The need to choose a complementary food for infants can arise for various reasons that make exclusive breastfeeding impossible. But nowadays this is not a problem, as there are excellent infant milk formulas available on the market, prepared with all the nutrients required to meet their main needs for proper development.

Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the Ministry of Health tirelessly recommend breast milk as the only source of food for the baby at least until the 6th month, since mother’s milk is considered the ideal food as it meets all the nutritional needs of the little ones and also strengthens the mother-child bond.

But when it is not possible to follow this guideline precisely, there is no need to worry, infant milk formulas can also meet these needs, and we can even say they are great “imitations” of breast milk.

Infant Milk

We already know the importance of breast milk and the recommendation that it be the only food source for infants at least until the 6th month of life and continued along with other foods up to 2 years old. But some mothers, for various reasons, are unable to maintain exclusive breastfeeding, and need to supplement feeding with infant milk or an appropriate formula.

Infant milk formulas are developed to substitute breast milk with high quality and comparable nutritional value. Trusted and well-known brands manufacture these formulas in various types, each one suited for a stage of the baby’s life from the very first days through the early years, as well as formulas that meet special dietary needs, such as food restrictions and allergies, among other situations where a specifically prepared milk is required.

The leading brands offer complete lines of infant formulas with differentiated milks for babies with lactose intolerance, for example. Hypoallergenic formula, soy-based, anti-reflux, and formulas specific to each stage and age of the child.

Mothers’ Questions

It’s very common for this topic to come up in online forums and among groups of moms eager to know all the options and understand all the pros and cons of each of them. With so many highly qualified infant milk options and plenty of great references, the hardest part is actually choosing which one is truly ideal for your baby, right?

We’ll try to help you with your research, bringing relevant information so you can learn a little more about all the options available and make a decision with peace of mind! But don’t forget. This decision should be made together with your pediatrician who will always take into consideration your baby’s condition and needs.

Getting to Know Milk Formula Composition

The concern among moms who want to know the components of infant formulas in detail is understandable, after all we’re talking about the health and development of our precious little ones, and during the first stage of life nutrition is extremely important.

In fact, there are many options currently available and all of them are quite similar. However, each brand offers a line of infant formulas with different caloric densities and specific nutritional components, catering to various needs: infants up to 6 months (starter), premature babies, those with allergies, etc.

There are always brands that stand out for having great approval among mothers and thus being the most recommended by many pediatricians. The needs of each baby, their clinical conditions, and whether the formula will function only as a supplement or as the baby’s only food are all considered by the doctor when choosing one.

Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about the composition and understand the reasons for the recommendation. Do not hesitate to clarify any doubts or insecurities you may have, which are perfectly understandable at this time, but should be resolved so you can feed your baby safely and confident that they are receiving everything they need to grow up strong and healthy.

Types of Formula

There are numerous brands on the market that develop nutrient-rich formulas that are vital for healthy growth. The milk is powdered and sold in cans, usually in two sizes, and depending on the formula type and brand, the price can vary considerably.

Basically, there are four types of formula: dairy-based, soy-based, lactose-free, and hypoallergenic.

Important: these products should only be used to feed children under 1 (one) year of age under the express advice of a doctor or nutritionist. Breastfeeding helps prevent infections and allergies and strengthens the mother-child bond.

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

There are formulas based on extensively hydrolyzed whey protein, indicated for dietary therapy in infants and young children who have cow’s milk protein allergy or soy protein allergy.

They generally contain nucleotides and prebiotics, LC-PUFAS, which are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, very important for children’s neurological development. Many formulas of this type do not contain gluten, sucrose, or fructose in their composition, and most of the carbohydrates are lactose.

These components are transferred to the fetus through the placenta and are present in breast milk. Some babies may not be able to convert these fatty acids into adequate amounts of ARA and DHA, so supplementing these nutrients through formula is necessary.

Infant Formula for Each Stage

Many brands offer a specific infant formula for each stage, usually represented by the numbers 1, 2, and 3. Formulas for stage 1 are recommended for infants from 0 to 6 months of age. They typically contain prebiotics that strengthen the immune system, as well as vegetable fats that are easy to digest. The carbohydrates in these formulas are 100% lactose, which is milk sugar.

Stage 2 formulas are known as follow-on formulas. Produced with the appropriate nutrient levels to support the development of children between 6 and 12 months of age, they are also enriched with iron and the amount of carbohydrates in these formulas is usually balanced between lactose and maltodextrin.

For older babies (from the 10th month on), the recommended formula is stage 3, which besides containing all the important nutrients for children in this age group, also includes Omega 3 (DHA).

Soy Infant Formula

Soy protein isolate-based formulas do not contain lactose, sucrose, or cow’s milk proteins. It is a milk enriched with iron and also with amino acids. This type of milk is recommended for babies up to 6 months old or after this age, under medical advice, especially in cases of lactose intolerance, where cow’s milk must be removed from the diet.

Well, these are some of the infant milk options that address the main feeding needs of infants and for ongoing nutrition. But every baby is unique, so remember: deciding which formula is most suitable is a decision that must be made by the pediatrician.

Also see: How to Increase Breast Milk – Beginning of Breastfeeding
Photos: Beeki, ProjectManhattan