We all know that breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby. However, some women may be recommended not to breastfeed due to special circumstances such as illnesses. Fortunately, formula feeding may bring many health benefits to you and your child. If you intend to formula feed your baby, have a look at these facts:
What make formula a good choice for you and your child?
Babies who are formula-fed are happier.
A study looked at the temperament of 300 3-month-old infants and found out that formula-fed babies smiled and laughed more, and were less likely to throw a tantrum.
Formula feeding does not mean you get to sleep more.
While it is true that formula does take more time to digest, thus staying in the stomach of your baby for a longer time, unfortunately, this does not necessarily mean you will have more time to sleep.
Formula-fed babies grow faster.
A study of baby monkeys suggested that formula-fed infants grew faster and larger than those who were breastfed. Researchers believe that the reason is because formula contains more protein than breast milk.
Formula helps with breastfeeding.
Researchers found out that babies who had supplemental formula were being breastfed exclusively by the age of 3 months, which is much longer than those who were only breastfed.
Formula-fed babies grow stronger bones.
The only thing formula has more than breastmilk is probably vitamin D, which is formula-fed babies have much stronger bones than breastfed ones.
You can switch among brands.
Switching from a high-end brand to a cheaper alternative is absolutely fine. Your baby will not experience any discomfort during the transition.
Soy formula is a promising option.
Although soy contains phytoestrogen, the culprit of early puberty, studies have shown soy formula leave no long-term effects on the baby, neither negative nor positive.
Formula and breastmilk are not very different.
Scientific evidence shows that there are no statistically prominent differences between formula-fed babies and breastfed babies.
You do not need to warm formula milk before feeding it to your baby.
Pre-heating a bottle of formula does not bring out any more health effects. Warm milk is just a kind of preference of your baby.
What are the drawback?
However, formula milk is not without drawback. Studies found that formula-fed babies have a higher risk of obesity. Since formula milk is packed with nutrition to promote children’s development, it can make them put on too many pounds. It is possible that bottles are easier to suck on comparing to nipples, causing overeating.
However, formula milk is not without drawback. Studies found that formula-fed babies have a higher risk of obesity. Since formula milk is packed with nutrition to promote children’s development, it can make them put on too many pounds. It is possible that bottles are easier to suck on comparing to nipples, causing overeating.
Another drawback of formula is that formula-fed babies get sick more often. Formula milk does not have the precious antibodies, which help the baby fight off infections. According to a study, only 14 percent of formula-fed babies can make it to age 1 without getting sick.
Making the choice between formula and breastmilk may be challenging. Keeping these fact in mind, you should be able to make an educated choice. It is advisable to consult carefully with your doctor to figure out what is best for you and your baby.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnose or treatment.
