Right from the time of birth and before nutrition place a very important role in the growth of the baby. The right nutrition gives good weight gain and makes the body and mind sharp. Mother milk is considered to be the best nutritional food to be consumed by the child. From immunity development to weight gain mother milk has everything in it. But sometimes it happens so that the mother is unable to exclusively breast feed a baby.
It can be due to health issues, low breast milk production, or any other reason. The only way out in this scenario is formula milk. It is one the greatest boons of science which gives a helping hand to mothers but it is also one of the most controversial food. Let’s throw some light on this topic today, What is formula milk? Why choose formula milk for baby? What are the best formula milk options available in India? Myths and facts around formula milk.
What is formula milk?
Formula milk for baby is a food product manufactured to simulate the contents of breast milk and provide the required nutrition to the baby. Formula milk contains all the essential nutrients obtained from different sources. Some formulas contain cow’s milk protein or some as the substitute for protein, and some add soya protein to their formula mix. They contain essential fats, carbohydrates and vitamins too. The formula milk available these days are lab tested and government approved products and can be given to the baby without any worries.
Best formula milk for baby 0-6 months in India
Here’s the list of best options available in India:
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Now let’s discuss each of them in detail.
Lactogen Stage 1
If you are looking for something mild and light on your baby’s tummy this is the right product for you. This product marketed by Nestle LACTOGEN 1 is a spray dried infant formula with Probiotic for infants, which can be used as soon as from birth when they are not breastfed or (exclusively top fed). But please do consult your healthcare professional for guidance. LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder also contains Whey Protein.
Enfamil 1
This product is most consumer’s favourite and has been talked about very positively by many users. Enfamil Stage 1 infant formula is manufactured specially for infants up to 6 months old. It contains some essential nutrients like DHA, ARA, Choline, and Iron. These nutrients are important for your newborns growth.
Similac stage 1
This product is very well know all over the world and is loved by many parents as they have a happy baby after the feed with this formula. Similac Infant Formula Stage 1 is a spray dried stage 1 infant milk substitute for newborn baby till the age of 6 months. Similac is designed to help and flourish normal growth and development. It composes essential fatty acids, Vitamins and Minerals (such as Calcium and Iron) that are known to support the healthy growth of the baby.
Nan pro stage 1
This product comes from the most trusted brand called Nestle who ace in the field of food products so we can trust the formula very well. NAN PRO 1 contains DHA that is known to help baby’s normal brain development. It also comprises of Whey Protein, Vitamins A, C, D, Iron and Zinc. Nestlé is known to develop infant nutrition products backed by evolving science and research. New and advanced technology has been at the heart of Nestlé since its beginning. Nestlè always agrees with the World Health Organization and other medical and health associations that breast milk is the one of the good choices and the most natural food for babies.
Similar advance stage 1
This product is with a slight modification and addition to the simple version of Similac. Similac Infant Formula Stage 1 is a spray dried stage 1 infant milk substitute for newborn baby till the age of 6 months. Similac is designed to help and flourish normal growth and development. It composes essential fatty acids, Vitamins and Minerals (such as Calcium and Iron) that are known to support the healthy growth of the baby.
Aptamil stage 1
This product is consumer friendly and has good reviews in the market. Though not much talked about but is a good option if you looking for change. Aptamil Stage 1 Infant Formula with a scientifically proven mixture of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides (scGOS:lcFOS (9:1)) known to help immune system development of the infants. Aptamil comprises of balanced, age appropriate nutrients to support overall growth and development of infants. It works as a conjunct or replacement for babies from 0 to 6 months of age, when mother’s milk is inadequate or not available. Its made with unique blend of GOS & FOS, Nucleotides, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A, C, E and Beta Carotene.
Dexolac
With my personal experience tried this formula with the recommendation of the doctor. And it worked like a charm with my baby. Happy baby happy mama! Dexolac 1 Powder works by contributing the production of proteins and DNA in the cartilage; affecting the mobilisation of fat from liver; acting on megaloblastic bone marrow to produce a normoblastic marrow; which cures weakening of bones and for better absorption. It also contributes to the formation of blood cells and transferrin. Along with it also metabolises carbohydrate thus maintains normal growth. This done by maintaining many tissues of the body to prevent vitamin B2 deficiency; treating vitamin B12 deficiency.
Similac IQ
Yet another version of the Similac formula milk powder. Similac Infant Formula Stage 1 is a spray dried stage 1 infant milk substitute for newborn baby till the age of 6 months. Similac is designed to help and flourish normal growth and development. It composes essential fatty acids, Vitamins and Minerals (such as Calcium and Iron) that are known to support the healthy growth of the baby.
Amulspray
Another formula powder that comes from the kings of lactose products thus we can trust the health and welfare of the baby with this product. Amulspray is a baby Milk Substitute and which comes under the category of Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution Act 1992). It is packed with loads of goodness like Vitamins: A, D, K, B Group, C and minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, Iodine, Manganese and Zinc.
Nutricia Nusobee
Good product with good results and reviews. Nusobee Casein Stage 1Lactose Free Formula is specially designed with Nutricia science for infants with lactose intolerance and diarrhoea. Contains components that support smooth Digestion: With maltodextrins and MCTs. Free of lactose for better tolerance during diarrhea.
Reasons to choose formula milk for baby ?
- If you have been struggling with the production of milk and have been having a cranky baby please step to any formula milk. The powder available these days are very much full of nutrition and will provide all the vital essentials to your baby.
- If you are juggling between work and home please do opt for formula milk when you are away from the baby. As it would keep your baby full and it would make the baby miss the breast milk lesser.
- Even after several tries if you aren’t able to increase the production of your breast milk do not feel guilty about feeding the baby formula milk as it is as good as breast milk.
Myths around using formula milk:
- Formula makes the baby gassy: Before I comment on this let me make a point clear, baby’s tummy is very sensitive and can easily trap gases when they take feed. It can be also during breast feeding. So burping is the key here, as soon as the baby is done with the feed do not let the baby sleep or lie down without burping him or her.
- Formula makes the kids put on unnecessary weight: Not all but some formula milk in the market are filled with way too much of whey protein which can cause weight gain. So do consult your doctor before you opt for any brand of formula milk.
- Formula milk makes the baby constipated: New born babies tend not to pass still for as long as three days in a row. It might even happen with breast milk feeding. Exclusive formula fed babies might have greenish stools too so there is nothing to worry about it.
How to choose the right formula milk for baby?
Every brand of formula offers different results. Some formulas might suit or might not suit the tummy of the baby. The best way here is consult the doctor first. On the recommendations bring in a small pouch or the formula powder and give it a try. If the baby is accepting the feed happily go ahead with the formula powder. Do keep in mind that the baby shouldn’t be cranky and get colicky way too much after the feed. Try starting the feed with small portion first then gradually increase the feed. Choose the right bottle and nipple for the feed. Sometimes even the feeding bottle makes the baby gassy.
Conclusion
I have encountered many mothers who feel a lot guilty for not being able to feed their little ones with breast milk. And some of these women are ill treated and frowned upon by many fellow women. But it’s now the time to increase the awareness about formula Milk and as a woman help the other woman who is going through such a situation. No women chooses to feed the baby formula, it’s the situation and circumstances that makes her do so. And formula milk are also very good option for the baby. So instead of making the woman feel guilty about it we must support her decision. As a mother of a preemie myself I wasn’t allowed to see my baby who was in ICU for the initial three days. I was glad that the formula milk saved my day and help my baby with her need.
So next time you see time you see a mother feeding her baby formula please don’t judge her.