 
Breast feeding and Infant Nutrition
Infant Formula Forms and Use
Infant Formula Preparation and Storage
Infant Formula Regulations
<>
What Are The Advantages To Breastfeeding?
Breast milk provides an infant with the proper balance of nutrients required for
growth and development without straining an infant's developing digestive and
kidney systems. Breast milk also contains substances that help protect infants
from certain infections. Nursing is convenient since breast milk is always available
and does not require preparation or storage. Additionally, both mother and infant
can benefit psychologically through this close and warm interaction. The American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the preferred mode of feeding.
It states, “Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to
support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after
birth. Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow’s milk
feedings but should receive iron-fortified formula.” *
*The AAP further states, "Gradual introduction of iron-enriched
solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast
milk diet. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months,
and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."
<>
What Are The Various Forms Of Infant Formula?
Infant formula is available in three forms: ready-to-feed, concentrated liquid
and powder. Ready-to-feed is used "as is." Concentrated liquid (the
only liquid that comes in a 13 ounce can) and powder must be diluted with water
according to instructions on the label. Ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid
infant formulas are commercially sterile. Powdered formulas are not sterile. Preparation
of any form of infant formula (especially powdered products) requires careful
handling to prevent contamination and minimize growth of microorganisms. Manufacturer’s
instructions should be followed in all cases.
A graphic depicting the addition of water and the statement "add water"
are found on concentrated formula containers. Because ready-to-feed and concentrated
formulas are both liquids, anyone caring for your child should be made fully aware
of what form of formula you use, and whether or not water must be added. (Powdered
infant formula containers also provide a graphic depicting the major preparation
steps for that formula.)
<>
What Is The Difference Between Milk-Based And Soy-Based Infant Formulas?
The protein in milk-based formulas comes from cow's milk which has been heat treated,
making it easy for a baby to digest. The sugar in milk-based formulas is lactose,
unless specifically manufactured as lactose-free. Soy-based formulas are milk-free
and lactose-free; the protein in these formulas comes from a soybean source that
also is easy for a baby to digest. If a baby exhibits signs of lactose intolerance
or certain allergic reactions to milk protein, the physician may recommend a soy-based
formula to help treat these conditions. A baby with confirmed milk protein-induced
colitis could also be sensitive to soy protein so might be given an extensively
hydrolyzedsate formula, one in which the protein has been predigested so it will
decrease the likelihood of a reaction. Parents who seek a vegetarian-based diet
for their healthy infant may want to discuss the use of soy-based formula with
the pediatrician.
<>
What Nutrients Are Present In Infant Formula And Why Are They Included?
Infant formulas contain energy-providing nutrients (protein, carbohydrate and
fat) as well as water (an essential nutrient) and appropriate vitamins and minerals.
The energy nutrients provide the calories necessary to maintain bodily functions,
support activity, and promote growth. They also support desirable immune functions
as an outcome of overall nutrition. Protein provides the building blocks necessary
to form and repair tissue. Vitamins and minerals are essential in the metabolism
of energy nutrients. Minerals play an important part in bone structure, regulate
certain body functions and, together with water, help maintain the body's water
balance.
Standard iron-fortified formulas are nutritionally complete foods for normal infants.
When a physician recommends a formula not fortified with iron, another source
of iron should also be recommended. A physician may recommend fluoride supplementation
to infants at least 6 months of age only if the water supply is severely depleted
of fluoride.
U.S. manufacturers of infant formula currently offer formulas containing docosahexanoic
acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), two nutritional fatty acids considered
to be “building blocks” for the development of brain and eye tissue.
Formulas containing DHA and ARA have been shown to provide visual and mental development
similar to the breastfed infant.
<>
Why Shouldn't I Feed Just Plain Cow's Milk To My Baby?
Cow's milk (e.g., whole, 2%, 1%, 1/2% or skim) is not appropriate for children
under the age of one year, according to the Committee on Nutrition of the American
Academy of Pediatrics. Cow's milk is a poor source of iron, and iron deficiency
anemia is the most common nutritional problem in infants. Cow's milk that has
not been specially heat processed (such as the heat processing used in infant
formula) can cause intestinal blood loss in some babies. Iron is lost with the
blood. Also, the levels of protein and sodium in cow's milk are higher than recommended
for infants. Additionally, cow's milk is low in vitamin C, vitamin E and copper.
