Foreign formulas here to help the baby formula shortage!
How to know if a new foreign baby formula is right for your baby (when you can’t find your normal US brand)
When the shortage is over – spend some nerd hours reading through my baby formula series to become the a jedi-master of formula. Right now, I know you’re too busy and likely too anxious, and need an answer now. So, how do you figure out which one of the new foreign formulas suddenly available in the US is right for your baby? Well, the answer is also (conveniently) my mantra:
“Ignore the front label! It’s all about the list of ingredients!”
Dr Bridget Young, PhD
Start by looking at the first few ingredients of the formula you normally use. This will tell you the protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources of your normal formula. Then, look at the ingredients of the new formulas available.
Focus on matching protein first!!!
If your normal formula has “partially hydrolyzed whey” then look for a formula that has “partially hydrolyzed whey” in the first few ingredients. If you see “milk” and “whey” somewhere in the first few ingredients, then try to find those words in the new formula.
You can also match carbohydrate and fat sources as well… but matching the protein source is the most important factor for a smooth transition.
But how do I find out what the ingredients are on all these new baby formulas becoming available?
I got you my dear! Here’s a chart of the new formulas approved by the FDA for US sales. Here’s the link to the FDA site where they list new formulas coming in. And here’s the ingredient breakdown you need to make your decision:
