Choosing the best formula milk for your baby

In modern times, there is immense stress on the mother of a newborn baby due to her home and professional obligations. These factors are responsible for mothers or parents opting to switch over to other alternatives to mother’s milk. These are called “formula milk”,  which provides a great reliance factor for mothers who can’t breastfeed their babies continuously over a period of time. There are many brands that fill up the stores on the market nowadays.

Making the right decision

Are you perplexed by the countless brands seen in the market while choosing the best formula milk for your baby? Well, you don’t have to ponder over it much now, as we are here to guide you. It is a natural consequence of the problem of plenty, which usually makes one confused when there is a choice to be made from the umpteen options.

It goes without saying that the baby’s needs and nutrition are of utmost priority to you, and for the same purpose, we shall help you make the right decision regarding choosing the best formula milk. Here, we will present to you all the available baby formulas in the market and go through all of them to help you understand them properly.

Also, we will discuss how to select the best formula milk based on the baby’s needs. Whether you are inexperienced in this or are thinking of switching over to another formula, we will certainly help you to the best of our capability.

In fact, every baby formula milk is different and unique in many senses, and therefore, the selection of the same is quite a task for the parents. We will try to ensure that you get the right amount of information as a single-window solution.

When choosing the best formula milk for your baby, there are several types that we can consider. But before that, we need to know that there are three kinds of formula milk that one can find in the market. These are:

Powdered form

This sort of powdered form of milk is mostly used by everyone and is easily available in the market. In India, brands like Lactogen, Aptamil, Nan Pro, Enfamil A+, Farex, etc., are some of the best formula milk brands available in the market that come in powder form. This form of formula milk can be mixed and measured as per the baby’s requirements.

Liquid form

This is the concentrated form of formula milk and is quite rarely used. These are more expensive than the powdered form and can be used by adding water and shaking only.  This type is not readily available and thus the usage is also minimal.

Ready-to-use formula  

This kind of formula milk is the most expensive and as the name suggests, it is a ready-made product, so there is nothing to be mixed with it. It is also used rarely in India and any child specialist can suggest it for a particular occasion.

Overall, of the above three kinds of formula milk, more than 95% are used in powdered form, which is easily available in the Indian market.  Now that we know that powdered form is the most readily used formula milk, we will explain the most common types of powdered formula milk which are as follows:

1) Cow’s milk-based formula

This is the most widely available and affordable type of baby formula. This formula is made from cow’s milk and is modified so that it resembles the breast milk to which the baby is accustomed. The cow’s milk-based formula consists of two types of proteins, which are whey and casein.

A whey-based formula is considered to be the lighter one and easily digestible by the baby. However, the baby needs to be fed at frequent intervals as it gets digested easily and hence the baby feels hungry soon after being fed.

Casein-based formula is somewhat heavy and gets digested slowly in the stomach of the baby. Although the baby doesn’t feel hungry soon after being fed this one, as the digestion process is slow, it may give rise to other factors such as a heavy stomach, the accumulation of gas in the stomach, etc., which may be uncomfortable for the baby.

Therefore, among the best formula milk brands available in the Indian market, the cow’s milk-based formula isn’t all whey or casein, but a mix of both.

Brands like Lactogen, Nan Pro, Enfamil, etc., are all cow-milk-based formulas and therefore some of the best formula milk available in the market nowadays.

2) Soy-milk-based formula

This type of formula is suitable for babies who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. This is helpful in cases where the baby is having some gas or stomach issues after being fed the cow’s milk-based formula.

In some cases, the baby is also seen vomiting or having loose motions after being fed the cow-based formula. The baby sometimes develops an allergy or gets rashes on the skin from the cow-based formula.

The soy-milk-based formula is made from soy protein and fortified with essential nutrients, as cow’s milk is not used at all in this formula. This is lactose-free and a great substitute for the cow’s milk-based formula. The baby gets the same benefits from this formula that the baby is believed to get from the cow’s milk-based formula.

Even though this formula is considered a safe substitute for cow’s milk-based formula, some paediatricians don’t encourage its use, especially in the case of preterm babies. It is due to the higher levels of aluminium content present in this type, which can increase the risk of osteopenia (a sort of loss of bone mineral density) in babies.

Even though present-day soymilk formulas are supplemented with higher amounts of phosphorus and calcium, the aluminium content is reduced. This is done to discourage the aluminium content in the mixture since aluminum is supposed to be quickly absorbed by the body like calcium.

Amongst the brands that offer the best formula milk are Isomil, which has a soy-milk-based formula that can be given to the baby, but only after consultation with a paediatrician.

