What Creates Foam in Baby Formula?
Baby formula was introduced in the early to mid-1900s. Before that, babies relied on human milk from their mothers. Experts still say that mother’s milk is the ideal nourishment for an infant.
However, some mothers can’t or don’t want to nurse their little ones. At one time, they would rely on wet nurses if they didn’t want to breastfeed. But they needed other options.
Doctors used to give instructions for making homemade baby formula. But in 1923, the first powder infant formula was marketed and sold to the public. Since then, there have been many advancements in the product.
Today, you can find formula that’s made of cow’s milk, soy milk or other options. You can also choose from powdered formula, concentrates or ready-to drink varieties.
Different brands of formula have varying tastes, textures and thicknesses. If your formula is foamy, though, it’s probably due to your mixing method.
The safe method for preparing baby formula usually consists of the following steps:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Get your bottle and nipple ready, making sure that they’re clean.
- Add water to concentrate or powdered formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mix the formula and the water together.
- Measure out the proper amount of formula.
- Warm the formula if necessary.
At some point during the mixing, bubbles may form. That’s because you introduce air into the liquid while you’re mixing it. Those bubbles rise to the surface, creating foam. If you wait long enough, the bubbles will pop, releasing the trapped air.
Is Foamy Formula Bad for Your Baby?
Depending on the formula or the method that you use to mix it, you might end up with a bottle full of foam. Because the foam is made of air bubbles, it can give babies gas. When infants swallow that air, it has to go somewhere. Your little one could end up with burps that cause them to spit up or bloating and flatulence.
While foam in formula isn’t dangerous or harmful, it can make your child uncomfortable. Some babies don’t show distress when they have gas. Others make it seem like the most painful experience in the world.
When infants aren’t comfortable, they may cry. Therefore, excess gas can make your baby seem unhappy or distraught. Reducing the amount of foam can relieve your little one’s suffering.
How Can You Mix Formula to Make it Foam Less?
There’s an easy way to cut down on the foam that ends up in your formula. You just have to change your mixing method. The basic idea is to avoid shaking the bottle. Vigorous shaking introduces the air bubbles that create froth.
If you are preparing powdered formula, always measure and add the water first. Then, put the powder in the bottle. Swirl the combination with a clean, sterilized utensil.
If you are preparing a formula from a concentrate, try not to shake the liquid energetically. Instead, swirl it around in the can or box. You can use a sterilized spoon or fork to make sure it is well combined before you add it to the water. After you pour the concentrate into the water, swirl the bottle to mix the two liquids together.
Ready-to-drink formula doesn’t need to be mixed with water. However, manufacturers still advise that you shake the product to redistribute any sediment that may have settled to the bottom. If you shake it, you’ll create bubbles. Consider stirring or swirling it instead.
Here are some tips for preparing formula with less foam:
- Use a fork to stir the formula. Doing this will break up lumps better than a spoon.
- Scoop out the foam with a spoon after mixing.
- With your pediatrician’s approval, add a drop or two of gas drops to the formula.
- Mix the formula with cold water for less foam.
- Mix the formula with warm water if you want the foam to settle quickly.
- Wait a few minutes after mixing to allow the foam to dissipate.
Which Type of Formula is Less Foamy?
Some types of baby formula are less foamy than others. For example, products that are designed to minimize gas and reflux are less likely than conventional formula to develop bubbles. HiPP baby formula is one option that doesn’t foam very much.
Ready-to-drink and concentrated formulas are also less foamy than powdered options. However, you should check the nutrition labels to make sure that they don’t contain potentially harmful additives, such as corn syrup.
Organic European formula is typically a cleaner, healthier option than American formula. Plus, it’s less foamy. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about the formulas at Tastyganics.com.