1. Nutrition
Both powdered and RTF formula provide the same nutrition for your baby. All formula milks have to meet very strict compositional regulations, so you can be sure your baby will get the right nutrients, in the right quantity, from whichever formula you use.
However, sometimes there’s a very slight difference between powdered formula and RTF when it comes to the sources and values of different vitamins and minerals. You can always check the ingredients on the packs to see, but not many babies notice the difference.
One thing you might notice though is a slight difference in colour between powder and RTF. The RTF formulas undergo ultra-heat treatment, to sterilise them and keep them safe throughout their shelf life. This involves temperatures above 135 degrees C, which alters the colour and structure of the proteins in the formula, ever so slightly.
We’ve heard anecdotally, that this helps improve the formula’s digestibility. It hasn’t been proven in clinical studies, so there’s no scientific evidence to support this. But, if your baby is suffering with feeding problems, it could be an option. However, we always recommend getting help and guidance from your healthcare professional before making changes to your baby’s usual milk.