A decision on how to feed your baby can be a frightening one especially with all the conflicting information out there. Infant formula is, undoubtedly, the only safe alternative to breastmilk. Plain animal milk is not a good match for the dietary needs of an infant. Even though the formula has been developed from said milk, it has been optimised for the baby’s growth.
There are so many different types of formula milk available in pharmacies and grocery stores that it can be overwhelming to choose. Your healthcare professional can advise you properly on the best fitting type of infant formula for your child. Whether a mum can’t or chooses not to breastfeed, she will be able to find suitable formula milk for her child.
Keep reading to find out why formula milk is a great choice as it contains all the nutrients needed for your baby.
Safe To Use
Formula milk manufacturing is rigorously controlled under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ strictly supervises the whole process from the manufacturing and packaging to the prohibition of promotion by the production companies. They provide clear guidelines and advice on the consumption of baby formula.
Lawfully, every infant formula in Australia is made to meet strict regulations and contains an adequate amount of nutrients to support the healthy development of babies. All things considered, as long as you prepare the formula according to the directions, your baby will have a sufficient and nutrient suitable diet needed for growth.
Formula Vs Cow’s Milk
Why should we avoid using cow’s milk instead of formula? The reason for this is because Infants cannot digest cow’s milk as completely as they can digest formula. Besides, it lacks the proper amount of some nutrients a baby needs, such as iron, vitamin C, and healthy types of fats. Formula milk, on the other hand, is made to match the baby’s needs when it comes to the named nutrients.
Finally, cow’s milk has a large amount of protein and minerals that can burden a baby’s kidneys and cause serious illness. Once the baby is one-year-old you can introduce cow’s milk as long as the baby has a balanced diet of solid foods and you limit the intake to about a litre per day. Contrarily, as formula milk is suited for a baby’s dietary needs, the only limit to the intake of formula is how full the baby feels.
The Composition Of Formula Milk
Most commonly available in stores is formula made from cow’s milk which has been altered to closely resemble a mother’s breast milk. Through technology, this provides the right balance of nutrients and makes the formula easier to digest. Breast milk contains around 1g of protein per 100ml. In Australia, formulas have a protein content ranging from 1.3 up to 2g per 100ml, so you can choose one that suits your baby the best.
Likewise, baby formulas sold in Australia have to meet the standards which ensure each formula brand contains the required range of vitamins and minerals for the baby’s health and growth. In comparison to the volume of carbs, protein and fat, the content of vitamins and minerals is small, however, still made to mimic the amounts in breast milk and meet the needs of growing babies.
Additional Ingredients
Some formulas on the Australian market contain additional nutrients, such as arachidonic acid (AHA), iron, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Manufacturers add these additives as they are beneficial for the infant’s growth and development. Some formulas have probiotics and prebiotics added to them as these can help with digestion, therefore decreasing baby’s discomfort and fussiness.
A Formula For Every Baby’s Needs
Most infants accept cow’s milk formula very well, although some babies are allergic to cow’s milk proteins. Nonetheless, different types of formulas are made for those babies too, such as an extensively hydrolysed formula that excludes casein, a protein found in cow’s milk that some babies are allergic to. The formula companies also offer a different assortment of infant formula to help with particular feeding issues, such as reducing colic, spit-up, gas etc. It is also possible to find a lactose free formula for babies diagnosed with lactose intolerance.
Watch Them Grow
Knowing that formula milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs to develop you can opt for formula milk without any worry for your baby’s health. Parents can rest assured knowing that even their babies with different allergies or any feeding issues will have formula available. Whatever method of feeding you end up choosing, your baby will have all the supplements needed to flourish. You can simply provide them with love and care and watch them shine.
