There are so many different types of formula to choose from in the baby aisle. Use this guide to compare your options, and find what works best for you and your baby.

Powder

How It Works
Add powder to premeasured water, and shake, shake, shake.

Why Choose It?

• Long shelf life
• Inexpensive

Sources:
"Infant formula: Your questions answered." Mayo Clinic. January 19, 2016.
"Formula Form and Function: Powders, Concentrates, and Ready-to-Feed." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.
"USDA Commodity Requirements." USDA. November 25, 2008.
"How to Use Baby Formula Safely." BabyCenter.
"Baby Formula Buying Guide." Consumer Reports. May 2016.

Concentrated Liquid

How It Works
Combine with water—typically at a one-to-one ratio—and shake to mix.

Why Choose It?

• Not messy
• Easy to make up to two days' worth of bottles

Sources:
"Infant formula: Your questions answered." Mayo Clinic. January 19, 2016.
"Formula Form and Function: Powders, Concentrates, and Ready-to-Feed." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.
"USDA Commodity Requirements." USDA. November 25, 2008.
"Infant Formula Feeding." Infant Nutrition and Feeding.

Ready to Feed

How It Works
Just open, pour into sterile bottle, and feed.

Why Choose It?

• Can be stored at room temperature until opened
• Very convenient, especially on the go

Sources:
"Infant formula: Your questions answered." Mayo Clinic. January 19, 2016.
"Formula Form and Function: Powders, Concentrates, and Ready-to-Feed." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.
"USDA Commodity Requirements." USDA. November 25, 2008.
"Infant Formula Feeding." Infant Nutrition and Feeding.

Milk-Based

How It Works
Baby gets cow's milk, fortified to resemble breast milk

Why Choose It?

• Simple solution for eighty percent of formula-fed babies

Sources:
"Infant formula: Your questions answered." Mayo Clinic. January 19, 2016.
"Choosing a Formula." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.

Soy-Based

How It Works
Baby gets fortified milk containing soy protein instead of cow's milk

Why Choose It?

• Potential option for lactose-intolerant babies

Sources:
"Infant formula: Your questions answered." Mayo Clinic. January 19, 2016.
"Choosing a Formula." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.
"Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding." American Academy of Pediatrics. 2008.

Bottle-Feeding Tip: Swallowing air while drinking can cause fussiness and more frequent spit-ups. Prevent this by cradling your baby in a semi-upright position while you feed, and making sure that milk completely fills the nipple as she drinks.

Sources:
"Burping, Hiccups, and Spitting Up." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.
"Bottle Feeding Basics." HealthyChildren.org. November 21, 2015.

This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or a guarantee of prevention, improvement, or treatment of specific conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical questions or concerns.