Breastfeeding can be the best food for a baby, but things don’t always work out the way we’d like them to. Sometimes a mother may have insufficient lactation or breastfeeding may be medically contraindicated. In these situations, baby formula comes to the rescue, because it provides the baby with the necessary nutrients in a certain way. But is every formula right for your baby?
When looking for a healthy baby formula, you may get more questions than answers. First, you need to understand the different aspects involved. Most formula available on the market uses cow’s milk as the main ingredient. This has to do with the nutritional balance that cow’s milk offers a baby. The proportions of fats, carbohydrates and proteins are contained in ideal amounts and modified so that they can be easily digested later by the child’s stomach.
Fully or partially hydrolyzed formula
Certain companies prefer to create hydrolyzable formulas. This means that protein molecules are damaged down into smaller helpings or even to minimal versions of them in partial and fully hydrolyzed formulas, respectively. This allows the child’s body to digest and assimilate proteins without much difficulty. This formula is rather optional for early babies because their peptic system is not yet mature or if the baby is allergic to a certain protein in milk.
Antireflux formula
Antireflux formula is special baby food that is prescribed by pediatricians for therapeutic purposes to babies as diet therapy for regurgitation and vomiting. As a rule, every newborn regurgitates up to six months, and then the problem worries less and less. The process is quite natural. But if it happens too often, make sure you talk to your pediatrician. Usually, doctors prescribe antireflux formula for such children.
These formulas contain a thickening agent that increases the thickness of the milk or formula, so it is better retained in the stomach. Vomiting and regurgitation (reflux) are thus reduced, and the child is satiated and does not go hungry. HiPP Anti-Reflux formula helps when a baby suffers from frequent regurgitation and vomiting and cannot get enough of breast milk or formula. As a result he stays hungry and does not gain weight. The HiPP anti-reflux formula contains a natural thickening agent – carob gum – which helps activate peristalsis, reduce regurgitation, regulate the motility of the stomach walls and improve overall digestive system function.
The most famous brands of baby formula
When it comes to comparing infant formula between established brands and generic local brands, don’t play with your baby’s life. Choose well-established brands, so you can be sure your baby is getting the best he or she can get.
There is quite a large list of organic blends on the market today worthy of your attention. Still, let’s break down the most well-known brands:
- Hipp
- Hipp Dutch
- Holle
- Loulouka
- Lebenswert
- Löwenzahn Organics
- Bioland
What should I do if I am still not sure which formula is right for my baby?
Tell your doctor about the different formula options that are right for your baby. He will help you choose the one that seems best for you.
Healthy baby development depends on many factors. Proper nutrition is still the highest priority in this regard. Supplementing breastfeeding with the right formula ensures the right balance of nutritional values for your baby and helps him grow well.
