Infant formula is an artificial substitute for breast milk if the mother doesn't prefer breast feeding. The decision to breastfeed or formula feed babies should be based on the mother's comfort level with breastfeeding as well as their lifestyle. Some parents choose formula-feeding either because of personal preference or because medical conditions of either the mother or the infant make breastfeeding risky.
Besides breast milk, infant formula is the only other infant milk which the medical community considers nutritionally acceptable for infants under the age of one year. Cow's milk is not recommended because of its high protein and electrolyte (salt) content which may put a strain on an infant's immature kidneys. Evaporated milk, although perhaps easier to digest due to the processing of the protein, is still nutritionally inadequate.
The article Infant Formula Fortification Protocol advised that; soy milk, almond milk, or carrot juice are absolutely not acceptable substitutes for breast milk or even for formula. It is also advisable for breastfeeding moms to be much careful of what they eat because this can affect their baby and also their health. Breastfed mothers are advised to avoid foods that contain Trans fats and anything with hydrogenated or even partially hydrogenated oils.
Many scientists believe that non-breastfed infants suffer significantly from ear infection, intestinal and other bacterial infection. In addition, bottle feeding can be less successful than breastfeeding in promoting the natural bonding process of mother and child. Infant formulas, like other processed food products, are the subject of occasional reviews, usually due to bacterial or foreign object contamination. Since all infant formulas are regulated by Infant Formula Act, they are all nutritious, just make sure that you prepare the formula carefully and store them safely.
Keep in mind that there's no perfect substitute for breast milk, its nature's gift to mankind. Besides, research found that breastfed babies have lower rate of medical problems and most major medical and heath organizations recommend breastfeeding than formula feeding. Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies and may also protect children against allergies, asthma, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome. So still, breast milk is the perfect food for babies, but for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is good enough as an alternative.
Breast milk will always be best for babies. Nothing is healthier than natural breast milk endowed with love and nurture from the mother. Yet with the global financial crisis alarming the world at large, mothers are forced to enter the workforce, leave their babies at home and feed them infant formula instead. Finding the right infant formula is a tough task for mothers who want the best for their baby.
Before, breast milk substitutes ranged from cow's milk based formula to elemental formula to soy formula. This limited number of choice for mothers has made choosing the baby formula easy. However, with the rise of different milk brands offering a variety of benefits for your babies, it takes a wise mom to look closely into what the baby formula can give her child.
How do you choose the right breast milk substitute? Nutrition is the primary basis of any food you provide your children. It might be difficult to find something that really substitutes for the benefits breastfeeding can give. With human milk, your child will not have any problems with regards digestion and infection since it has natural anti-bodies that reduce risks of diarrhea, respiratory problems and ear infections. Further, breast milk strengthens the relationship between the child and the mother. These three reasons cab be foundations of your search for breast milk substitute.
Parents choose an infant formula based on personal preference or advise from friends and old people. Moreover, advertisements persuade parents to opt for powdered milk that has ingredients which brings about smart healthy kids. However, in the long run, your basis of choice depends on the need of your child. Your child's unique dietary requirements should be given focus. Nutrition is the primary consideration for choosing your baby's milk. Make sure that your baby gets enough amount of carbohydrate, water, protein, vitamins, minerals and fat. There are cow milk based formulas that has added vegetable oils, minerals and iron.
In some instances, your child may be experiencing digestion difficulties. In this kind of situation, choose soy-based formula from soy protein that has sucrose, and added vegetable oils. These soy based baby formula is best for babies who are not tolerant to lactose or those who are found allergic to whole protein found in many cow milk. In this case, your baby might be experiencing lactase deficiency in the small intestine. Most premature babies lack lactase enzymes responsible for digesting glucose, sucrose and other forms of carbohydrates. Your baby may also be experiencing low birth weight which means after birth, his or her body weight is inappropriately lower than the desired weight for new born. There are a lot of special formulas that cater not only to low birth weight but to low sodium infant predicaments.
Water is an essential component of every breast milk substitute. There are formulas in liquid, liquid concentrate and powder. A liquid infant formula does not need water and can be directly fed to infants while liquid and powder concentrates entail certain amount of water. It is necessary for parents to understand and follow the instructions on the label before adding water to liquid and powder concentrated milk. Without understanding what has been laid for instruction, adding inappropriate amount of water may lead to water intoxication which can lead to irritability, low sodium, and even coma. On the other hand, lack of water and too concentrated mixture can further cause dehydration, diarrhea and even kidney failure.
Your role as a mother is crucial in the development of a child. Nurture your child with love and feed them with something that brings good nutrition. Opt for a formula that satisfies your child's needs. In the hands of a wise and loving mother lay the foundations of a good man.
Both Joi Hernaez & Swilson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Joi Hernaez has sinced written about articles on various topics from Trucking Industry, Gift Ideas and Babies. Read more information about and visit my . Joi Hernaez's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Swilson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies, Parental Care and Children. Here are some resources to learn more about breast milk substitutes and and the different infant formulas offered in the market. Swilson's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.