You’ve seen the commercials where moms are lovingly feeding their babies with a bottle and the newest formula. However, before the commercial ends you hear the announcer make the statement that “Breast milk is best” but they claim their product is just as good. You may wonder about the benefits of breast milk and whether it really is best for your baby.

Recently there have been concerns about some formulas having been contaminated. Babies have actually died in other countries from these. Some of it even ended up on the store shelves in the United States. This is unacceptable and one benefit of breast milk is that you don’t have to worry about it being contaminated by melamine.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that breast milk can’t be contaminated, because what you consume goes directly into your breast milk. If you don’t wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, the chemicals on the produce could pass through the breast milk to your baby. For this reason, many physicians and lactation consultants recommend eating organic foods while you are breastfeeding.

Actually, choosing to breastfeed your newborn is one of the most important decisions you can make for your baby’s well-being. Not only is breast milk better for the baby than formula, there are also benefits for the mom. Let’s look at the benefits of breast milk for newborns and infants.

Breastfed babies have been consistently shown to:

• Require fewer hospitalizations
• Develop fewer respiratory, urinary tract, and ear infections among others
• Be less likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Suffer from fewer bouts of allergies and asthma as they age
• Have higher I.Q. scores
• Be less likely to develop obesity and cancer in later years

Breastfeeding benefits you as well, by showing:

• Less bleeding after childbirth
• Suppression of the menstrual cycle so you lose less blood during the first few months of your child’s life
• Lower chances of developing ovarian and breast cancers

There are other, more immediate and practical benefits of breast milk, as well.  Did you know that breastfeeding is considerably cheaper than buying formula? Well, think about it, your body produces what your baby needs so there’s no rushing to the store in the middle of the night because you’ve run out of formula. Breast milk is free whereas formula is expensive, even with the coupons the manufacturers send you.

In addition, breast milk doesn’t have to be heated before being given to your baby: it comes readily available at the perfect temperature. You don’t have to worry about breast milk spoiling if it’s in the diaper bag too long, you don’t have to buy bottles (unless you pump and choose to), and your baby loves it. What better benefits could there be to choosing breast milk over formula?

If you want to  stay informed about baby formula recalls, make sure you bookmark this page: we will be updating it as soon as a new baby formula recall comes along.

Israeli Baby Formula Recalled After 3 Die – Remedia Ltd issued this recall after 3 babies dies, and 10 more were hospitalized.

February 5, 2003

PRODUCT
Powdered Infant Formula packaged under the following labels: Recall # F-171-3. Albertson’s *Baby Basics by Albertson’s Soy Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g) *Baby Basics by Albertson’s Soy Infant Formula with Iron 1 LB (454g)

Amway
*Kozy Kids Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (454g)
*Kozy Kids Soy Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (454g)

HEB
*Hill Country Fare Infant Formula with Iron 32 oz (2 LB) 908g
*Hill Country Fare Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (1 LB) 454g
*Hill Country Fare Soy Infant Formula with Iron 32 oz (2 LB) 908g
*Hill Country Fare Soy Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (1 LB) 454g

K-Mart
*American Fare Little Ones Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g)
*American Fare Little Ones Soy Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g)

Preferred Products Inc. (SuperValue)
*HomeBest Soy Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB. (908 g)

Safeway
*Safeway Select Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g)

*Walgreens Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (454g)

Wal-Mart
*Parent’s Choice Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g)
*Parent’s Choice Infant Formula with Iron 16 oz (454g)
*Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula with Iron 2 LB (908g)
*Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula with Iron 35oz (1 kg)

Product sold in Wyeth Company Store in PA only: Perfect Choice Infant Formula (454g) with Use by 08 28 05 can codes: L10NTJ, L11NTJ.

Sold in Mexico:
NURSOY: Day Codes: K16NVF, K17NVL, K17NVE, K18NVE, K18NVF, K19NVF, L09NVF

CODE
The products are coded with expiration/use by dates of 07 28 05, 08 28 05, and 09 28 05. They are also coded with six-digit lot numbers embossed on the bottom of the cans. The first four characters of the six-digit lot numbers are K12N through K19N; L07N through L30N; and N03N through N25N.

RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER

Recalling Firm: WYETH Nutrition St., Davids, PA, by withdrawal notification on October 25, 2002, press release on November 1, 2002, email and registered letter on November 5, 2002 and notification via the intranet on November 8, 2002.
Manufacturer: WYETH, Georgia, VT. Firm Initiated recall is complete.
REASON
Products may be contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1,470,132 cans.
DISTRIBUTION
Nationwide.

Source: www.fda.gov

Breastfeeding is best for both mom and baby, but sometimes, nursing is just not possible, or it’s not enough.

In those few cases, Nestle baby formula may be what your baby needs.