Further, cow's milk contains butterfat that is difficult for a baby to digest.
For these reasons, the Committee on Nutrition recommends that breastfeeding or
iron-fortified infant formula be continued during the first year of life.
<>
Is It Ok To Add Cereal To My Baby's Bottle?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Cereal should not be added
to bottles except for medically-indicated reasons (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux)
because this practice deprives children of the opportunity to learn to feed themselves.”
Note, “there is no nutritional indication to add complementary foods to
the diet of the healthy term infant before age 4 months.”
<>
Should I Stop Using Infant Formula When My Baby Starts Eating Solid Foods?
No. The nutrient content of various baby foods, either commercially prepared or
homemade, varies considerably. Additionally, during the period of transition when
an infant is gradually increasing both the type and the amount of solids being
eaten, the formula still contributes substantially toward meeting the infant's
nutrient requirements. During this time, either breast milk or iron-fortified
infant formula can most appropriately meet these requirements. The Committee on
Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that either breastfeeding
or iron-fortified infant formula be continued during the first year of life, even
after solids have been introduced.
<>
Should I Sterilize Bottles And Use Boiled Water When Making Infant Formula?
Sterilization of all equipment and water used in preparing infant formula is commonly
recommended until a health professional decides it is unnecessary. Check with
your physician. When you are preparing infant formula, your own personal cleanliness,
as well as that of any utensils that you use, is important.
The American Dietetic Association does not recommend preparing formula with
boiling hot water due to problems with physical stability of the formula (e.g.,
clumping or separation) and nutrient degradation.
<>
Should I Use An Infant Formula Product Beyond Its Expiration Date?
No. All infant formula containers carry "use by" or "use before"
dates to ensure that the consumer receives a wholesome, high-quality product.
Formula should not be bought or fed beyond the expiration date. After the expiration
date, some vitamin levels decrease and changes in physical properties, such as
discoloration and separation of fat, may occur. Infant formula companies have
a reimbursement program covering outdated products and company policy encourages
stores not to sell outdated products. Any formula that is out-of-date at the time
of purchase should be returned to the store from which it was purchased for exchange
or reimbursement.
<>
How Long Can Infant Formula Be Kept After Opening?
An open can of liquid infant formula can be kept for up to 48 hours, if tightly
covered and immediately placed in the refrigerator. Bottles of formula made from
liquid should be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
Formula that is prepared from powder and placed in bottles for feeding should
be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. The remaining powder should be tightly
covered and stored in a cool, dry place and used within a month after opening.
<>
How Long Can A Bottle Of Infant Formula Remain Unrefrigerated?
Formula that is removed from refrigeration should be used within two hours or
discarded. Because of possible bacterial contamination, formula remaining in a
bottle one hour after the start of feeding should also be discarded.
<>
Should I Reheat A Bottle After Feeding Part Of It To My Baby?
No. Once a baby has nursed from a bottle, microorganisms from the baby's mouth
are introduced into the formula. If any unused portion of formula is refrigerated
and reheated, these microorganisms will have the opportunity to multiply. Neither
refrigeration nor reheating will prevent this growth. Therefore, you should fill
each bottle with only the amount of formula needed for one feeding. After feeding,
if any formula remains unused in the bottle, it should be discarded.
<>
Should Infant Formula Be Frozen?
The use of infant formula after freezing is not recommended. Although freezing
does not affect nutritional quality or sterility, physical separation of the product's
components may occur.
<>
Can Infant Formula Be Heated In A Microwave Oven?
Microwave ovens should NEVER be used for heating infant formulas since there is
a danger of overheating the liquid. During the microwaving process, the bottle
may remain cool while hot spots develop in the formula. Overheated formula can
cause serious burns to the baby.
<>
Are Infant Formulas Required To Meet Government Standards?
Yes. All infant formulas marketed in the U.S. must comply with the Infant Formula
Act of 1980 and subsequent amendments passed in 1986. The nutrient levels specified
by law are based on the recommendations of the Committee on Nutrition of the American
Academy of Pediatrics and are periodically reviewed as new information arises.
<>
What Testing Is Performed To Assure That Infant Formula Is Safe?
Infant formula is tested for 29 nutrients (as defined by the Infant Formula Act)
to assure that each batch provides the appropriate nutrition for infants. In addition,
IFC member companies carefully monitor the ingredients used in infant Formula
to help assure that product quality is not compromised.
<>
|
