“We recommend that babies are either formula fed or breastfed until age 6 months. Shortly before 6 months, babies who are meeting developmental milestones can have their formula supplemented with purees, cereal and other solid foods to help the formula last,” said Heather M. Felton, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Germantown.

Most cow’s milk-based formulas are interchangeable, according to Dr. Felton.

Be wary of recipes for making your own formula. Baby formula is made with specific nutrients and vitamins with the calories babies need. That’s one reason why you shouldn’t feed your baby regular milk or dilute the baby formula.

Donor breast milk may be an option; moms who’ve recently stopped breastfeeding may be able to resume lactating. After four months or so of bottle feeding, a mother may not be able to lactate.

Help is available for new mothers who want to breastfeed.

Resources include:

• Breastfeeding classes
• Baby Bistro & Boutiquebreastfeeding supplies
• Free Norton eCare (virtual) lactation consultations available 24/7; can be scheduled through your MyNortonChartaccount
• In-person lactation consultant available by appointment; can be scheduled by calling (502) 899-6530

The following alternatives to Similac baby formulas were provided by the state of Connecticut and reviewed by Dr. Felton.