Baby formula is available in three choices – liquid concentrate, ready-to-use, and powder. Of all these options, the most affordable is the powdered formula. For this, you simply add formula to the bottle, and then mix in water per the instructions, shake, and feed the baby. Because of this convenience and affordability, powdered baby formula is the most popular.
Interesting, the United States produces the majority of all baby formula for world consumption. Governed by local, state, and federal laws, powdered formula must meet very specific rules, all falling under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The amount and type of nutrients will vary but typically, these formulas contain protein, fat, calcium, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, iodine, sodium chloride, certain metals (magnesium, iron, etc), sodium chloride, and potassium chloride. Additionally, formula is enriched with a number of vitamins to include A, C, D, E K, B6, B12, riboflavin, and thiamin.
As with any type of baby formula, it is important for the health and welfare of your baby to use proper measuring and sterile bottles. In addition, once powdered baby formula is made, it should be stored in the refrigerator no longer than 24 hours. Never use leftover milk mixed with new. Instead, dump the old formula and sterilize the bottle before making a new batch since this type of baby food is highly susceptible to the growth of bacteria.
Then, top pediatricians recommend that for premature or sick babies, powdered formula made from cow’s milk NOT be used. In fact, some go as far as stating babies under the age of one month should not be given cow’s milk based formula. The reason for this is that powdered formula is not sterile. Therefore, in certain children, any formula contaminated with bacteria could cause neonatal meningitis, necrotizing entercolitis, or sepsis, damaging the baby’s immune system.
Back in the 20th century, baby formula became highly popular. Considered a more scientific approach that would provide a baby with all the vitamins and minerals needed, coupled with being so convenient, it is easy to see why. However, it is also important to understand that some scientists disagree by believing that powdered baby formula places a child at risk for conditions such as diabetes, eczema, and asthma. We do know that breast milk is the perfect choice but as new ingredients are being refined and better techniques used, we expect powdered baby formula to keep improving.