It often happens that the mother's milk is either not suitable for the child, or the mother cannot be fed for a number of reasons, or the mother has a genetic predisposition to a lack of milk in the breast. At such moments, mothers think about choosing the optimal formula for their newborn baby. It is important that artificial milk is as similar to mother's as possible. It must contain all vitamins and minerals for the full development of the child. The mixture must be chosen based on the characteristics of the baby's body.
Instructions
Step 1
There are several types of mixtures:
Liquid. They are pasteurized and sold in a tetra pack. They can be consumed immediately after purchase. They have a short shelf life.
Dry. They are presented in the form of a powder, they must be diluted with warm boiled water, observing the proportions. Dry mixes last longer than liquid mixes, but should not be consumed beyond the expiration date.
Medicinal. These are formulas that are intended for children with certain health problems. For example, antireflux, lactose-free, low-lactose mixtures, etc.
Fermented milk. These formulas contain beneficial bacteria for the baby's intestines. Prebiotics and probiotics colonize a child's intestines with beneficial microflora, thereby helping to get rid of childhood dysbiosis.
Step 2
Each type of mixture can be divided into:
- maximally adapted for newborn babies. Such mixtures are marked "1" on the package with the mixture. Their composition is closest to the composition of mother's milk, so they are recommended for newborns. They contain all the necessary trace elements and vitamins for a given age, the amount of proteins and fats in them is optimal for frequent feeding in the first months of life. These can be mixtures of Nutrilon, NAN, Heinz, Hipp, Humana;
- less adapted formulas are more satisfying, they are prescribed to children who cannot withstand breaks in feeding or often regurgitate ("Nanny");
- partially adapted formulas are no longer so similar to breast milk. They begin to be given to children after six months, when complementary foods are introduced ("Baby", "Baby", "Agusha").
Step 3
Pay attention to the composition of the mixture.
Most infant formula is made from cow's milk. This milk is processed so that the animal protein becomes similar to the protein in breast milk, and the baby's stomach absorbs it well.
There are mixtures made from goat's milk, they are designed for allergic children. Such mixtures are prescribed for dermatitis, rashes and problems with weight gain.
The formula for a newborn should contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Lactose is contained as carbohydrates (and in mother's milk too). In addition to lactose, glucose and sucrose can also be added. Avoid these additives in infant formula.
Fats are responsible for the breakdown of some vitamins and for the satiety of the mixture.
Do not take a mixture that contains a large amount of iron, unless a doctor prescribed it for your baby. Because of it, the child may regurgitate and diarrhea.
Step 4
Choosing a formula for a newborn is a difficult step, because you cannot predict in advance which formula will suit your baby. It is recommended to buy small packs of mixes while you choose, and try each for at least a week. Any abrupt changes in the child's body (rash, altered stools, dermatitis, regurgitation) should be a reason to change the mixture.
