Do you plan to formula-feed your baby? If so, you should know that there are different types of infant formula. You can choose between powder or liquid formulas. Most liquid formulas are ready-to-feed, meaning you only have to transfer some into a feeding bottle. On the other hand, you have to dissolve powder formulas in clean water first. But are there differences in their nutritional value? Which is better to use? Find answers in this powder vs liquid formula article.
Powder Formula VS Liquid Formula
Technically, there are three types of infant formula: powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed liquid. All of these are healthy and safe for your baby. However, one type can be better than another based on who you are or the situation you are in. Let's discuss them one by one before doing a comparison to help you see a clear picture.
Powder Formula
Powder formula is the most common type of infant formula. It is also the cheapest and the most filling. You need to mix it with clean water to make milk that is safe for your baby to consume.
One thing to note is that it can cause constipation. However, that is more about your skill rather than this formula type itself. You need to mix the right amount of formula powder and powder. Some mothers find it difficult to do.
Liquid Concentrate
Liquid concentrate is the middle ground between powder and premixed formulas. You need to dilute it in clean water. But unlike formula powder, it mixes more easily. Therefore, the chances of causing constipation are lower.
Ready-to-Feed Liquid
Ready-to-feed liquid, as the name implies, is a formula that has been pre-made. Expectedly, it is the easiest to use. You simply have to transfer the container or carton's contents into a feeding bottle. Since you don't have to add water, mixing errors are out of the picture. The catch is that you have to pay for this convenience. Ready-to-feed liquid formulas are a lot more expensive than powder formulas.
|
Key Features |
Mix with Water? |
Downside |
|
|
Powder |
● Most filling. ● Most economical. |
Yes |
● Most likely to cause constipation. ● Mixing errors can cause overfeeding, underfeeding, or electrolyte abnormalities. |
|
Liquid Concentrate |
● Easy to use without being too expensive. ● Less messy to prepare compared to formula powder. |
Yes |
● It is not as filling as powder and not as convenient as ready-to-use liquid formula. |
|
Ready-to-Feed Liquid |
● Most convenient. ● Pre-measured. ● An unopened container can last up to 6 months. |
No |
● Very expensive. ● You need to use it within 2 hours or 48 hours when kept in a refrigerator once opened. |
How To Choose Powder vs. Liquid Formula
Now that you know the different formula types, selecting the best one for different scenarios is easier. Here, we will discuss the best use cases for each one.
Powder Formula
Powder formula is the best option if you are on a tight budget. Also, it is easy to store and is widely available. If you don't mind the extra step of preparation, you can't go wrong with it.
Powder infant formula is also great for long travels. You would need to use the prepared formula within 2 hours if you are on the go. On the other hand, you can bring dry formula and just prepare the milk when it is needed.
How about its effect on your baby? Baby formula is more filling than liquid formula. So, it will make your baby full faster and for longer. Just remember that you need to get the right water and formula ratio to not over or underfeed. On top of that, you need to use clean water that is above 70°C to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Liquid Concentrate
Liquid concentrate is a good cost-effective option that offers some convenience. You choose this over ready-to-feed liquid if you don't want to spend too much.
Preparing formula milk using liquid concentrate is less messy and faster to mix compared to powder formula. Also, it does not require as much skill as when using powder formula. Thus, there are lower chances of causing constipation or other problems. But please note that you still need to mix the right amount of formula and water. Going more or less is dangerous for your baby.
Ready-to-Feed Liquid
Ready-to-feed liquid is the best option for busy moms. It requires basically no preparation. It is also great for feeding on the go. You put an opened container in a cooler with ice packs, and it could last for 2 hours. Sealed containers can last up to months.
Ready-to-feed liquid is also the best choice if you can't figure out the right ratio between water and formula liquid or powder. If you have money to spare, consider choosing this for hassle-free feeding sessions.
How To Use Powder and Liquid Formula
Have you chosen the formula type to use? We have mentioned several times that you need to prepare the milk carefully. But how to do that? We will discuss that in this section. Here is how to use powder and liquid formulas.
Important Reminders
Regardless of the formula type you use, you must never skip these steps. These ensure the safety of your baby.
- Wash your hands.
- Clean the surfaces in your preparation area.
- Clean and sanitize the feeding bottles and all equipment. You can use the Momcozy Baby Bottle Washer for this. It features a total of 26 spray jets, which ensure that the feeding bottles are thoroughly clean. You can also use it to clean other feeding supplies, such as breast pump parts.
- Boil water. It needs to be 70°C to kill the bacteria in the powder.
- Check the packaging of the formula you are using to see specific preparation instructions.
After the preparation, seal the containers and put them back into the refrigerator.
Powder Formula
- Pour the measured amount of hot water into the feeding bottle.
- Add the right amount of powder into the container. It is usually a scoop of formula per 2 ounces of water.
- Shake to mix.
- Cool the bottle by holding it under cool water. You need to do it so your baby's mouth and throat will not be burned. If your baby prefers warm milk, you can use the Momcozy Portable Baby Bottle Warmer to bring it to the desired temperature. This nifty device offers quick, even heating.
- Drop a few on your wrist to check the temperature before offering it to your baby.
Liquid Concentrate
- Pour the measured amount of hot water into the feeding bottle.
- Add an equal amount of liquid concentrate into the bottle. If you need 4 ounces, that would be 2 ounces of water and 2 ounces of liquid concentrate.
- Shake to mix.
- Cool the bottle by holding it under cool water. You need to do it so your baby's mouth and throat will not be burned.
- Drop a few on your wrist to check the temperature before offering it to your baby.
Ready-to-Feed Formula
You don't need to prepare anything if you are using a ready-made formula. Transfer its contents into your clean, sterilized bottle.
Can You Switch Between Liquid and Powder Baby Formula?
Yes, you can switch between liquid and powder baby formula. That is especially true if the two formulas have the same base. In fact, it is recommended to make the switch if your baby is allergic to the old one or has an intolerance.
Also, as stated above, ready-to-feed formulas are expensive. If you don't think you can afford it any longer, you don't have to force yourself to buy it. Switching to powder is not unsafe, so you can do it without worries.
However, we recommend making the switch gradually. Start by mixing three parts of the old formula and 1 one part of the new formula. Then, gradually increase the amount of new formula as your baby gets more accustomed to it. Eventually, you will be able to make a whole bottle of the new formula.
If your baby shows any signs of discomfort when you switch the formula, please contact the doctor immediately.
Conclusion
So, which formula wins in the powder vs liquid formula match? There is no real winner. Both types have an advantage over the other, and they are both safe for your baby. If you are always busy, ready-to-feed liquid formula is the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you have lots of free time, powder would be better because it is much cheaper.
The verdict is that the formula type does not matter. What would make the milk unsafe are preparation and storage errors. So, be sure to study how to properly prepare and store formula milk.