3) Hydrolyzed milk formula

The hydrolyzed milk formula is for those babies who are allergic to both cow’s milk and soy milk-based formulas. It is recommended for those babies who are sensitive and allergy-prone to any sort of milk. Despite being among the best formula milk for babies, this type of formula is very expensive and is only available on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

In this type of formula, the basic emphasis is on breaking down the milk proteins into smaller units so that the baby can digest them easily. There are two types of hydrolyzed milk formulas, which are known as partially hydrolyzed and extensively hydrolyzed.

Partially hydrolyzed milk

This milk is suggested for babies who cannot be given the mother’s milk for any reason or who develop some general complications and discomfort from the cow’s milk formula. As the name suggests, this milk formula is prepared by breaking down the milk protein into simpler units so that the baby can digest it properly.

The partially hydrolyzed milk comes in handy in situations where the baby develops some irritation towards the cow’s or soy milk. It is advised for babies who develop a problem with gas or any other discomfort after getting fed with this type of formula.

One such best formula milk product is Enfamil Neuro Pro, which is a partially hydrolyzed milk formula that is helpful in such situations.

Extensively hydrolyzed milk

As the name suggests, this type of formula is derived by breaking the proteins further down into simpler units than in the case of partially hydrolyzed milk. This process makes it much easier for babies who have already developed allergies to other forms of formula milk to digest the milk.

In this process, the milk is extensively hydrolyzed and the milk proteins are broken down into smaller units known as peptides. This is done through hydrolysis and other ultrafiltration processes, making it the best formula milk in the market.

This way, the milk is rendered absolutely safe for those babies who are allergic to other forms of milk. The resultant protein present in this extensively hydrolyzed milk is much more digestible than the other amino acid-based milk formulas.

One such best formula milk brand is Nutramigen, which is helpful to the extent that the babies can well return to cow-milk-based formula after taking this brand for at least six months. However, it should be done after consultations with the medical practitioner only.

4) Specialized Formula

There are also specialized best formula milk recommended for babies with specific nutritional needs or medical conditions. There is a need to feed them specialized formula milk as they have certain specific conditions due to which all the other forms of formula milk are not suitable for them.

There can also be a feeding issue associated with this condition for the baby. The focus is on adding special nutrients and other vitamins for babies born prematurely or with certain health issues.

Now, the specialized formulas also have different types, which can be recommended for babies with certain specific needs. But it is very important to consult with the paediatrician before choosing any one of them.  Some of the specialized and best formula milk forms are

a) Lactose-free formulas

These best formula milk dosages are specifically made for babies who are intolerant of lactose or have some trouble digesting it. Lactose is the form of sugar that is present in milk and dairy products. Babies who are not able to digest lactose can get diarrhoea and abdominal pain, which indicates their inability to digest lactose.

The lactose-free formulas (as the name suggests) are processed in such a way that the lactose is eliminated from the milk. Here, lactose is replaced by its alternative carbohydrates, such as corn syrup or sucrose, which then become suitable and the best formula milk for babies with lactose intolerance.

Some of the best formula milk brand names that are available in the market and are lactose-free are Enfamil A+, Similac sensitive, Similac Alimentum, Enfamil Neuro-Pro Sensitive, etc.

Here, we must bear in mind that lactose-free formula may not be suitable for some babies who happen to have a cow’s milk allergy. The reason is that even though it is free from a sugar form (lactose), it is still a product made from cow’s milk only.

This kind of formula may be suitable for those babies who are lactose intolerant, but not for cow’s milk-allergic babies. Being CMA and lactose intolerant may sound similar, but in reality, these are different conditions. However, symptoms like diarrhea, gas, etc., are the same more or less in both conditions.

According to Nestle Health Sciences, “being lactose-intolerant is considered to be a digestive issue, but being ‘Cow’s milk allergic’ is a condition that has to do with the immune system of the body. Therefore, in cases of CMA, babies are better off with a soy-based formula than a lactose-free formula.

b) Hypoallergenic Formulas

Hypoallergenic formulas are recommended for babies who have a higher risk of developing allergies. They contain extensively hydrolyzed proteins or amino acids, which are easier to digest. These kinds of best formula milk samples are suggested for those babies who cannot tolerate regular formula milk and are known to have problems with the digestion of mother’s milk too.

Here, it clearly indicates that the baby has an allergy to the milk protein and thus the medical practitioner can suggest the best formula milk in the form of a hypoallergic formula.

