In the midst of a forest of brands, how do I know how to choose the best infant formula?
In recent years, dairy products are increasingly plentiful. With the presence of most major dairy companies in the world and hundreds of different brands serving many diverse needs of children.
This makes many mothers feel confused in choosing a formula that is suitable for the child's absorption capacity as well as the family's finances.
Although breastmilk is considered the best natural source of nutrients for babies, for some reason, many mothers cannot breastfeed.
In order to facilitate the optimal development of young children, scientists and medical experts have spent a lot of effort to create formula products with flavors and nutritional content close to breast milk. Best.
In general, formulas are classified mainly by the type of protein and the type of sugar in the milk.
The composition of cow's milk protein, fat is adjusted and supplemented with micronutrients and minerals such as iron, DHA, ARA, chroline, ... to suit each age.
What kind of formula is baby suitable for?
Deciding which formula to use for babies is needed based on key criteria including children's health, age, nutritional needs and price.
Mom should note the following important things before deciding which formula for children to choose.
1. Milk for children under 1 year old
There are many types of milk for babies under 1 year old. This is the age that needs a high source of nutrients to best develop in the first year of life. Therefore, it should be based on the child's weight and health.
If the baby is a premature, underweight baby:
For premature babies or inadequate weight, mothers can refer to milk lines such as Frisolac, Premature, Enfalac premature, Dumex Premature, ...
If the baby weighs less than 2500g, the mother should use this group of milk to feed the baby because this is the milk containing vitamins, protein and minerals suitable for premature babies.
These types of milk also provide children with a higher energy source than normal milk (0.7-0.75 Kcal / ml compared to 0.67 Kcal / ml).
In addition, in developed countries, there are also canned breast milk lines supplemented with micronutrients such as Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier, Similac Natural Care Human Milk Fortifier, Similac Human Milk Fortifier, ...
2. Formula for children under 6 months old
The popular milk lines for children at this age are Similac, Enfalac, Dutch girl step 1, Nan 1, Guigoz 1, ...
These milk types are suitable for infants with a birthweight of over 2500g from 0-6 months of age because of their easy digestibility and a calcium / phophos ratio of 2: 1. This is the optimal ratio for young children and helps them increase calcium absorption.
In addition, the formula of this group can completely provide all nutrients when the baby is suckling 1500ml / weight / day.
3. How to choose formula for children from 6 months - 12 months old
Some types of milk in this line of milk such as Enfapro, Gain, Dutch girl step 2, Dielac 2, ...
Children after 6 months of age need a diverse weaning diet with 4 food groups including fats, starches, proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
The child's weight no longer depends entirely on milk as before 6 months of age. Therefore, the amount of milk a baby eats daily can average from 500-1000ml / day, depending on the child's weight and ability to eat weaning increases each month.
4. Milk for children over 1 year old
The popular types of milk for children at this age are Dutch Girl 123, Enfagrow, Dielac, Dugro, Nestle1 +, Friso gold 3, ...
These milk lines, if divided specifically, also have lines of milk for children over 3 years old and over 6 years old, depending on the need to prioritize nutrients by age such as more calcium, more substances that help strengthen anti-infection. , ...
But in general, milk for babies over 1 year old does not make much difference. At this age children need to eat a variety of food sources to get their nutrition from food rather than milk.
So, mothers just need to choose the type of milk the baby likes to drink, suitable for the child's digestive ability or switch to milk such as fresh milk, soy milk, seed milk, ...
On average, children in this age group need at least 300-500ml / day, but not too much.
5. How to choose formula for children with special needs
The main lines of milk are as follows:
Lactose free group:
This type of milk is often used for children whose intestines are irritated, flatulence, and loose bowel due to lactose sensitivity. Based on the source of protein in milk, this group is classified into two main categories:
Animal-based milk group such as Dumex-lacto free, Similac Lactose free, Enfalac Lactose free, ... Or plant-based milk like Prosobee, Nursoy, Isomil, ...
Hydrolyzed milk group:
Milk is lactose-free and hydrolyzed cow's milk protein so it is easy to digest, it is used for children with cow's milk allergy such as Nutramigen, Pregestimil, Alimentum, ...
In addition, this milk can be used for babies from babies who have digestive disorders, eating and drinking easily get diarrhea, food intolerance due to prolonged severe diarrhea, malnutrition, ...
Therefore, if there is a family history of food allergy or a cow's milk allergy, the mother should choose soy milk or hydrolyzed milk for the baby (if the baby is not breastfed).
Milk for children with gastroesophageal reflux:
Some formulas have rice starch added with rice starch or natural gum with properties that thicken milk, help children reduce vomiting and nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut, increase the volume of plasticity of stool, preventing constipation and contractions. Such as milk Enfamil AR, Frisolac Comfort, ...
Some notes when preparing milk for babies in infant age
After deciding on the type of milk for the baby, the mother also needs to pay special attention to the following issues:
- See the expiry date on the milk label.
- Prepare milk according to the instructions on the package because if it is too thick, it can lead to electrolyte disturbances and damage the child's kidneys. Conversely, if too diluted will affect the nutrition, growth and weight of the baby.
- Need to wash hands thoroughly before handling bottles and when giving to babies.
- Bottles should always be sterilized before preparing baby formula.
- After the baby has breastfed, the excess milk should be removed because bacteria in the baby's saliva will grow in the excess milk.
- It should be noted that milk should not be prepared in the refrigerator, but it is necessary to make hot meals for the baby.
- Avoid using the microwave to warm baby milk because the internal temperature may be hotter than mom thinks.
- Absolutely do not use bone broth or vegetable broth to prepare infant formula.
See more related posts:
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The 5 best formula for babies aged 0-6 months (updated 2019)
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