Infant Formulas (cont.)
Can I make my own infant formula?
The FDA and AAP recommend against homemade infant formulas. This is due to the fact that these formulas do not meet all of an infant's nutritional needs. In addition, cow-milk protein that has not been cooked or processed appropriately is difficult for an infant to digest and may damage an infant's immature kidneys. Today's infant formula is a very controlled, state-of-the-art product that cannot be duplicated at home.
So, what types of formula should parents give to their babies?
- Most infants and children will thrive on a cow-milk-based, lactose-containing formula such as Similac (Abbott Nutrition), Enfamil (Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals), or Good Start (Nestle).
- Some infants may be lactose intolerant (not allergic) and will better tolerate a lactose-free milk-based formula such as Enfamil Lactofree (Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals) or Similac Lactose-Free (Abbott Nutrition). For children who are recovering from infectious diarrhea and gastroenteritis, the short-term use of lactose-free formulas may help decrease cramps and diarrhea. This should only be a temporary change, and reintroduction to standard formulas is recommended.
- Some parents of lactose-intolerant infants may prefer to use soy-protein-based formulas such as Isomil (Abbott Nutrition), Prosobee (Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals), and Allsoy (Nestle). Infants who are allergic to cow-milk protein can also use soy-based formulas.
- For infants who are allergic to cow-milk protein and soy protein (approximately 35% of infants allergic to cow-milk protein are also allergic to soy proteins), the "predigested" protein formulas including Pregestimil (Mead Johnson), Nutramigen (Mead Johnson), and Alimentum (Abbott Nutrition) can be used.
- Unique medical conditions may require a specific formula recommendation by the pediatrician. This applies to children with some common genetic deficiencies such as PKU, and for premature and low-birth-weight infants.
- Generic infant formulas are also available and are
often made by the same manufacturers that produce the brand name products.
Whether you are considering brand name or generic products, check the
expiration dates on the packages, and compare ingredient lists to be sure you
are purchasing products with the same ingredients.
- Homemade infant formulas are not recommended.
Last Editorial Review: 1/25/2008
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