The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6 months. However, breastfeeding is not always possible. In such cases, they must reach for baby formulas. The moment of switching to the baby formula is difficult not only emotionally. Parents must also choose the product that will be best for their little one. What to consider when deciding on a specific product? Let’s try to figure it out.
What Does “Modified” Milk Mean?
The milk composition of different species of mammals is not the same. Therefore, human breast milk is the most suitable for a baby. To create such a product, manufacturers modify cow’s and goat’s milk. During the modification process, the amount of protein is reduced and its composition is changed to the proportion of human milk. The amount of unsaturated fats necessary for proper baby development is also increased.
The content of potassium, sodium, and chlorine is also adjusted to the baby’s needs. Cow’s milk is also enriched with vitamins A, E, D, and C, minerals, and prebiotics to support the infant’s immunity. In this way, it is possible to create a food that is most similar to human milk, which the little organism can absorb and thus develop properly.
How to Choose the Baby Formula?
The composition of breast milk varies with the age of the baby. Therefore, manufacturers of European baby formulas have adapted their products accordingly. Number 1 is milk for newborns, 2 is for infants after six months of age, 3 is for toddlers after the age of one, and 4 is for children over two years.
Besides, there are special baby formulas that meet the needs of babies with health problems and specific nutritional needs, e.g., those suffering from allergies, excessive regurgitation, colic, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
Appropriate Nutritional Value
When choosing the product for your little one, always purchase from a reputable manufacturer with extensive experience. The composition of baby formula must fully cover the infant’s needs for all the necessary nutrients. A well-balanced product must contain the right amount and quality of protein, and properly selected fats, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, which support the development of the brain and nerve cells. Carbohydrates, such as lactose, are also critical. Prebiotic fiber is important, supporting the development of beneficial bacterial flora in the digestive tract. “ All of these important ingredients you can find in baby formulas from themilkybox.com.
Ingredients Supporting Development and Immunity
The baby formula should also be enriched with fatty acids found in human milk. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) belongs to the group of omega-3 essential fatty acids. The mother’s milk is the main source of it for the baby. It is critical for growth, development, and proper body functioning, especially the brain, eyesight, and cardiovascular system.
It is good if the composition of the mixture also includes vitamins A and C, which support the immune system. In addition, it should contain vitamins E, B6, B1, B2, B12, K1, D3, folic acid, and a set of minerals necessary for proper development, including potassium citrate, magnesium carbonate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, potassium iodate, manganese sulfate, and sodium selenate.
Ease and Safety of Preparation
Preparing a meal with baby formula is not too complicated but requiring focus. The packaging it comes in is important. It must be safe and comfortable to use. It should be easy to open and close to ensure proper product storage.
When choosing milk, it is also worth paying attention to its availability. It is perfect if the manufacturer also offers products for older children so that you can easily change the formula to the next stage when the baby grows up.
