Common new mom question: Are all formulas created equal?
(BPT) - New parents have plenty of concerns when it comes to raising a newborn, and pediatricians have heard them all. While some questions are unusual – “When can I feed my baby fast food?” or “Is it OK for my newborn baby to go kite surfing on my back?” – the most common ones are about the most basic of necessities: food.
Almost all pediatricians (97 percent) say feeding is one of the top three categories of topics that new moms ask about. More than half of pediatricians (52 percent) agree that feeding is the No. 1 category new moms and dads ask about, according to a new nationwide survey conducted by Perrigo Nutritionals in conjunction with SERMO, the largest online network of health care professionals.
Infant feeding options
While the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts agree on the benefits of breastfeeding, they also agree that infant formula is a safe, science-supported, nutritious means to nourish babies. It comes as no surprise, then, that pediatricians answer many questions about formula, especially since some mothers face challenges when breastfeeding. In fact, 58 percent of pediatricians say new moms are unsure what brand of formula to buy if they choose to switch or supplement. Understanding the fundamentals of infant formula can help inform mom’s decision.
Infant formula
Most parents don’t know that the FDA strictly regulates formula to keep babies safe, so store-brand formulas, such as Walmart’s Parent’s Choice Formula, are nutritionally comparable to and meet the same FDA standards as advertised national brands like Enfamil and Similac.
“Patients often come to me with questions regarding feeding and infant formula equivalency,” says Dr. Lisa Thornton, board certified pediatrician and child expert. “I always assure moms and dads alike that store brand infant formulas are a safe and science-supported alternative to breast feeding and are nutritionally comparable to name brand formula. They also offer great savings and every penny matters when you have a new baby.”
Shop store brands
Thornton isn’t alone in recommending store brand infant formula; the survey found 71 percent of pediatricians believe all infant formulas, including store brands, contain the same ingredients and have the same efficacy. Parent’s Choice and other store brand infant formulas can save families a small fortune: up to 50 percent or $600 a year by switching to store brand formula.
For more information about store brand formula, visit www.storebrandformula.com and www.parentschoiceformula.com.