Dear Dawn,
 
Hi! I’m Michele, mother of four kids. My youngest is Isobelle Anne, just 7 months old. We fondly call her ‘Soey’. I was wondering if powdered milk formula has different effects on babies? In my case, I know some of my friends also what I use, a more cheaper brand. Their babies are quite healthy or should I say chubby, but my Soey isn’t. Although I notice that my baby do have strong bones. She can glide around her crib while clutching to its sides. I’m also taking turns breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

Should I switch to a more expensive brand of formula milk so I can see her chubby like other babies or stick to what I’ve been using to add to my breastmilk? Thank you so much for your time. I hope you can answer my question.
 
Marie Anne Michele G. Ereño
Sta. Cruz, Manila.

A chubby baby does not necessarily correspond to a healthy baby. I used to worry that my son never had the chubby, rolled up skin look and I discussed it with his doctor. He told me it was quite all right and in fact was actually even better that he stayed lean for as long as he was within his right weight for his size and age. I see many cute, plump babies and while they’re too adorable to watch – their mobility is so greatly challenged. If her doctor says after her check-up that she’s fit and in perfect health, that’s all that matters.

It has been my personal code of ethic to provide my son with the best kind my own money can buy. Although there are less expensive brands that are also nutritionally-sound, I’ve seen some mothers who opt for cheaper milk brands end up with sickly or under-nourished kids. And worse, some of these cheaper milk products just contain a lot of sugar that only fatten them up but lack essential vitamins needed for growing children. I think all parents will agree to the fact that it’s difficult to scrimp on these vital elements while raising kids. Because like finding a reliable pediatrician, or buying the right kind of medication when they’re ill, or even sending them to get an education – we prefer to give them the best.

But so that you can have a better idea on how to size up your formula for little Soey, I did a bit of research for you. Here is a guide by Lambeth Hochwald of What Matters To Moms: Parenting magazine, that can help take the guesswork out of your next shopping trip.

All formulas must meet the nutrient standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. Generic formulas are nutritionally sound, says William Klish, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. However, they don’t always have the added supplements that many brand names do.

According to Ann Condon-Meyers, clinical nutritionist at the Children’s Hopsital of Pittsburgh, it’s good to ask your pediatrician what she recommends. Assuming you can start with the basics, the first thing to look for is one that is iron-fortified. You’ll also see brands that contain DHA and ARA, two fatty acids that are abundant in breast milk and can enhance development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. The research on the benefits of these supplements is growing, and doctors are increasingly recommending them. These formulas may be a bit pricier, but they’re very likely worth the splurge.

Does it matter what sort of water to add with premixed formulas and dry formulas? The two types are equivalent – the premixed formulas simply already have water added to them, Condon-Meyers says. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure of the water supply, or if you’re sending your baby to her grandma’s to spend the day with and you want to make sure no mistakes are made in the mixing process, consider buying premixed formula.

If you use powdered formula, many doctors suggest sterilizing the water in your baby’s early months; after that, boiled tap water is fine. Boil the water for a few minutes especially if you have well water – and then let it cool to room temperature before mixing.

"As for whether or not to go organic, nutritionally, the organic formulas are the same as any other," says Dr. Klish. And though some do contain sucrose, which may be a bit sweeter than other sugars, it’s still on par with sugars in other formulas.

Finally, let me add that what your child’s pediatrician recommends she should drink is your safest guide. The choice would have been based on what her nutritional needs are, and every baby has different needs that certain milk brands can provide. And of course, don’t forget that breastfeeding is still the best choice for babies.