decide to use soy formulas for personal, cultural or religious reasons. Discuss this with your health-care provider.
There are three types of infant formula
- Ready-to-use – It really is ready to use. You do not need to add anything to it. This type is generally the most expensive.
- Concentrated liquid – You need to add sterile water according to the directions on the package. This type is also more expensive.
- Powder – This is the least expensive type of formula. Unlike the others, powdered formula is not sterile. It is not recommended for babies who:
- are born premature (less than 37 weeks gestation) and are under two months of age
- are born with a low birth weight (under 2.5 kilograms) and are under two months of age
- have a weakened immune system
If you’re unsure, talk to your health-care provider before giving powdered formula to your baby.
Formula Comparison Chart
|
Formula |
Preparation |
Cost |
How to store container after opening |
How long open container can be stored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Powder *Powdered infant formula is not sterile |
Boil water for two minutes Add powder to water while it is still over 70°C and follow mixing instructions that come with your powdered formula |
Least expensive |
Covered in a cool dark place |
Less than 30 days |
|
Liquid concentrate |
Boil water for two minutes Let water cool Mix equal amounts of water and liquid concentrate |
More expensive |
Covered in fridge |
Between 24 to 48 hours. Check the formula container for the different formula recommendations. |
|
Ready-to-use |
Use as is |
Most expensive |
Covered in fridge |
Between 24 to 48 hours. Check the formula container for the different formula recommendations. |
Do not mix different types or forms (such as powdered and concentrate) of formula together when preparing bottles unless directed by your health-care provider.
More things you need to know about formula feeding
- Bottle Feeding 101
- Is Your Tap Water Safe for Making Infant Formula?
- How to Sterilize Your Formula Feeding Equipment
- What is mixed feeding: supplementing a breast/chest fed baby?
- Burping Your Baby
Feeding your baby is more than providing nourishment. It’s also a time to learn about your baby and connect with each other. This helps your baby grow and develop. Skin-to-skin contact during feeding has many benefits, including calming your baby and helping them feel safe and secure.
