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| |    The Scoop on Different Forms of Infant Formula by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Investigate the baby-food aisle at your local supermarket and you'll quickly discover the various types and brands of infant formula that are available. When considering different brands of standard or soy formulas, keep in mind that even though the composition may be different, the nutrients provided are quite similar. In most instances, you can go with whatever brand is most familiar to you, favored by your baby, most widely available, or recommended by your baby's healthcare practitioner. Then you'll simply have to decide on the form to use. Formulas come packaged three ways: in ready-to-feed, concentrate, and powder. Your lifestyle, your budget, or both will likely determine which you choose. (Surprisingly, infants show little preference when it comes to taste, and they'll generally drink what they become accustomed to.) Ready-to-feed This is a liquid formula that doesn't require any type of preparation, offering great convenience. The hitch is, it's expensive. However, if you go on vacation someplace that has an impure water system, like some places in Mexico or the Caribbean, you'll want to have ready-to-feed formula on hand. It's also well suited to caretakers who may have a hard time measuring accurately. The downside (besides cost) is that it generally comes in 32-ounce cans, so you have to chill the leftover formula once the can is opened. Smaller-sized cans are available, but at an even higher cost. Also, ready-to-feed formula does not contain fluoride, so if you use it on a regular basis, be sure to give your baby a fluoride supplement. Concentrate To use this liquid formula--typically packaged in 13-ounce cans--you first must mix the concentrated liquid with an equal amount of water. This may seem obvious, but parents commonly make the mistake of forgetting to mix in the water. Mixing is easy since you can empty one can of concentrate into a pitcher, then add a can of water to it and blend the solution with a quick stir. It costs less than ready-to-feed formula and is available in most stores. Powdered Powdered formula is quite nice when you want to fix small amounts of formula, as in the case of breastfeeding mothers who may want to supplement nursing with a bottle of formula or use it to mix up some cereal. One plus is that it's the least expensive of the three packaged forms. It also is convenient for traveling because it doesn't weigh much and comes in premeasured small packets as well as larger cans--although it does require the availability of pure water. When mixing formula, manufacturers recommend boiling any water you use--including bottled--for five minutes and allowing it to cool before mixing. Once prepared, the formula can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours, and you can store an open can of the powder for a month.
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