Infant Formula 101

Experts recommend that taking care of your baby includes providing him or her with your own milk. Yes, even the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that babies should be breastfed at least until they are six months old. But some women cannot produce their own milk. Either that, or they have serious health conditions which stops them from breastfeeding.

In any case, there are infant milk formulas that mothers can give to their children. You can opt for these formulas for your baby:

Stage one formula

Stage one formulas are ideal for babies that have just come out of their mothers' wombs. It is identical to breast milk. However, breast milk is still better compared to the stage one formula milk because the former is laden with anti-bodies that are good for the health of the newborns.

Stage two formula

Stage two milk formulas are best used for babies that have a hard time getting a rounded diet. This formula is also advisable to use if the baby is more than 6 months because by this time, babies need more calcium and iron and protein as well. Stage two formulas are rich with these nutrients.

Special diet formulas

Special diet formulas are milk formulas that are intended for the special needs of your baby. Here are some examples of this kind of milk formula:

  • Soy formula- for lactose intolerant babies who cannot handle cow's milk-based formulas

  • Elemental formula- a lactose-free formula that is prescribed for babies with protein allergies

  • Staydown formulas- casein-based milk formulas that have rice added to it. It is perfect for babies who have trouble keeping formula down.

  • High energy formulas-milk formulas that are not available over-the-counter. It has high amounts of protein and calories for premature babies.

Keeping yourself informed with the nitty-gritty details of infant milk formulas is vital because sooner or later, you will be bound to stop breastfeeding your baby, if you even started with it in the first place. With all these information at hand, you can now decide which formula is best for your baby.