Infant formulas are food products designed to provide for the nutritional needs of infants. They include powders, concentrated liquids, or ready-to-use forms.

See also:

• Appropriate diet for age
• Breastfeeding

Infant formulas act as a nutritional source for infants less than 1 year of age.

A variety of formulas are available for infants younger than 12 months of age if breast milk is not used. Infant formulas vary in nutrients, calorie count, taste, ability to be digested, and cost.

Guidelines for infant formulas and normal infant feeding based on human breast milk are available from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Specific types of formulas include:

• Standard milk-based formulas
• Soy protein formulas
• Formulas for premature infants
• Formulas for infants with metabolism problems

Standard milk-based formulas contain heat-treated cow's milk protein (at reduced concentrations), lactose and minerals from cow's milk, vegetable oils, minerals and vitamins. The amount of each nutrient is set to standards based on levels in breast milk.

The AAP recommends iron-fortified formulas for all infants. Standard formulas contain 20 Kcal/ounce and 0.45 grams of protein/ounce.

Vitamin supplements may be recommended depending on how much formula the infant is taking. Receiving more than the daily requirement of vitamins is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Depending on the water supply, pediatricians may prescribe a fluoride supplement to help the infant develop strong teeth and bones.

You should talk to an experienced dietitian and health care provider if you have a baby with a metabolic problem. The infant's gastointestinal tract and ability to break down food and nutrients may affect your formula choice.

Improper mixing of formula is common and may harm the infant. Follow the instructions on the formula container carefully.

Improper mixing may result in abdominal pain, improper caloric intake, or other problems in the baby. Never water down the formula, because that can change your baby's salt balance, which can cause seizures.

Using the wrong type of formula for a special-needs infant may cause the baby's condition to become worse.

The AAP recommends that infants be fed formula or breast milk for at least 12 months.

Cow's milk alone is not an appropriate diet for infants because the baby's kidneys may not work as efficiently as an adult's. Cow's milk also has too much protein (and in particular, too much casein, a type of protein). The minerals are not easily absorbed, and there is an increased risk for sensitization to milk proteins. Low-fat and skim milk are also inappropriate for use in the first year of life. They do not provide enough calories for growth or enough of some nutrients needed for normal development.

Formulas based on cow's milk are appropriate for full-term and preterm infants having no special nutritional requirements.

SPECIAL FORMULAS

Special formulas should be used only under a health care provider's supervision.

• Infants with lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy cannot drink standard cow's milk-based formula. Soy-based formulas do not contain milk protein.
• Formulas for premature and low birthweight infants have extra calories and minerals to meet the needs of these infants.
• There are other special formulas available, such as those for infants with heart disease, malabsorption syndromes, and problems digesting fat.