US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 21:49:08 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Parents looking to supplement their breast milk with baby formula will love Nestle Good Start featuring DHA & ARA. The patented two step process found in this baby formula starts with gentle 100% whey protein, the highest quality protein used in infant formula. The gentle whey is then broken down into smaller, easy to digest comfort proteins. Nestle Good Start is iron fortified and provides complete nutrition with levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals recommended for baby’s first year. This baby formula from Nestle will support brain and eye development in baby’s first year. Breast milk is the ideal choice for baby, but a baby formula from Nestle can be a fantastic substitute. Please consult a doctor before using any baby formula.

Good Start Supreme With Iron Powder Infant Formula

Nestle Good Start Natural Cultures Infant Formula with DHA & ARA, Powder, 12-Ounce Can (Pack of 6)

Nestle Good Start Supreme with DHA & ARA – (Case of 6) 12.9 oz cans

US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 21:49:08 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $22.22 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 21:48:00 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $18.00 End Date: Friday Aug-27-2010 18:03:30 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $18.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Working women all over know the joy that comes when they find out there will soon be a baby added to their family. She and her spouse have a lot of planning to do and a long time to plan. Many women decide to breastfeed their babies and wonder how being a breastfeeding mom will affect their job.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy no matter how natural it is. Add job stress to the fears you may already have about not being able to supply enough milk for your baby, and you may be concerned about the prospects of being able to do both. You may be glad to know that millions of women have been breastfeeding moms and held down their regular job.

Employers are required by law not to discriminate against breastfeeding moms. In fact, they may also be required to provide you with a relaxing place where you can pump while you’re at work. Of course, you would have to pump during your scheduled breaks and during your lunch hour, but they cannot keep you from doing so.

You may wonder if it’s worth the effort to continue breastfeeding. Here are some reasons why continuing to breastfeed even though you’re stressed from work is a good idea:

• Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition possible for your baby.
• Pumping while at work will make breastfeeding while you’re at home easier.
• Breastfeeding can save you quite a bit of money.
• Your baby will be healthier because your breast milk provides antibodies and nutrients that just aren’t available in baby formula.
• Because your baby is healthier, you’ll miss less work. This should be enough reason for your employer to encourage your choice to pump while you’re at work.
• You won’t miss your baby as much which could make you more productive.

Be sure to let your boss know that you plan to breastfeed and that you intend to pump during the day to provide your baby with the best possible start. Talking with them ahead of time will enable them to research the laws concerning breastfeeding and to set aside a private area where you can pump in privacy.

If your company doesn’t have a refrigerator, plan to bring a small cooler that you can use to store the breast milk. You’ll also need to bring an electric breast pump to make expressing milk quicker.

Don’t beat yourself up if you find that pumping while at work doesn’t work for you. Remember that your baby will still get the benefits of breast milk while you’re at home on maternity leave. If you continue to breastfeed when you get home, your child will receive the benefits of breast milk but you’ll have formula to fall back on while you’re apart.

US $160.71 End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 1:46:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $160.71 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $160.71 End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 0:24:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $160.71 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $125.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 21:32:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $140.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $108.00 End Date: Saturday Aug-07-2010 21:03:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $108.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Created for Baby’s First Year, Enfamil Baby Formula, Enfamil Lipil, or Enfamil Lipil with Iron is a blend of the nutrients DHA and ARA which are found in breast milk. Lipil is a blend of the nutrients DHA (17 mg/100 Calories) and ARA (34 mg/100 Calories). DHA and ARA are also naturally found in breast milk and are important building blocks for a baby’s brain and eyes.

Experts agree on the many benefits of breast milk. If you choose to use infant formula, ask your doctor which Enfamil formula is best for your baby. Enfamil Lipil with Iron is our closest formula to breast milk ever. It’s easy-to-digest, complete and balanced nutrition.

Perhaps more valuable than finding baby formula coupons for brand names is knowing that all baby formula including generic brands are essentially the same.

Due to heavy FDA regulations, the price of baby formula will not affect the quality so rest assured your baby will be getting a great balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients regardless of where you get the formula. With the advent of the Internet, no longer are you stuck browsing through the Sunday newspaper (although it’s still a very lucrative source) for baby formula coupons.

If you’re really in a tight financial spot, try the Department of Health and Social Services. Many such agencies and organizations provide a great amount of aid and help in paying for all your baby supplies. You might even be able to just pick up some no-strings-attached quality baby formula.

Do you have questions about your baby’s feeding? When should she eat? Should you feed him on a schedule? When should you introduce solids? And how about types of formula that suit your baby? Here you’ll find resources that will help you in your decisions.

Switching from breast to bottle-feeding? Here are baby formula resources – Resources for locating information on infant formula, including guidelines on nutritional value, brand selection, storage, and preparation of baby formula.

