Finding the Perfect Nutrition in Breast Milk

Sometimes it is not possible to establish breastfeeding for different reasons. The main thing in such a situation is not to panic because modern technologies allow you to pick up the baby feeding taking into consideration all the peculiarities of development. The reasons for starting bottle-feeding must be justified and only after the pediatrician’s consultation.

The changes in diets cause metabolism disorders, especially during the first months of life. Therefore, the correct choice of adapted milk formula is the task of a specialist who will take into account the individual characteristics of your little one. At the same time, the quality of the formula is determined not only by the proximity of its content to breast milk because some modern infant milk may not contain many biologically active substances that are present in breast milk.

Types of formula

Adapted feeding for babies is the product produced in liquid or powder form based on cow or goat milk. Today, only these types of milk are allowed to be used for the design of infant feeding. Adapted milk formula can be fresh and fermented milk, dry and liquid. Ready-to-use liquid products save from incorrect dilution and guarantee the quality of used water.

Especially famous and trustworthy feeding for kids is the baby organic formula and there are reasons for that. Organic products gain such popularity because the ingredients are grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The animals graze on open pastures and receive only natural forage. The use of GMOs, bone meal, animal growth stimulants, etc. is strictly prohibited. These factors significantly decrease the bad reaction to the introduction of the formula.

Age-appropriate formula

Infant milk is usually divided into stages, depending on the age of a child:

• Stage Pre means that formula is designed for premature or low-weight kids e.g. Holle pre formula
• Stage 1 means that formula is suitable from birth to 6 months.
• Stage 2 is intended from 6 months and onward.
• Stage 3 is made for kids from 12 months.
• There is also Stage 4 which is made for babies older than 18 months.

Protein

Proteins are needed for the growth and repair of body cells. Also, it is involved in the formation of hormones and enzymes is part of hemoglobin and blood cells (and therefore provides tissues with oxygen). For the proper intellectual development of a kid, protein is also important. In products intended for the first six months of life, the amount of protein varies from 12.4 g/l to 15 g/l.

Fats

Usually, the formula contains a complex of vegetable oils. They are a source of all essential fatty acids, including polyunsaturated ones. Over the last decades, baby feeding includes milk fat, which supplies the body with saturated fatty acids, phospholipids, cholesterol, gangliosides, and other important elements.

Vitamins and minerals

Every formula must contain useful substances needed for kids. For example, Vitamin A is involved in the processes of cell growth and division, maintains the normal function of the organ of vision, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and immunity. For a child up to a year old, the intake of retinol is 0.04 mg, up to three years – 0.05 mg. Vitamin D aids calcium absorption and supports immune responses. Vitamins from group B normalize the state of the nervous and immune systems, participate in all enzymatic reactions, and maintain skin health. In addition, the composition should contain calcium, magnesium, iron, and others. The number of vitamins and minerals in adapted milk formulas is 15–20% more than in breast milk since they are absorbed worse in the formula.