Feeding Choices For Your Baby
Becoming a parent means adjusting to a life where a million different choices now need to be made; from the start we have to choose how are we going to raise them, what type of play will we prioritise, who will raise them, how will we support their sleep, and perhaps one of the biggest dilemmas; how and what we choose to feed them. And sadly most of these choices can come with a lot of judgement and unwanted input from friends, family, and even strangers. Social media has only exacerbated this final one, with a seemingly endless population out there willing to offer their five cents on every aspect of parenting. This can only add to the daunting nature of the decision, and can bring parents additional stress; which is really not what new or expecting parents need!
Please be reassured, when it comes to baby feeding whatever you choose will be the right decision for your family. You know your situation better than anyone else (especially online strangers) and you know what will work best for both your new baby and yourselves; because you matter too.
To help with this decision here are a few different questions you may want to think about;
- Breast or Bottle Feeding? – This can feel like one of the most important decisions of your new parenting life. And it is important, if nothing else it will impact a number of practicalities (i.e. how other people will be involved in feeding and what products may need to be purchased). However, whichever route you choose know that your baby will be fed, your baby will be nourished, and your feeding choice will not impact your overall bond with your child. For judgement free advice we recommend finding neutral online sources, i.e. not a website by a formula company or a breastfeeding blog.
- If I choose formula which formula should I choose? – The baby food industry is a huge multimillion dollar industry worldwide, with a wide number of brands to choose from. Rest assured that baby formula ingredients are strictly regulated and what is inside the box overall wont vary significantly (unless you need specific dietary requirements). Therefore consider availability, which formulas are easy to buy in your local shops (as you don’t want to run short and need to order online or struggle to find in stores), and consider price point; which fits your budget? Some brands are marketed as more high end and yet the ingredients are identical to cheaper brands, don’t fall for the marketing, your new baby will be expensive enough!
- What if i change my mind? – In parenting, if not in life in general, it feels somehow taboo to admit “I changed my mind”. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing your mind, perhaps the route you thought would work isn’t working for your baby or you; and that is okay! That is life – and there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying “I changed my mind” and ending the sentence there, no explanation or justification needed. Remember at all times that you know what works best for your family, and what works best can and often does change over time.