Secrets to Finding Baby Formula Coupons – Baby formula coupons are available: arm yourself with the best tips to finding baby formula coupons.

Baby Formula Recalls – If you want to stay informed about baby formula recalls, make sure you bookmark this page: we will be updating it as soon as a new baby formula recall comes along.

Free Baby Formula – A Bona Fide Free Lunch? – Is there such a thing as free baby formula? Click here and find out all about it!

Organic Baby Formula: Truly Healthy? – Is organic baby formula best? Learn the facts about organic baby formula here.

Baby – New Born Constipation – Is the food you feed your baby making them constipated? How do you know if your baby is suffering from constipation? And do you know what to do if he/she is?

Free baby formula: can you get it? Is there really such a thing as a free lunch? Perhaps not in our capitalistic society yet many new parents are very tempted by the idea of saving some money. Free baby formula would be great, as a new baby already will make a huge dent your pocketbook (don’t forget about college!). Here are some helpful pointers to find that elusive free baby formula:

• Never try to make homemade baby formula. Although it may sound very tempting, even by following a recipe to the exact letter, your batch will probably not contain the sufficient nutrients your baby needs which can lead to malnourishment and weight loss. Store-brought formulas are carefully regulated and prepared by exacting FDA standards.
• Never mix regular cow’s milk with your baby formula or feed it straight to your baby. It’s very hard for a baby to digest and does not contain most of the nutrients needed for a balanced diet.
• So it seems the only true free lunch is through corporate handouts. Try a sample, but you’ll probably end up buying a whole box of your own unless you’re willing to surf the Net all night (hmm, a nifty idea if your baby’s up !

Does organic baby formula interest you? Scientific studies have proven again and again that human breast milk is truly the healthiest diet for your newborn. It’s actually as organic as you can get! For the rest of babies, cow’s milk formula is the most popular because it closely resembles breast milk. Yet with all the genetically engineered or fertilized/sprayed foods out there today, perhaps you’re thinking about switching to organic baby formula?

Organic baby formula can include additional nutrients and vitamin fortifications. In fact, all cow’s milk formula is processed from real cow milk but with many nutrients taken out and put in. In general, stay away from organic formula unless directed by a doctor. Organic cow’s milk, purchased from any health store, is your best bet as the heifers are raised in a natural setting with no artificial preservatives, chemicals, fertilizers, or growth hormones added. Yet your baby still needs the right nutrients and vitamins in the formula. Thus, make sure you get one that’s labeled “baby formula” in addition to being iron-fortified. A lack of iron in organic formulas is a major downfall as deficiency can lead to anemia and growth stunting.

The most popular organic formula is soy-based, mainly for those who are lactose-intolerant. Unfortunately, soy formulas are not as effective and nutritious as cow’s milk even though they might be organic because not as much nutrients and vitamins get absorbed like calcium. So to do what’s best for your precious baby, ask your family doctor.

Infants should receive only breast milk or baby formula for the first 4 to 6 months of life, followed by the introduction of complementary foods, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the World Health Organization.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breast milk or an iron-fortified formula should be the primary source of nutrition for baby’s entire first year. Whole cow’s milk and low-iron infant formula should NOT be fed during a baby’s first year.

Origin of formula

Baby formula was invented by Henri Nestlé in 1867. Nestlé visited a mother who could not breastfeed. The chemist went home to develop a mixture that saved the mother’s premature infant and later became known as the first baby formula. The new product, Farine Lactée Nestlé, was introduced to the Swiss market later that year.

Nestlé offers a variety of iron-fortified baby formulas. The company recommends iron-fortified formula because it helps the baby’s development. “Your baby was born with a good supply of iron, provided by you during a healthy pregnancy. Those initial iron reserves are depleted by the time your baby is around 4 to 6 months old if not maintained by an iron-rich diet.

The switch

Please consult with your doctor before switching your baby from breast-feeding to baby formula. The transition should take place gradually, by mixing breast milk and formula. When changing formula, the transition should also be gradual, and in consultation with your doctor. During the transition, your baby’s stool may change to soft and yellowish or greenish in color. Other normal reactions are fussiness, a little spit-up or occasional rashes. If your baby is very fussy (especially after feeding), gassy or spits up all or most of what he ate, talk to your baby’s doctor. Your baby’s health care professional is the best person to advise you about your baby’s nutrition.

“Fascinating facts about the invention of Baby Formula by Henri Nestle in 1867″ http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story050.htm Accessed 4/21/03.

Also found on www.verybestbaby.com. Accessed 4/17/03.

* Check the can or carton carefully when you buy infant formula. Buy and use the formula by the date shown. Do not buy dented or otherwise damaged cans.
* Buy formula with iron, unless advised otherwise by your health care professional.
* Store unopened cans of infant formula at room temperature. Do not use formula that has been frozen or stored at a high temperature.
* When opening cans with a can opener, be sure it is clean, sharp and free of rust and food deposits.

The above bullets are directly from http://www.welcomeaddition.com/display.cfm?id=91&sub=95. Accessed 4/21/03

During the first week, prepare and offer a bottle with 2 to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours. When your baby doesn’t finish the bottle, he or she is telling you she’s full. When it regularly finishes the bottle, you should increase the amount you feed him or her.

Always wash your hands before preparing formula and also wash the top of the formula can before opening it. Powder can lids may be sharp when opening, so be cautious. Read the directions carefully when you prepare infant formula. Concentrated Liquid formula must be mixed with water. Ready To Feed formula needs no mixing. Use water from the cold water faucet and let it run a few minutes to prevent lead or other mineral contamination. Check with your water purification system manufacturer to understand what effects this might have on the mineral content of your water supply.

If you are advised to boil your water by your local doctor, bring the water to a rolling boil. Excessive boiling can increase the concentration of impurities. To warm a bottle of formula, loosen the cap and put the bottle in hot – not boiling – water for a short time. Or run hot tap water over the bottle. Shake the bottle well. Shake a few drops on the inside of your wrist to test the bottle’s temperature. The formula should feel warm, not hot.

NEVER use a microwave oven to warm formula. The formula could heat unevenly and burn your baby’s mouth. It can also break down the nutrients.

Freshly prepared concentrate or powdered formula must be used immediately, or refrigerated and fed to your baby within 24 hours. Ready-to-feed or prepared concentrate formula should not be left at room temperature for longer than necessary. Prepared formula should be refrigerated within two hours. After feeding, any leftover formula should be discarded. Bacteria from your baby’s mouth have mixed with the formula during feeding.

Rinse the bottle and nipple in hot water right away. Scrub bottles, nipples, caps and rings with a bottle brush, soap and hot water. Or put them in the top rack or basket of a dishwasher. Squeeze water through the nipple holes during washing and rinsing.

The nipple

Your baby will have preferences regarding nipple shape, so try a few different kinds to determine your baby’s favorite. The nipple hole should be large enough that the infant doesn’t have to strain for food, but small enough that it doesn’t choke. Periodically check the nipple hole to ensure that wear and tear hasn’t expanded it.

Feeding basics

Create a calm atmosphere for you and your baby by feeding in a calm and relaxed setting. Hold your baby close to your body in an upright position (head higher than the body). Tilt the bottle so the formula fills the nipple to keep air out of your infant’s stomach. You can prop your feeding arm on a pillow, but do not prop the bottle at any time. If you hear a lot of noisy sucking sounds while he or she drinks, your baby may be taking in too much air. To help your baby swallow less air, hold her at a 45-degree angle.

Give your baby time to pause the feeding. Let him or her look around or play with the nipple.

Burping Your Baby

Try burping your baby halfway through a feeding. Hold your baby upright against your shoulder or lay her across your lap, on her stomach, face down. You can also sit your baby on your lap, leaning her forward against your hand. Support her chin. Pat or rub your baby’s back gently. Your baby may not need to burp after every feeding. Your baby may spit up, but this is no cause for alarm.

Storing baby formula

Unopened cans of baby formula can be stored in a dry place at room temperature until the expiration date indicated on the package.

An open can of baby formula must be covered and stored in a cool dry place. Formula powder must be used within one month, and an open can of formula concentrate or ready-to-feed formula must be covered stored in the refrigerator, and used within 48 hours.

Packaging and serving sizes:

Powder:
12 ounces net weight makes approximately 2.7 quarts of prepared formula
24 ounces net weight makes approximately 5.4 quarts of prepared formula
32 ounces net weight makes approximately 7.3 quarts of prepared formula

Liquid concentrate:
13 fluid ounces makes approximately 26 ounces prepared formula

Ready-to-feed:
32 fluid ounces makes approximately 1 quart

Brands

Wondering what brands of baby formula to buy? Here you can compare store brands of baby formula and branded formulas.

Here you can find recipes for home-made baby formula

Financial help

Assistance for Women, Infants and Children is provided to low-income, nutritionally at risk:
* Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends).
* Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1st birthday)
* Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends)
* Infants (up to 1st birthday). WIC serves 45 percent of all infants born in the United States.
* Children up to their 5th birthday.

WIC is a Federal grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funds each year for the program to offer:
* Supplemental nutritious foods
* Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics
* Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.

Additional Information: “What is the best Nutrition for your baby?” Kids’ Health supplement in the October 18-20, 2002 weekend edition of USA Today. http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/infantnutrition.htm Accessed 4/21/03.