Breast Milk and Formulas for Babies
When our children are born, our first expectation is to feed them exclusively with breast milk. However, sometimes it is necessary to supplement with some formula to satisfy him. We know that our mammary glands are made to produce the amount of milk our babies need. However, there are exceptions to the rule. And because of this, we as mothers would like to know which alternatives do we have and what are the best baby formula brands out there. So, read on and find out.
Some of us must constantly stimulate ourselves to ensure that our child’s delicate and beautiful breastfeeding process, besides being pleasurable, is sufficient and offers the necessary nutrients. The important thing, in this case, is the feeding of our baby. If we have to give him the formula to make his feeding more complete, we must always receive experts’ guidance.
Before deciding about babies’ best formula, you should consult your child’s pediatrician. It’s also necessary to study a lot and inform yourself properly to establish the criteria to select our babies’ best formula. We must be clear that the most important thing is that it satisfies the nutritional needs that correspond according to age and gives us satisfaction.
Which is the Best Formula for Your Newborn Baby?
The best formula for our baby is to provide the nutritional requirements. But the task of identifying which one corresponds to our child must be subject to a set of selection criteria. The first thing that should be clear to us is that in the market, different baby formulas are grouped, taking into account the following:
- The age: There are formulas for each age that offer nutritional requirements.
- Components of the formula: Some formulas contain cow’s milk. Others are soy or hydrolyzed. Likewise, selecting one of them depends on each baby’s particular situation.
- Function: Each formula has been created for a particular purpose. That is, in addition to nutritional requirements, they cover special needs.
- Special conditions: Some babies have a situation that merit formulas that seek to cover particular requirements. In this sense, low-weight babies, premature babies, babies with reflux, among others, stand out. One more reason to know which are the best baby formula brands on the market.
Baby Formula Variety
There really is an interesting and sometimes overwhelming variety of baby formulas on the market. We have, then, specialized baby formulas. These are excellent for premature, underweight, and undersized infants. These infants need more nutrients than the rest, and these formulas provide them. They exist to help us at this time, which is difficult; having a baby that needs more attention than required puts us in a state of alertness. So with sufficient advice, we can select the formula that corresponds to our child’s particular situation.
We also have Starter Milk (Type 1). This formula has been manufactured for those mothers who unfortunately cannot breastfeed their babies. So they fulfill the function of replacing mother’s milk. It’s not a complementary food, and it is the only food that our baby will ingest. That is why it is necessary to make the best possible selection. It is for ages between 0 to 6 months. The important thing is that as mothers, we fill the moment of feeding our baby with love.
We also have in the market the follow-on milk (Type 2). This type of formula complements our babies’ feeding. It’s used when our children are breastfed but are not satisfied. Or they don’t receive the corresponding amount of nutrients. Then their feeding is supplemented with these formulas. Its function is to provide 50% of the nutrients they require from the first day of birth to 3 years of age.
Growth Milk (Type 3): Type 3 infant formulas are the best substitute for Type 2. You can use it from the first year of your baby’s life. These formulas are the most used by mothers.
Cow’s Milk, Hydrolyzed Milk, Soy Milk, or Lactose-free Milk, Which One is Best for My Baby?
Cow Milk
Cow’s milk baby formulas are the most common. They contain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates required for our child’s development. If we are going to choose this type of milk, it’s advisable to acquire those enriched with iron.
Hydrolyzed Milk
On the other hand, hydrolyzed milk is ideal for those babies who present intolerance to cow’s milk proteins, allergic reactions, or skin rashes. This formula is recommended because the proteins are broken down into small parts. In this way, our baby can digest them more easily and be nourished without problems.
Soy Milk
In the market, we also find soy milk, which has become the best alternative for those babies who are lactose intolerant. It allows us to end our suffering, which is reflected in the following question: what do I do now? My baby doesn’t accept lactose? In soy formula, we have the most appropriate answer. It offers nutrients and represents peace of mind for us.
Lactose-free milk and soy milk are also recommended when our babies suffer from lactose intolerance. However, it is indicated in cases where stomach discomfort is temporary. Here it is observed that sugar is replaced by natural sweeteners, such as corn honey.
Special Formulas
When a newborn baby has a special situation that deserves attention, we must resort to formulas created to give answers to needs related to digestion, allergies, or premature births. Of course, these formulas perfectly cover the nutritional requirements. Hence, this milk for premature babies has more calories and protein than normal formula. It is rich in triglycerides, calories, and protein. The purpose is to contribute to the newborn’s digestive system’s maturation.
Hypoallergenic formula is especially for babies who have allergic reactions or rashes to other formulas. And for babies who suffer from reflux, some formulas help avoid this discomfort, which keeps the baby crying, restless, and unable to sleep. The special formula for these cases contains thick rice starch.
In the same line of ideas, we have the formulas specially created to avoid strong colic, usually accompanied by gas. We know that this pain is excruciating for our babies. They also fill us, as mothers, with worry. We must respond to this immediately. The suffering of a baby cannot be accepted. We must look for immediate solutions that will last over time and offer the well-being that we, as mothers, seek our beautiful child. So, let’s get to the part about the best baby formula brands below.
Best Baby Formula Brands: Each Formula Covers One of Our Baby’s Needs
Enfamil Gentlease
This is a mild powdered milk formula; GMO-free. It serves to soothe the discomfort caused by colic and gas. It is rich in probiotics for babies and easy to digest proteins. Contains omega 3 DHA and choline. It’s rich in nutrients, also found in breast milk. It is enriched with iron. It has no sweeteners, colors, or artificial flavors. One can of this formula contains 27.7 ounces of powdered infant formula.
Click HERE for more details.
Similac Pro-Total
Comfort formula for babies, GMO-free, is powdered milk that contributes to strengthening our baby’s immune system. It doesn’t contain GMOs. But it is rich in soft and easily digestible proteins. This formula is for babies whose stomachs are sensitive and delicate.
It’s a mixture containing DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a non-essential polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-3 series; it is also rich in Q Lutein Vitamin E. This formula is indicated for the baby’s general growth, especially for developing his brain and eyes. Its formula is close to breast milk components, making it a suitable selection. They reduce fatigue, gas, and, therefore, crying. This is a great formula because a baby without pain and discomfort is a happy baby.
Click on this LINK.
Similac NeoSure
Infant formula with iron, for babies born prematurely, powder, 22.8 oz.
It’s an ideal formula without artificial growth hormones. It helps the baby gain weight quickly and helps the baby’s head circumference grow as expected. It is easy to digest; contains more protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals than regular baby formulas. It contains special nutrients found in breast milk. These are essential for contributing to the baby’s brain and bone development. The only nutrient-enriched formula for premature infants with data shows that it promotes higher growth rates than an infant formula during the first year of life for babies born prematurely.
If you want to know more about this formula, click HERE.
Make the Best Decision
We know that the ideal is to breastfeed our babies. But when this loving responsibility becomes difficult, we must resort to some of these formulas for some reason that we cannot control. That’s why we have put together all this information about the best baby formula brands you need to make the best decision possible. As a mother, keep in mind that your goal is to ensure your baby’s nutrition.
