Choosing the right formula for your baby is a trial and error process. The perfect formula may not work for your baby for a variety of reasons: milk allergies, bloating, burping, diarrhea, or rashes. Consult your pediatrician when initially choosing a formula. After that, try not to change formulas often, as this increases the risk of developing intolerances and allergies. Don’t mix baby food from different manufacturers, especially if one or both are not yet introduced to your baby’s diet.
There are different types of baby formula, which take into account various characteristics of your baby’s body: low weight, allergies, digestive problems. You can opt for regular baby formula if your baby has nothing to worry about. They have all the components necessary for the growth and development of babies.
Milk formula composition
Formula milk is produced from cow’s or goat’s milk, but modern technological processes change its composition. The main feature is the high whey protein content in the infant formula, which is obtained from whey. It is easily absorbed and contains the amino acids necessary for the baby’s proper development.
In addition, some of the animal fat is removed and replaced by vegetable fats during the production process. Like breast milk, the formula contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, but its composition cannot exactly reproduce the benefit of breast milk. For example, it does not contain hormones, natural antibodies, and some enzymes which promote comfortable digestion. Manufacturers are still working on the development of the ideal formula that would be analogous to breast milk.
Milk formulas based on cow’s milk
As for the base for the formula, cow’s milk is used more often than goat’s milk. Despite the seeming simplicity of choosing the type of milk, good tolerance is important. The protein composition of cow’s milk formula is different from that of breast milk. It has more alpha-casein than breast milk. For some babies, such food, due to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, can cause digestive disorders (constipation, flatulence, increased intensity of regurgitation). Therefore, the formula should be chosen according to the baby’s reactions to it.
Goat’s milk-based formulas
The main advantage of these formulas is that they do not contain the protein of cow’s milk, which often causes the allergic reaction in babies.
Another plus is that goat’s milk formula has a higher proportion of beta-casein, which is easier to digest, making it more similar to breast milk.
Goat milk is rich in natural nucleotides and oligosaccharides, elements that are difficult for the human body to synthesize. Goat milk is 4-5 times richer than cow’s milk in these ingredients.
That is why these formulas are optimal for babies, as they help to make a smooth and careful transition from breastfeeding to mixed or formula feeding. Such baby products will help saturate the baby’s body with valuable substances for proper development.
Of course, goat’s milk-based formula is rarely not digested by the baby’s body, unlike cow’s milk-based nutrition, but it still does not reach a breast milk level. Therefore, breastfeeding is a priority, and if it is possible, keep it as long as possible.
