How To Choose The Best Type Of Milk For Your Baby & Toddler
Knowing what to type of milk to transition your baby onto can be a tricky choice. As parents, we always want our little ones to be consuming the healthiest option to allow for proper growth and development. However, we are hearing a lot about what the healthiest option could really could mean. Questions I hear that often come up include:
Are humans meant to drink another animals milk? Do we really need dairy in our diet? What if my child has an allergy or intolerance to milk?
These questions are all valid and worth discussing. While the answers to some of these , can be elaborated on in another blog post, we know that traditionally, cows milk has been the most nutritionally well-rounded choice. However, for many parents the decision is not always as easy as that. Many families want to provide their child with a milk alternative for various reasons, including allergies and intolerances, for cultural/religious reasons, because they are following vegan diets, or simply because their baby doesnt like it! In these cases, it becomes absolutely crucial for your little ones to have a safe milk substitution. So lets break down the different milk options and their benefits.
Breastmilk
Cows Milk The Traditional Choice
Organic, Grass Fed, Both?
Do we even need milk at all?
Comparing Cows Milk to Other Milk Alternatives
Almond Beverage
Coconut Beverage
Hemp Beverage
Soy Beverage
Goat Milk
Rice Beverage
Ripple Milk
So, Whats My Suggestion?
Holle Organic Infant Formula
Holle is a European based company that has been established for over 80 years. They produce high-quality organic baby food. They do not use any chemical processing or preservatives in any of their products.
The milk used in their formula comes from cows raised on biodynamic farms that provide caring and appropriate environments for their animals.
Biodynamic farms are very similar to organic farming, but they draw concepts from the ideas of Rudolf Steiner. These farms can also become members of the international biodynamic standards group Demeter International, which Holle Organic is.
Holle Organic formula has no nasty chemicals or preservatives in their ingredient list. It is made from 99% organically grown ingredients, and their milk source is from cows raised on biodynamic farms.
The remaining 1% is made up of essential vitamins and minerals that your baby needs for growth and development.
Holle formula is priced in line with other baby formula brands and has great reviews from parents. Many have stated that it does not have a thick consistency or unpleasant smell, as many baby formulas do.
Nestle Nan Pro 1 Infant Formula
When reviewing Nestle NAN PRO, it doesnt come in a tin but rather in a carton packing. So once you open it, you have to quickly pour the content and store it in an airtight container.
As per pediatricians and experts, babies should rely on breastfeeding for the first six months formula milk can be a substitute for breast milk. Nestle NAN Pro1 is one of the best milk powders for newborns that contains milk solids, demineralized whey, corn oil, minerals, antioxidants, DHA, ARA, high oleic sunflower oil, L carnitine, and some more ingredients.
There is a good proportion of calcium, phosphorous, chloride, copper, zinc, sodium potassium, iron, iodine, and much more. Nan Pro 1 is Enriched with vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 that are vital in the first year of baby life.
Check out the Difference between nestle lactogen vs Nan pro in case you are considering buying this product
Overall, it is easy to digest, enriched with a nutritional value that promotes child growth and brain development in a budget-friendly option.
Highlight Features
Contains zinc to add weight and height
Contains vitamin D, C, and A for strong bones and teeth
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When To Introduce Cows Milk To Kids
Most parents who feed formula milk to their babies are keen to transition to cows milk. This is mainly because formula milk is expensive and exclusively for the babys consumption. Cows milk, on the other hand, is purchased for the whole family anyway, making it a cheap alternative. If the baby doesnt have a family history of lactose intolerance or dairy allergy, he can be introduced to cows milk after 1 year of age.
Remember that if your baby is breastfed until the first birthday, they are getting the best nutrition milk can offer! Not only is breast milk ideal for human babies, but it also has the right mix of nutrients that your child needs for growth and development. Breast milk also has a higher fat content, which is vital for the growth of your baby . Cows milk just happens to be the most convenient source of calcium, protein, fats and Vitamin D. While it provides no competition to breast milk, it does offer a viable alternative to mothers who plan to wean their child from breastfeeding, when he turns one year old.
