How to choose formula: what to look for

2026-05-26 12:00 Feeding

In short: It is better to discuss the choice of formula with a pediatrician. For a healthy full-term baby, a standard adapted formula of the 1st stage is suitable. Special mixtures are prescribed only according to indications - you should not choose them yourself "just in case".

When to Need Formula

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for a child in the first year of life. Formula is used when breastfeeding is impossible or insufficient: in the absence of milk, medical contraindications, the mother's return to work, or as supplementary feeding in mixed feeding.

Modern adapted formulas are the result of decades of research and are as close as possible in composition to breast milk, although it is impossible to fully reproduce its complex composition. They are safe and ensure the normal development of the child when used correctly.

Types of mixtures by age (stages)

Stage 1 (0-6 months) – for newborns and children up to 6 months. It is most adapted to the needs of early age.
Stage 2 (6-12 months) – adapted to the needs of the second half of the year, often contains more iron and protein.
Stage 3 (12-18 months) – for children over one year old, transitional between formula and whole milk.
Premature – for premature babies with a high energy and protein content, prescribed only by a doctor.

Standard adapted mixtures: what to look for in the composition

When choosing a standard mixture, pay attention to the following components:

The ratio of whey proteins to casein – in stage 1 formulas, it should be close to breast milk (60:40 or 70:30 in favor of whey proteins)
Fats – should include vegetable oils that provide the required fatty acid profile. The presence of DHA and ARA (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) is important for brain and vision development
Carbohydrates are the main source of lactose (as in breast milk). The presence of maltodextrin is acceptable
Prebiotics (GOS/FOS) – support the development of healthy gut flora
Probiotics – some mixtures contain them, but this is not a necessary component

Special Blends: When You Need Them

Special mixtures are prescribed by a pediatrician for specific medical indications. Do not choose them yourself:

Antireflux (AR) are thickened mixtures with pronounced regurgitation. Contain thickeners (starch, carob flour)
Lactose-free - with lactase deficiency. Lactose replaced with glucose syrup
Hypoallergenic (HA) – partially hydrolyzed protein to reduce allergenicity in familial predisposition
Highly hydrolyzed mixtures – for allergies to cow's milk protein, prescribed by a doctor
Soy mixtures are for children with intolerance to cow's milk proteins. Not recommended as a first choice for babies under 6 months of age

Important: Choosing a special mixture "just in case" on your own can be harmful. Hydrolyzed formulas have a specific taste, the child can refuse them, and soy mixtures contain phytoestrogens, the safety of which for infants under 6 months of age is not well studied.

Goat's milk vs cow's milk at the base of the mixture

Goat's milk-based formulas are becoming more and more popular. The protein of goat's milk is slightly different in structure from cow's milk and forms a softer clot in the stomach. Some studies suggest better tolerance in some children. However, they are not an alternative for children with cow's milk protein allergies – cross-allergy is very common.

How to prepare the mixture correctly

Always strictly follow the instructions on the package - an underdiluted mixture can cause kidney problems, an overdiluted one will not give enough calories
Use boiled water cooled to 70°C or special baby food water
The finished mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours
Dispose of the remnants of the formula after feeding – do not store

When to see a doctor

The child does not gain weight well on any formula
After the introduction of the mixture, a rash, hives, edema (possible allergies) appeared
Severe colic, bloating, changes in stool after the start of formula feeding
The child refuses a mixture of any brands

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to change the brand of the mixture?

It is better not to change the formula without a good reason - the child gets used to a certain taste and composition. If a change is necessary, do it gradually, mixing the old and new mixture for 5-7 days, increasing the proportion of the new one.

Do I need to give formula at night?

If the child is on mixed feeding, it is better to breastfeed at night - this supports lactation. With artificial feeding, feeding at night is gradually reduced as the child grows up and the volume of a single portion increases.

Conclusion

The choice of formula is a responsible decision, which is better to make together with a pediatrician. For a healthy full-term baby, a standard adapted first-stage formula is a safe and sufficient choice. Special mixtures are prescribed only for specific indications.

Bibliography

ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Infant formula and follow-on formula. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2005.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Infant food and feeding. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/infant-food-and-feeding/
European Food Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the essential composition of infant and follow-on formulae. EFSA Journal. 2014.
National program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation. Union of Pediatricians of Russia, 2019.
Vandenplas Y, et al. Hydrolysed formulas for allergy prevention. Nutrients. 2021.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. If a child has alarming symptoms, a pronounced deterioration in health, problems with breathing, feeding or weight gain, it is necessary to contact a qualified medical specialist as soon as possible, and not rely only on information from the Internet.

Lunora