Breastfeeding your baby is highly recommended by all pediatricians around the world, but sometimes it isn’t possible. The next best option is organic baby formula. Do you know that organic infant formulas you can purchase today are made to have similar macro and micronutrients that are found in breast milk? And also, such baby foods are thoroughly tested before getting on the market to make sure they’re safe and healthy for infants.

Breast milk is the best infant food possible. That’s why it’s ideal if you can breastfeed your baby for at least 9 months (whether it’s breastfeeding only or adding infant formula to your baby’s ration). This not only strengthens the connection between the newborn and its mother but also allows the baby to get all the needed nutrition for proper development and reduces the risk of baby obesity. Although in some cases, it’s impossible to breastfeed your little one, and so parents look for other acceptable options – high-quality organic baby formula is one such option.

Organic infant formulas today have a similar quantity of the macro and micronutrients that are found in breast milk, so they provide formula-fed babies with comparable nutrition to breastfed babies. However, some of the health benefits of human milk cannot be replicated.

The most common varieties of infant formula

Cow’s milk formula

Such baby foods are the most popular. They’re based on cow’s milk, specifically adjusted to nutritionally resemble breast milk. The proteins present in these formulas are whey and casein. Some brands of baby foods use whole milk (for instance, British manufacturer Kendamil), while others use skimmed milk (like Lebenswert – organic baby formula from Germany) and add oils to balance the fatty acid profile – to find out which formula will be optimal for your little one, consult with a pediatrician. Cow’s milk has practically the same nutritional value as goat’s milk, although the amount of folic acid, vitamin B12, and selenium in cow’s milk is higher.

Goat’s milk formula

These infant formulas are based on goat’s milk and they are gaining popularity rapidly, especially in the European baby food market. To name just a few brands, it’s HiPP, Jovie, and Holle. Goat’s milk digests faster than cow’s milk, which also refers to formulas based on these two kinds of milk. Among the other benefits of goat’s milk baby foods – the level of protein and linoleic acid is naturally higher and the protein profile is closer to human breast milk (it contains less lactose and is A1 casein-free). Goat’s milk formulas are suited for babies with mild lactose intolerance.

Vegan formula

Lately, vegan infant food (among the biggest manufacturers, we can mention Kendamil) has become rather common, and not only among vegan parents of newborns but among different people who are concerned about the environment, pollution, and unhealthy food habits. Vegan formulas don’t contain any dairy or animal proteins, they’re based on soy proteins. This variety of infant food is perfect for babies with milk protein allergy – but always consult with a pediatrician regarding any health issues your baby has.

Which nutrients are the same in breast milk and baby formula

Modern organic baby foods are the result of many-year scientific research and the progress in the food industry. Experienced manufacturers of baby formula have perfected the composition of their products so that it resembles breast milk as much as it’s possible for the moment. Particularly, the following ingredients of organic baby nutrition can be found both in breast milk and baby formula.

  1. Proteins – whey and casein. Human milk contains a higher level of whey in the early stages of breastfeeding to provide the infant with enough energy and protein to grow quickly. After a few months, the ratio evens out to appr. 60% whey and 40% casein. The same ratio can be found in many cow’s milk-based formulas.
  2. Fatty acids. For a baby to develop properly and stay healthy, it should get saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. All the mentioned is contained in breast milk and in organic baby food. Such useful substances as palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and stearic acid are popular ingredients in European organic baby formulas.
  3. Carbohydrates. The main source of carbohydrates in human milk is lactose, so it’s required for certified EU organic baby formulas to get 30% of carbs from lactose. Other sources of carbs present in baby foods are glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, pre-cooked starch, and gelatinized starch – they all are permitted for baby formula. There’s also corn syrup, but it’s permitted only in the US, while the European Commission prohibits this ingredient.
  4. Vitamins and minerals. These are probably the most obvious components of any infant formula. Such vitamins and minerals as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B1, Vitamin E, Vitamin K1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, manganese, iodine, and copper can be found in breast milk and baby bottles. They help develop the immune system of a child, support brain development, keep blood cells healthy, help build healthy bones and muscles, and many more.

Due to all the scientific research, tests, and studies in the baby food industry, modern parents of newborns can be assured that their precious little ones will grow and develop strong and healthy, even if breastfeeding is not an option for them. Organic infant formulas are as close to breast milk as you can get. The main difficulty for parents today is choosing the optimal and most beneficial baby formula for their kid.

Tips to help you pick the right baby formula for your child

  1. Consider your baby’s age. Different formulas are specifically created for different ages of babies. For example, infant formulas contain ingredients that differ somewhat from those present in formulas made for babies 6 months and older. To grow and develop properly, your child needs the right proteins, carbohydrates, and other macro and micronutrients, so pay close attention to this matter.
  2. Take into consideration your child’s health issues and sensitivities. Specialized baby formulas exist for those babies who can’t digest ordinary baby foods – hypoallergenic formulas, anti-reflux formulas, formulas with reduced lactose levels, and so on. Don’t worry, your baby’s pediatrician will help you choose the right baby nutrition for your precious one.
  3. Look into the ingredients of your baby’s bottle. There are nutrients that have to be present (like protein, lactose, fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics, certain vitamins, etc) and those you should avoid (palm oil, corn syrup, preservatives, synthetic flavors and colorings, etc).
  4. Choose organic baby formula over non-organic. This will ensure the absence of GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, chemicals, and other dangerous substances in your baby’s milk.

Conclusion

The best infant food is breast milk, but when it’s not an option, organic baby formula comes to the rescue. Available today organic baby foods are the result of many-year scientific research and the progress in the food industry. Due to this, parents of a newborn are able to provide their little one with the second best – after breast milk – baby nutrition and be certain in their infant’s proper development.

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