Which Formula is Best For Baby?
May 5, 2008
There are many women who either cannot or choose not to breastfeed. Not to worry, today’s formulas have strict Nutrient Requirements and are closely monitored by the FDA (see full statement HERE).
Prior to formulas, breastfeeding was the only option for an infant’s survival. With today’s formulas, not only do infants survive, but they thrive as well. The main difference between human breast milk and formula is not so much the nutrients, but the actual composition as the complete makeup of breast milk is still unknown. Not to mention, human breast milk contains macrophages and antibodies not found in formula so it is a complex cocktail for our little ones.
But how do we know which formula is best and more importantly safe for our baby?
Shockingly enough, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) BPA’s in infant formula are a cause for concern. Because the metal cans are lined with plastic this plastic can leach toxins called BPA’s (Bisphenol A).
BPA has been linked to:
* Reproductive Harm
* Obesity
* Cancer (breast and prostate)
* Possible neurotoxicity
While manufactures of these formulas contend that they are within the current standards, the FDA and EPA’s standards are outdated.
So how do you know which formula is best for baby. According to the EWG in order are:
Better Choice
* Nestle (Good Start and MAM brands)
* Enfamil
* Similac
Are all “reduced risk” choices. Nestle claims to have no BPA in their product, but has yet to have written documentation of that. Enfamil and Similac are better choices because they only contain metal on the tops and bottoms of the cans, the rest of the can is made of cardboard.
Good Choices are:
* Earth’s Best
* Bright beginnings
Because the entire can is metal lined with plastic, there is a higher exposure to BPA.
Second choice would be concentrated liquid formulas.
They recommend that you avoid all ready-to-eat liquid formulas in metal cans.
On that note, the EWG states that this is not a call for parents to panic, nor should you worry whether or not to feed your children formula. They are just reporting the presence of BPA in formula (like many other products) and highlighting which products are best choices for baby.
Click Here to see the EWG’s entire statement about formulas and bottles.
To see a complete video put out by the EWG regarding formula feeding and safe feeding guidelines Click Here.
As you can see we are living in a day and age where we the parents need to be aware and take the health of our families into our own hands.
I hope that this article helps you to find foods that are healthy and safe for your children.
If you want to get more involved you can click HERE to take action through the EWG.
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