How to Choose an Infant Formula

Infant formula is a breast milk substitute that children need for a variety of reasons

They include:

  • absence of breast milk from the mother (agalactia) or lack of breast milk,
  • infectious diseases of the mother, transmitted through breastfeeding,
  • taking a number of medications,
  • severe course of pregnancy and childbirth,
  • mental disorders in the mother,
  • metabolic disorders of the child.

All formulas can be divided into two large groups – those containing milk and those without milk.

The key difference between them lies in the content of casein, the protein in milk, which may not be absorbed by the baby’s body.

If a baby is intolerant to casein, breastfeeding is also contraindicated, so a dairy-free diet, in which whey replaces the nutritious soy protein, is the only food suitable for such babies.

Milk formulas, in turn, are adapted to the body of the child – their composition excludes animal proteins, which at an early age are difficult to digest.

Such formulas are made on the basis of cow’s or goat’s milk whey, and there are a number of important differences between them.

young mother feeding her child formula - How to Choose an Infant Formula

How To Choose Best Formula for your Baby?

When choosing food for your baby, take into account the recommendations of your pediatrician. The following information will also be helpful:

  • Always adhere to the age recommendations on the label;
  • Study the composition of the formula. “Controversial” ingredients should be alert, it is better to consult a pediatrician;
  • Up to the age of 6 months, a baby needs taurine, nucleotides, iodine, polyunsaturated fatty acids. All these ingredients must be included in the formula;
  • The shelf life of the product is the most important selection criterion, be sure to pay attention to it;
  • The substitute must have a natural taste – try the ready mix yourself.

Before you completely switch to a certain type of formula, you need to make sure that your baby tolerates it well.

You should start with very small portions – 20 ml at the time of morning feeding, followed by supplementation with the usual baby formula.

The next day (if everything is in order), the volume is increased to 30 ml, and give twice.

So gradually, increasing each time the amount of milk and the number of feedings, in 6-7 days, the transition to a new milk substitute.

If you are looking to buy the highest quality formula that will suit your baby’s needs, make sure to visit https://themilkybox.com to ensure your baby’s happy and healthy growth.

 Why is it important to follow this sequence?

Beginning with the morning feeding, it is possible to observe the reaction of the baby throughout the day.

If the new milk replaced is given at once in its entirety, a strong allergic reaction can occur, which will be much more difficult to cope with than if a very small portion of the formula is given first.

Unpleasant manifestations in the form of a rash may not appear immediately, and have a delayed nature.

The baby’s body has a week to adjust to the new product, so there is less chance of digestive upset.

It is no secret that all formula has a different taste, so if it is not very pleasant, then by diluting the familiar formula with the new one, you can make it so that the baby will not feel the change and will end up eating with pleasure as before.

How to Prepare and Store Baby Mixture

The formula should be prepared before direct use, storing the product in the refrigerator after feeding is not allowed.

If it is necessary to prepare the milk in advance, cool the bottle under a cool stream of water and place it in a cold place at 4° C for no more than 12:00.

Water that has already been boiled is not used for preparation. Also, neither sugar nor cereal must be enclosed, and it is forbidden to heat in the microwave.

After opening the package is stored at a temperature of 10 °C to 25 °C and humidity not more than 50%.

The jar should not be exposed to direct sunlight and should be placed in the refrigerator.

After the first use, close the jar tightly, with subsequent use within 28 days. 

The packaging of these manufacturers has detailed instructions on how to use the product, which even a child can understand

Stay Healthy

If you take into account the above recommendations, the chance of success is guaranteed.

How and what to feed your baby is up to you, his parents.

It is up to you to decide which formula to choose in order to provide your baby with all the necessary minerals and nutrients.

So make the right choice and use our tips to your baby’s advantage so that he grows up healthy and energetic.

Did you enjoy this article?
Signup today and receive free updates straight in your inbox. We will never share or sell your email address.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

Add Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.