Deciding on whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first major choices that you have to make as parents. Although nothing can equal the advantages of breastfeeding, it may not be possible for all women to nurse their little ones. Comfortability, lifestyle, and at times, medical concerns require us to make that big decision for our babies. In case you prefer to go for formula food, it is important to consider that the baby�s nutritional demands are adequately met. Breast milk has all the vital nutrients required for your baby. For all mothers who cannot breast feed or choose not to, infant formula is the next best nutritional alternative. But for this, it is important to educate yourself on the kind of formula food that is good for your baby. Formula food are usually based on the nutritional standard of human milk and are rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. They contain vital ingredients which match up to the rough proportions of human milk. Scroll below to know how to choose formula milk for infants and watch him/her grow into a happy healthy child.
Choosing a Baby Formula
Premature Infant Food
This is made to suit the exclusive demands of preterm babies. Premature infant formula food is heavy on calories and other nutrients essential for the proper nourishment of premature and low-weight babies.
Cow Milk Based Formula Food
This is the kind of formula food that an average baby should be on, if not breast fed. However, it is medically advised not to introduce your little ones to cow�s milk before 12 months as your baby�s digestive system is not suitably developed to handle the complex balance of nutrients contained in it.
Soya Based Formula Food
For babies suffering from lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies, soya based formula milk is the best option. Replete with essential nutrients, this formula food is made of soya beans. However, this milk should be given to your babies only after medical consultation.
Gentle Formula Food
This kind of formula food generally is lower in lactose content than the general milk based formula food and is best recommended for babies with gas problems, or those babies who generally fuss over milk.
Lactose Free Formula Food
Lactose free formula foods are the perfect pick for babies with zero tolerance for lactose based food. Some babies are born with lactose intolerance. In this case, lactose free formula food is the right choice.
Toddler Formula Food
This kind of formula food is best given to toddlers aged between 9-24 months. As this milk is specially designed for a specific age group, it is sated with all the necessary nutrition and prebiotics required for your growing child. It is easy to digest as well.
Elemental Formula Food
For babies suffering from milk and soya allergies, elemental formula food is the best source of nutrition. You can choose this to ensure that your baby has the best in nutrition as well as taste, and also to ensure that its health is not adversely affected.
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