How To Choose The Best Infant Formula?
The arrival of a new family member certainly brings with it joy, doubts and challenges. Newborns need to feed a few hours apart, either with breast milk or infant formula. But how do these formulas differ from each other?
official recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding on demand for the first six months. After this period, it is recommended the gradual introduction of other foods along with breastfeeding, which should be maintained for two years or more.
Official data on breast milk and infant formula
A study by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association analyzed changes in attitudes towards infant feeding between 1999 and 2003. The data obtained showed that 25% of respondents considered infant formula as good as breast milk. This result represents an increase compared to the 14% recorded in the same study in 1999.
In countries like Spain, for example, and according to data from the National Institute of Statistics in that country, breastfeeding predominates over artificial or mixed breastfeeding during the first three months of life. The trend changes at six months, when only 24.72% maintain natural breastfeeding.
From that moment onwards, artificial feeding gains popularity, representing 61% and mixed feeding stays with 14%. Possibly, this change is due to the incorporation of women into the labor market.
Characteristics of breast milk
It is a living fluid that changes and adapts to the baby’s needs. The milk of the first few days is known as colostrum and has a yellowish color. This milk contains everything you need for the first few days.
Then the liquid becomes whiter, is produced in greater quantities and has a lighter texture. This milk is known as mature milk.
Breast milk contains everything needed for the newborn to grow. In addition to providing macronutrients and micronutrients, it also contains other compounds that promote the development of the newborn’s immune system.
During the breastfeeding period, the mother can eat everything (except alcohol) and should consider that her caloric needs are still higher, so this is not the time to make caloric restrictions.
One of the biggest fears often reported by lactating women who need to take medication is that these drugs may affect the quality of milk. Therefore, to help with this issue, there is a website where you can check if the drug is compatible with breastfeeding.
Characteristics of infant formula
Infant formula contains everything needed for the newborn’s growth and development. Regarding its composition, there is no standard composition, as each brand has its own.
In general, they have a higher protein content than breast milk and generally contain a higher proportion of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. This is because, despite having more nutrients, they are less bioavailable to the human body than those in breast milk.
On the other hand, one of the disadvantages of artificial feeding is that babies sometimes eat more than they need. The reason behind this statement is the fact that the effort required to feed using a bottle is less than sucking the mother’s breast. Even so, each baby grows at its own pace, which must be respected.
What to consider when choosing between one infant formula and another?
Breast milk and infant formula differ, above all, in the amount and type of protein they offer and in the way in which carbohydrate is provided, as can be seen in the table.
When choosing infant formula, there are three things to look at:
- The amount of protein and the ratio of casein and will be protein, the two major milk proteins.
- The way carbohydrates are supplied. Lactose predominates in breast milk and therefore it should be looked for in formula. In addition, it is necessary to avoid syrups or maltodextrin in the composition of artificial milk.
- Sources of Fat. Palm oil is present in breast milk and, despite being an unsustainable choice, it is nutritionally safe.
Regardless of the chosen breastfeeding method, it must respect the following pillars:
- Both must be exclusive for up to six months and on demand.
- The rhythm must be set by the baby.
- We shouldn’t be surprised if sometimes babies drink less milk and, above all, we shouldn’t force them to eat.
- Each baby follows its own pace of growth.
