If a mother is unable to breast-feed her child for any reason, or any persons are required to feed a baby that are not the infants mother, there is only one acceptable way to feed the child. That is a solution typically known as baby formula. Baby formula gives the infant all of the nutrients he or she would be given by breast-feeding, that are greatly needed in the baby's development. All of this can be done without forcing the mother to feed her baby by means of her own body.



There are three main forms that baby formula can be found in. These are powdered formula, concentrated formula, and ready to feed formula. Each of these options will fulfill a baby's feeding needs and each has its perks to help a new mother decide which is best for her and her newborn.

Powdered formula is the desired form when price is a real issue. Powdered formula takes the most effort to prepare, but is much cheaper than the other two options. In order to prepare this type of formula you simply boil water, thoroughly mix the powder with the water and allow cooling before feeding. Sterile water can be purchased in order to avoid boiling, but the sterile water should be warmed, and is an unnecessary expense to those who are trying to save money.

Concentrated formula, a thick liquid concentrate, is a little easier to prepare than powdered formula. You must still mix the concentrate with boiled or sterile water but it mixes must easier and quicker than with powder. This method could even be done on the run if using sterile water, which can be purchased in jugs. You simply mix the two in a baby bottle, shake it up, and you are ready to feed the infant.

Ready to eat formula is obviously the most convenient way to feed an infant. It is done just as the name stipulates. Purchase the formula at a store and feed it to the baby. The formula should still be warmed when dealing with younger infants.

There are other versions of formula that a doctor can recommend if a baby shows special needs. In some cases a baby may not be able to handle a certain type of formula. If this occurs it should not be a subject of panic, it is a common occurrence and just shows that your baby may have a sensitive stomach.

Making baby formula at home is not advisable during early stages of an infant's life. If a mistake would occur it could greatly affect the baby's health, due to the fact that babies have a very sensitive system which can not break down certain foods. That is why making these formulas should be left up to professionals who are paid to do so.

Sugar or honey or any other forms of sweetener should never be added to a baby's formula. Goat's milk, cow's milk, or any form of condensed milk should never be given to an infant in an attempt to replace formula. A baby's digestive system is very sensitive and these substances can make an infant very sick.