How to choose formula milk

Mother's milk is the best food for a baby. But if a woman cannot feed a baby or wants to transfer it to mixed food, she buys formula milk.

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1. Milk formula composition
2. Appointment
3. Child's age
4. Adapted and unadapted mixtures
5. Which mixture to choose

What to look for when choosing

Milk formula composition

Many milk formulas use cow's milk. Some substitute products are made from goat milk or soy protein. If the baby is diagnosed with lactose intolerance, soy-based mixtures are prescribed to him. Goat milk is used for allergy to cow protein. But the body of the crumbs may not accept food based on goat protein.

The formula should be similar to breast milk. Therefore, it contains proteins, vitamins, nucleotides, lactose, vegetable oils and other useful substances.

Sometimes they add to the product:

1. Prebiotics. Increase the spread of beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria in the intestines. They are useful in the treatment of constipation, help to get rid of intestinal problems. With a lack of prebiotics, dysbiosis, atopic eczema develops, and the functioning of the immune system deteriorates.

2. Probiotics. These bacteria improve the functioning of the immune system, are used for flatulence, and aid in digestion. They are used to prevent allergic reactions.

3. Bifidobacteria. They are recommended for intestinal infections, help the body to absorb food, improve immunity.

4. Starch. Contained in antireflux mixtures that prevent frequent and profuse regurgitation. It is added to conventional milk replacers to normalize stool and increase the nutritional value of the product. May cause flatulence and abdominal pain if consumed at an early age.

5. Gluten. This vegetable protein is added to most infant formula. But it can cause allergies or bowel upset in children under one year old. Sometimes babies develop gluten intolerance.

6. Iron. Used for the prevention of anemia.

Often, baby food contains palm oil, which is high in fatty acids. But some doctors argue that regular consumption of it causes bone loss.

The milk mixture must be sugar-free. Sucrose can cause allergies, flatulence, and tummy pain.

A pediatrician should be consulted before using any mixture.

Appointment

For premature babies, high-calorie milk replacers are used that contain more protein and healthy components than conventional formula. They are included in the diet of babies who weigh less than 3 kg.

Anti-reflux blends contain starch or other thickening agents. They help children who have frequent regurgitation.

If the crumbs have problems with the intestinal microflora, fermented milk mixtures are prescribed. They have a positive effect on the immune system and increase the growth of 'good' microorganisms in the intestines. They can be given after antibiotic therapy.

Hypoallergenic products are suitable for children who are prone to developing allergies. They contain hydrolyzed protein, which, unlike cow protein, does not cause an allergic reaction.

Sometimes iron-fortified mixtures are prescribed for the prevention or treatment of anemia (anemia).

There are foods that do not contain milk sugar. They are prescribed for children with lactose intolerance. If the disease is mild, the mother feeds the baby a formula with low milk sugar. It is impossible to feed a child with therapeutic and prophylactic mixtures without the consent of a pediatrician.

Milk formula for mothers

Not only children can use formula milk. There is a special nutrition for moms that increases lactation and improves the composition of breast milk. It contains many minerals (potassium, iodine, sodium, zinc, chromium), vitamins (B2, B9, C, retinol, nicotinamide), taurine, pectin and other useful compounds.

Child's age

The composition of the formula depends on how old the baby is. The older the crumb, the more nutritional components and unadapted milk protein are contained in the product. Therefore, manufacturers always indicate the age and grade of the mixture.

1. The '0' step is designed for premature babies and LBW babies.

2. '1' – designed for children from birth to six months.

3. '2' – designed for 6-12 month old babies.

4. '3' and '4' – used in the diet of one year old children.

5. '5' – designed for children over two years old.

When moving to the next stage, it is recommended to feed the baby with a formula from the same manufacturer.

Adapted and unadapted mixtures

The adapted products are created from demineralized whey. They contain many vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This makes the composition of baby food similar to that of breast milk. Because of this, it is more expensive. The adapted formulas are used for babies from birth to one year old.

Unadjusted products are made from whole milk and should not be used on babies under 6 months old. They are less digestible and often 'poorer' in terms of nutrient content than adapted mixtures.

Even when using an adapted diet, the baby may have health problems: intestinal upset, rash, colic and flatulence. Therefore, the mixture should be introduced into the diet gradually. If, following all the instructions, the baby's body still does not accept the product, the mixture must be changed.

Which mixture to choose

1. For low-weight children, choose a zero-grade milk formula with increased nutritional value. For babies under six months, the product must be adapted. And if you have an allergy or intestinal disorder, you should choose therapeutic and prophylactic mixtures, but you cannot use them without a doctor's approval.

2. When choosing formula milk, pay attention to the type of formula. Liquid foods only need reheating. They are convenient to take on a trip or visit. After opening the package, the mixture cannot be stored.

3. Powdered milk substitutes should be poured with boiled water before feeding. They can be stored for up to a month after opening the package.

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In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose the right baby food and the secrets of choosing porridge for the first complementary feeding and recommendations for choosing a highchair for feeding your baby.

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.