Infant formulas

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• V
• W
• Z

Formula feeding; Bottle feeding

A variety of formulas are available for infants younger than 12 months old who are not drinking breast milk. Infant formulas vary in nutrients, calorie count, taste, ability to be digested, and cost.

Guidelines for infant formulas and normal infant feeding based on human breast milk are available from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

SPECIFIC TYPES OF FORMULAS

Standard milk-based formulas:

• Almost all babies and infants do well on these formulas. Fussiness and colic are common problems. Most of the time, cow's milk formulas are not the cause of these symptoms and parents do not need to switch to a different formula.
• These formulas are made with cow's milk protein that has been changed to be more like breast milk. Lactose and minerals from the cow's milk, as well as vegetable oils, minerals, and vitamins are also in the formula.

---

---

Soy-based formulas:

• These formulas are made using soy proteins. They do not contain lactose. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends soy formulas for parents who do not want their child to eat animal protein, and for infants with galactosemia or congenital lactase deficiency.
• Soy-based formulas have not been proven to help with milk allergies or colic. Babies who are allergic to cows' milk may also be allergic to soy milk.

Hypoallergenic formulas (protein hydrolysate formulas):

• This type of formula may be helpful for infants who have true allergies to milk protein, and for those with skin rashes or wheezing caused by allergies.
• Hypoallergenic formulas are generally much more expensive than regular formulas.

Lactose-free formulas:

• These formulas are used for galactosemia, congenital lactase deficiency, and primary lactase deficiency. Lactase deficiency most often begins after a child is 12 months old. The condition is diagnosed using special tests.
• A child who has an illness with diarrhea usually will not need lactose-free formula.

Special formulas that should be used only under a health care provider's supervision: