Introducing Bottle Feeding
Thinking of supplementing your breastmilk?
Around this time you may be considering supplementing breastmilk with formula. Breastmilk is still your baby’s ideal source of nutrition and protection against allergies. Experts recommend continuing to breastfeed for as long as possible. But as moms return to work and other activities, some may choose to supplement with an iron-fortified formula. Rest assured that this also can be a nourishing, nurturing choice for your baby.
Choosing formula
If you use formula, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises choosing an iron-fortified variety. Because your baby is tripling her birth weight and doubling her brain size in the first year of life, adequate iron intake is critical for good health.
Another factor to consider when choosing a formula is the type of protein it has. Only GERBER® GOOD START® milk-based formulas are made exclusively from high-quality protein that’s broken down to be easy for your baby to digest. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS® and only GOOD START has them.
Human breastmilk and cow’s milk contain two types of protein: whey and casein. Most milk-based formulas are made from a blend of both. But the casein and whey in these formulas come from cow’s milk, not mother’s milk which is easier to digest.
During digestion, cow’s milk casein may form curds (which look something like cottage cheese) in babies’ tummies.
Whey is a gentle liquid protein that doesn’t form curds. Only GOOD START formulas use 100% whey protein.
Studies have shown that formulas made with 100% whey protein that’s partially hydrolyzed empty from your baby’s stomach faster than some other routine formulas. The faster emptying time may help reduce the potential for spitting up.
Learn more about supplementing breastmilk with formula and find tips for transitioning.