Health Benefits Of Cows Milk
Cow milk is good for babies as it has a good amount of calcium, which is vital for developing strong bones, teeth and muscle growth. It contains Vitamin D which helps in the absorption of calcium in the body.
Milk also carries a high amount of protein, which helps your baby grow. It also contains carbohydrates, which give your child the energy required throughout the day. A child with abundant levels of calcium will have stronger bones, healthy blood pressure, and a healthy heart.
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Choosing The Right Base Ingredient For Your Baby
First up, you’ll need to think about the base ingredient of the formula. Cow’s milk is usually the main ingredient, but you could also buy a lactose-free or soy-based alternative if your baby struggles with digesting dairy.
Dairy-Based Formulas Are the Most Common and Trusted Option
Around 80% of baby milk formulas on the market are made from cow’s milk as we mentioned earlier, dairy-based milk is treated to make it more suitable for infants. Proteins are adapted to make them more digestible, certain fats are removed, and lactose is added so that the amount is closer to the quantity found in breast milk.
Cow’s milk formulas are generally a parent’s first choice and tend to be recommended by paediatricians, midwives, and GPs. However, some babies are allergic to dairy or lactose, in which case you’ll want to avoid a formula based on this ingredient.
Lactose-Free Milk Is Ideal for Infants With Allergies
Sometimes little ones have an allergy to cows milk, usually because they’re unable to break down lactose. Although, this is less common among babies than it is in adults, it can lead to painful symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
If, after speaking to a doctor, you believe that this is the case for your baby, you should look for a lactose-free formula. They tend to contain the same beneficial ingredients as a cow’s milk formula, just without the lactose.
Milk Allergy? Soy Milk Provides an Environmentally-Friendly Alternative
When Nursing Isnt Possible
Doctors agree that the best option for baby whenever possible is to breastfeed. Unfortunately, this isnt always an option.
As a doula, Ive seen many times that a mom could have nursed but chose not to. Ive also seen cases where mom wanted to but had a physical problem that prevented her from doing so. Ive also seen babies who were unable to nurse for one reason or another.
When breastfeeding is truly not possible, there are a few other options.
In past generations, wet nurses and milk donors often nursed these babies until they were old enough to eat. Eventually, crude substitutes were created or different types of animal milks were used. Now, the infant formula market is a multi-billion dollar a year industry.
Heres the problem
Most commercial formula options, even organic ones, contain ingredients, additives and preservatives that arent good for baby. Emily of Holistic Squid explains the ingredients in one of the best store-bought organic baby formula options:
Other non-organic formula options often contain higher amounts of corn syrup solids, hydrogenated oils, soybean oil and sugar.
In fact, most infant formula contains ingredients most of us would not cook with or use in our own food, yet 1/4 or more of us rely on this as the only source of nutrition for our children in their most important and developmental months/years.
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What Are The Different Forms Of Baby Formula
A newborn babys formula comes in three forms. The best choice depends on your desire and budget for accessibility.
Powdered formula is less costly. Each spoon on powdered formula should be mixed with water. As long as you dont mix powdered formula with water, it lasts a long time, just make sure to check the expiry date.
This formula also requires some shaking and mixing with water, skip the scoop because it is liquid. This type of formula is more expensive than powder and needs to be refrigerated within forty-eight hours.
It is the most friendly type of baby formula. You dont need to mix these types of formulas with water. But it is expensive out of three. You can choose from larger volumes and single-serve bottles. You dont have to worry about the right mixing, there is no chance of any error in mixing. You dont have to refrigerate unpack bottles.
Aptamil Stage 1 Infant Formula Milk With Gos & Fos Bib
To support the immune system of the baby, it contains a mixture of GOS and FOS, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, B carotene, and nucleotides and is vegetarian.
Further to add it helps in the development of brain and visualization as it contains a mixture of DHA and ARA, folic acid, choline, iron, and taurine. Hence, one of the best formula milk for baby 0-6 months in India.
So it has all the qualities that make it the best baby milk powder in India in 2021 as it helps in the complete development of your infant along with this it encompasses proteins, vitamin, calcium, phosphorus that is best for the physical growth.
