The best product for an infant is surely breast milk because it has all the substances necessary for a child and promotes strengthening immunity. However, breastfeeding is not always suitable and in such cases, parents usually face the question, how to select infant feeding that is close to breast milk.
Breast milk is a unique product created by nature that has an opportunity to change its nutrients according to the needs of every baby. So if you replace it with regular milk, a kid will have difficulty digesting it. The fact is that kids’ digestive system is not yet mature, and any food (except mother’s milk) can cause discomfort. That is why it’s so important to choose a formula that meets the baby’s needs and replaces breast milk.
What to search for when choosing a diet?
The contents of almost all formulas contain adapted cow milk. However, the introduction of such feeding can lead to the frequency and intensity of constipation, indigestion, colic, and flatulence. In such cases, formula based on goat milk can be a good alternative, which is absorbed more easily and faster than cow’s milk. Besides, goat milk products are not only well digested but also well-tolerated and characterized by a high concentration of nutrients. According to published experimental data, goat milk is absorbed by a baby at a rate similar to that of breast milk.
The fatty acids in goat milk easily break down in the baby’s organism without causing bloating, discomfort, and problems with the stool. Natural oligosaccharides and nucleotides contribute to the formation of immunity. It’s worth mentioning that out of 14 known goat milk oligosaccharides, 5 are identical in structure to breast milk oligosaccharides.
Types of formula
There is the feeding for healthy babies, therapeutic and preventive recommended for solving certain problems. Adapted formula intended for kids without allergies or hereditary predisposition and without digestive disorders. Such a product is called adapted because its content is very close to breast milk.
Holle is an excellent alternative to breast milk. It is made from high-quality milk, which is easily and quickly absorbed by the baby’s organism. Holle formula range contains ingredients to reduce the risk of constipation, prebiotics, probiotics to naturally boost the immune system, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 for brain and vision development.
Hypoallergenic prophylactic feeding is prescribed to healthy children with a predisposition to allergies. Such a product is made on partially hydrolyzed protein for better absorption. The formula for children with allergies is made from fully digested protein or amino acids.
The anti-reflux diet is suitable for children with frequent spitting up. It is made either on gum or starch which serves as a thickener. Due to the presence of a thickener, the anti-reflux formula prevents regurgitation. The infant milk for babies suffering from lactase deficiency can reduce the manifestations of diarrhoea and colic. The premature formula contains more protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Besides, the formula is distinguished by age:
- 0, Pre is for premature babies
- 1 is suitable from birth
- 2 intended from 6 months
- 3 is designed from 12 to 18 months
- 4 is from 18 months ⠀