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Baby milk powder: which is the best of 2020?

Baby Milk: Choosing the Best Baby Formulas for Their Age

Welcome to the diverse world of newborn formula. I created a super useful Buying Guide to help you choose the newborn milk that is best for you. This way you will know which are the best milk for babies from 0 to 6 months and which baby formulas you should avoid. I've even attached some essential details about the nutrients that some brands of baby milk do or do not have.

Although the mammary glands are designed to produce as much food as a child needs, nature has its exceptions. There are women who must constantly stimulate themselves to breastfeed and will eventually depend on the newborn formula.

That's in the worst case scenario: it is also quite common for mothers to choose a brand of artificial milk to complement the breastfeeding process .

Buying Guide: How Do I Pick a Good Newborn Formula?

The first thing you have to know is that there are many baby formulas. More than by brands, they are classified by:

I recommend that you take a pencil and paper to write down what characteristics the milk for newborns that you need should have.

Milk for newborns according to their age

Specialized Infant Formula: Ideal for premature, underweight and small children, who need more nutrients than the rest. This milk for newborns is the best alternative if the birth was ahead of the date estimated by the doctors.

Starter Milk (Type 1): In this classification you will find the best milk for babies from 0 to 6 months, specially manufactured to replace breastfeeding. Milk for newborns type 1 is the option for those women who, due to different circumstances, cannot breastfeed.

Follow-up milk (Type 2): It is the newborn formula that complements breast milk, providing 50% of the nutrients that a baby requires from that age to 3 years.

Growth milk (Type 3 ): Type 3 baby milk is a good substitute for Type 2, from the first year. They are the most common of all.

Types of milk for newborns

Cow milk

Cow's milk is the most common component of infant formulas, as it contains the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that it needs to thrive. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing those brands that guarantee a good dose of iron, to rule out any risk of anemia.

Hydrolyzed milk

In one of my previous articles, on colic in babies , the pediatrician Jesús Garrido explained to us that many of his little patients suffered from intolerance to cow's milk proteins . In those cases, his recipe was the same: buy hydrolyzed milk.

But what is hydrolyzed milk? It is nothing more than a formula where proteins are broken down into small parts so that the baby can assimilate them better. They are also highly recommended in case of allergic reactions or skin lesions of the newborn.

Soy milk

Milk for newborns made with soy is the alternative for lactose intolerant. It is also highly recommended in cases of Galactosemia : a not very common disorder, which identifies people whose body cannot transform sugar into energy.

Lactose free milk

Lastly, we have lactose-free milk, which is as good a choice as soy milk for babies with intolerance. However, it is more advisable in those cases in which the stomach upset is temporary , due to different gastrointestinal infections.

This baby milk simply substitutes the sugar for another natural sweetener, like corn syrup.

Types of newborn formula with special conditions

This is the third characteristic that you should take into account when choosing milk for newborns. The formulas for babies with special conditions were created to meet the nutritional needs in case of allergies, digestive problems or premature births. Let's see it in parts.

Milk for premature babies

Milk for premature babies is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and they have more calories and protein than a normal formula. This with the aim of maturing the digestive system of the newborn.

Newborn milk with hypoallergenic formula

This type of newborn milk does not contain lactose . So avoid allergic reactions or rash.  

Milk for newborns suffering from reflux

Reflux is one of the most common causes of infant colic. The ideal newborn formula in this case is prepared with thick rice starch.

Colicky Infant Formula

Colicky baby formula is a favorite of Peruvian mothers, because it significantly reduces gas formation.

Breast milk fortifier

Finally, I advise you to buy the formula with a breast milk fortifier, if your baby has special needs, but you can still breastfeed. Milk for babies with this characteristic is an excellent complement to breastfeeding.

Check List - Milk for Newborns

At this point, we must have defined what type of milk is good for our baby. Answer: How old is he? Is it premature? Are you lactose or cow's milk protein intolerant? Do you have any special conditions? With these essential questions you should already have in mind which is the milk for newborns that is best for you. Just remember that once you start with one, you must maintain the diet for at least two weeks before changing the brand or type of formula.