What could be best for your infant than a milk powder that helps in overall development?
So far this baby milk powder does not have any shortcomings, which makes it the best baby milk powder in India in 2021 that you can use to feed your baby. Although it is expensive but has an amazing quality that fulfills the need of your baby.
In contrast, you can also use Similac Advance Infant Formula Stage as is not only less expensive than this but includes Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, choline, iron, taurine, iodine, zinc, like neuro-nutrients.
These nutrients are perfect for the growth of the brain of the baby, to add, for the development of the bones it contains calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which are perfect for the development of your infant.
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Best Milk Brand For 1 Year Old Baby: Meyenbergs Goats Milk
If you are in search of the best whole milk for babies then you should check out the benefits of goats milk. Studies have found that many people, and babies in particular, find goats milk easier to digest than cows milk. This may be due to the fact that its chemical make-up is more similar to human breast milk than cows milk is. Goats milk also has a much creamier taste for those whole milk lovers.
Other things to like about this goats milk formula are that: it contains more potassium than cows milk it is high in protein which can help to stave off hunger in hungrier babies it is gluten free, making it a good choice for those suffering allergies and other digestive issues it is high in calcium and it is cheap. The downside of this product is that it is not specifically designed for babies, although goats milk is suitable from birth.
#Goats_Milk #Baby_Milk #Goat_Milk_Powder #Calcium #Creamy
Is Breastfeeding Good For Mom
Yes. Breastfeeding helps you because:
- It increases the amount of a hormone in your body called oxytocin. This helps your uterus after birth go back to the size it was before you got pregnant. It also helps stop bleeding after giving birth.
- It burns extra calories. This helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight .
- It may help lower your risk for diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- It can help you bond with your baby. Bonding is when you get close to your baby and get to know each other.
Breastfeeding also delays the return of your period. But this can make it hard to know when you can get pregnant again. Use birth control to help prevent pregnancy until youre ready to get pregnant again. Talk to your provider about birth control thats safe to use when youre breastfeeding.
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How To Choose A Baby Formula
At the most basic level, theres really no wrong choice when it comes to formula. Since everything youll find is technically safe to use, that means that what you put in your cart is really up to you, your preferences, and your budget.
You might ask yourself if a certain brand or type:
- is easy to find at a local store or online
- has a price point that fits within your budget
- meets your need for convenience
- is appropriate for your childs special needs
Beyond that, youll need to see what works best for your baby. Know that most formulas contain 20 calories per ounce. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should choose a brand that contains iron to help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Anything else thats added to the formula, like fatty acids and other ingredients found in breast milk, are completely safe, but they may or may not provide the benefits written on the box.
Why You Need A Baby Formula
The first six months of a baby’s life are an important window to shape their digestive health, which is essential to their overall health and development, notes Whitney Casares, M.D., a Portland, Oregon-based pediatrician. When moms need alternatives to breast milk, baby formula is the only appropriate alternative that offers complete nutrition during a babys first year of life.
Although baby formula is patterned after breast milk to provide baby with equivalent essential vitamins and nutrients, Dr. Casares notes that not all formulas are the same.
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Safety Tips To Follow While Giving Baby Formula To Your Baby
Note that baby formula is only an alternative food source for infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed and not a substitute for breast milk. Here are some precautions to keep in mind while using baby formula.
- Always consult your pediatrician before starting a new baby formula or switching to another.
- Carefully read all the ingredients and look for ingredients that might cause allergy to your baby.
- Do an allergy test by giving small amounts of the formula before feeding it through a bottle.
- If your baby shows signs of allergy, such as rashes, diarrhea, or constipation, discontinue the formula and try a new one after giving a gap of three to four days.
- Check the expiry date on the packet.
- Strictly follow the mixing table guidelines and always mix it right.
- Give only freshly mixed formulas.
- If you want it a few hours later, refrigerate the already prepared formula bottles in an insulated container.
- Always wash the bottles and nipples in hot water.
It is also important to know about the different types and forms of baby formulas to choose the right one for your baby.