Your Baby Week Two

Baby Formula

Most babies who aren't breastfeeding leave the hospital on whichever brand and type of baby formula they were started on in the nursery. And while some continue drinking this baby formula their whole first year, others change from one formula to another as their parents try to find the "right one."

Choosing a Baby Formula

If your baby is doing well, without any symptoms, such as excessive gas, fussiness, or diarrhea, then you may just want to choose between brands of baby formula. When choosing a baby formula, remember that all baby and infant formula brands that are sold in the United States must meet the minimum nutritional requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the 'Infant Formula Act') and FDA regulations.

That doesn't mean that all infant formula brands are the same, but any of the major brands, such as Enfamil, Similac, or Nestle Good Start, and store brands from Wal-Mart, Target, or Kroger, etc., should meet your baby's basic nutritional needs.

Formula Problems

If your baby is having a real problem with her formula, then choosing another baby formula is more important. Simply changing brands, unless you also change formula types, doesn't usually help though.

Keep in mind that there are several basic formula types, including:

• cow's milk-based formula
• "gentle" formula with less lactose than regular milk based formula
• lactose-free formula
• added rice starch formula for reflux
• soy formula
• elemental formula

Although parents often move from one type of formula to another when their babies continue to not tolerate their formula, it is almost always better to talk to your pediatrician before changing formula.

Signs of a formula intolerance might include unexplained fussiness, excessive gas, diarrhea (which may be bloody), spitting up, vomiting, and poor weight gain.