It also happens that the baby may have a family history of allergies that has been passed on to the baby. In such cases, the baby may have a running nose, be sneezing quite often, develop rashes on the skin, be vomiting, or have diarrhea. These best formula milk samples that are hypoallergic too, are made from cow’s milk, but their proteins are broken down into smaller units so that the baby is able to digest them without any trouble.

Examples of the best formula milk that are hypoallergenic are Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen, in which the milk proteins are broken down to the lowest level for better suitability of the baby. Neocate is also one of the best formula milk that is hypoallergic and contains an amino-acid-based formula.

c) Formulas meant for Premature Babies

The babies that are born prematurely are quite different from the normal babies, which have normal needs. These kinds of babies have unique nutritional requirements. In the market, some specialized formulas are also available that provide the extra calories and nutrients needed to support their digestion and the growth and development of such babies.

Consult your paediatrician to get the best formula milk for your child if they have any special dietary needs or medical concerns. Remember, although these are the best formula milk products for premature babies available in the market, these formulas cost much more than the regular formula milk that we can find in the market.

Factors to consider before choosing the formula

When choosing a baby formula, there are several factors you should consider. These include:

Age

Different formulas are designed for different stages of infancy. Newborn, infant, and toddler formulas have varying nutritional compositions to meet the changing needs of a growing child. Make sure to choose the best formula milk that is appropriate for your baby’s age.

Nutritional Content

Consider that formula milk provides essential nutrients such as iron and prebiotics, which help in the overall growth and development of the baby. Therefore, opt for the best formula milk, which offers all such nutrients.

Cost

While choosing the best formula milk, take good care to see if the cost is within your budget and fulfils all the necessary criteria for a healthy diet for your baby.  However, under no circumstances should you compromise with the quality as such.

Availability

Make sure the desired product is available in your locality. You cannot procure the best one from a far-off area and after it gets finished, you face hassles in getting a new one easily and quickly.

Brand Reputation

While choosing the best formula milk for your baby, remember to take into consideration a good brand, which is always a guarantee of being of a high standard. Naturally, it passes through all the toughest laboratory tests and is approved by the experts. This can be ensured by choosing only a branded product for your baby.

Choosing the best formula milk is a sensitive issue and needs proper research from your side. The above steps will help you reach a better conclusion. Basically, it is a matter of balancing the quality with the budget.

The importance of reading the labels on the baby formula

After the desired formula milk is procured from the market, it is essential to read the labels on the product to understand the ‘how and what‘ about the best formula milk. It is essential to have a glance at the label and go through whatever information is there. For your convenience, some of the few important factors to look for are listed below

Ingredients

This is a very basic factor that you must go through. The list must be devoid of any added sugars, preservatives or any other harmful additives. The branded product will always reveal the ingredients from which it is made.

Nutritional Value

The branded product will specify exactly what we can expect from the formula. It will always deliver on factors such as the appropriate vitamins, minerals, calcium and other nutrients. You need to ensure that they are mentioned on the label.

How to use Instructions

Look for the instructions on the formula, which should be clearly mentioned as expected from a branded product. These instructions must be strictly followed by you so that the bay gets the best. These instructions to prepare the formula mixture are quite handy for those who are not quite experts in it.

Expiry Date

One of the most important pieces of information to look for before buying the formula is the expiry date. This should never be compromised, however, the best formula is, as this pertains to the well-being and health of the baby.

The process of carefully going through the instructions written on the best formula milk is of paramount importance to ensuring the best for your baby.

Introduce the formula gradually to the baby

Now that the formula has been selected, its introduction, however, is to be kept in mind too. It has to be a gradual transition from traditional breastfeeding to formula. Never rush the baby through the formula milk for any reason.

For a complete guide on how to stop breastfeeding and move towards formula milk, please go through this article (how to stop breastfeeding) by clicking on the link.

Storage and preparation of the mixture

After the formula has been decided, it is of utmost importance to properly store it too. With it comes the proper preparation of the mixture formula as well. Some of the tips that we can follow are:

Proper Storage

You can store the unopened formula container in a cool and dry place. However, after opening it for usage, tightly seal the container back and store it in the refrigerator. You should use the formula within the limits of the expiration date, as mentioned in the instructions.

Preparation

You can just follow the instructions given on the cover package of the formula step-by-step to prepare it. Also, clean your hands with a sanitiser or soap, besides washing the utensils that are to be used for the preparation.

Water to mix

For the preparation of the formula for the baby, preferably use water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature. This ensures that any bacteria that may be present in the water are finished.

Feeding Temperature

Before administering the formula to the baby, ensure that the mixture has cooled down but is not cold. In other ways, the mixture should be lukewarm and bearable for the baby.

Frequently asked questions about baby formula