Presentation of baby formulas

Now that you know what you are looking for, I am going to show you in which presentations you can find the formula for newborns.

Ready-to-drink newborn milk

First of all, we have ready-to-drink baby milk, which is very useful for those mothers who do not have time to prepare a bottle. Its biggest advantage is ease - you just open and serve . Its disadvantage is that it decomposes in 48 hours, so you must ensure good refrigeration. And because of its size, it takes up a lot of freezer space.

Powdered baby milk

It is the conventional and most demanded presentation. Not only because it is cheaper than liquid milk, but because it also lasts longer. A can of powdered baby milk can be stored for 9 months in the pantry.

Concentrated Liquid Newborn Formula

These baby formulas are the perfect middle ground between a liquid and a can of powdered milk. They are inexpensive, but the content must be mixed with an equal amount of water. To avoid contraindications, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the container.

What are the nutrients in the newborn formula?

Before continuing with the list of best milk for babies from 0 to 6 months, I will make a parenthesis to explain all the nutrients that baby formulas should have.

Basically, they are always the same: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins . However, the characteristics of each component are what allow the classification of newborn milk.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are found in lactose and facilitate intestinal transit . In specific cases, pediatricians will recommend formulas with corn maltodextrin, which is a secondary source of this component.

Protein

Perhaps one of the most important nutrients in a baby's diet. Proteins are responsible for the physical development of the child . However, in breast milk the composition is different: healthier. In formula milk there is a large part whey and casein.

Fats

Breast milk is rich in good fats for the newborn. To match it, the formula milk plays with soybean oil, sunflower oil, coconut, corn, among others. So that it can provide omega 3 and omega 6 , two essential fatty acids for the baby's body.

Vitamins and minerals

The strengthening of the immune system of human beings depends on vitamins . Especially from A, C, E, B1, B2 and B3. For their part, minerals will help with the formation of the bones and teeth of the newborn.

Nucleotides

We enter unfamiliar terrain. Or have you ever heard of nucleotides? Well, these are added to the newborn formula, in order to improve brain development and vision .

They also create good gut bacteria, which mature the digestive system. And, if that weren't enough, they help the immune system. Pretty useful, huh?

Prebiotics and probiotics

Baby milks with prebiotics or probiotics must be prescribed by a pediatrician. Both components have a fundamental action on the baby's body, in case of digestive system disorders.

For example, prebiotics support the bacterial flora to boost the immune system. While probiotics prevent inflammation and infections, such as reflux.

Baby milk powder

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Our method

fifteenProducts analyzed2. 3Inverted hours8Studies evaluated65Comments collected

Feeding babies is a controversial topic, as there are many different opinions on it. If you breastfeed the baby in a public place, you can be criticized, but if you give him the bottle also because you do not feed him with your milk. Let us tell you that none of these insights is valuable. You must choose what you consider best for your child based on your possibilities.

Powdered baby milk is an excellent food, although you should prioritize, in addition to the opinion of the pediatrician, your particular needs along with those of your baby. To banish numerous myths around this healthy and nutritious food, we will offer you a guide with all the complete information so that you can decide what to do and which product to choose. Take note!

The most important

The best powdered baby milk: our recommendations


Best Powdered Milk for Lactose Intolerant Babies

Similac Sensitive | Infant Formula for Lactose Intolerant Babies 0-12 Months | 850G

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This Similac brand baby milk powder is especially recommended for children from 0 to 12 months who are allergic or intolerant to lactose. This lactose-free food has numerous essential nutrients for the first year of life of babies, such as vegetable oils, minerals and essential vitamins, among others. Also, it is top quality.


The best powdered milk for babies 6-12 months

Nestle Nan Infant Formula 2 Optipro, 1.2kg, Pack of 1

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Nan infant formula is a powdered baby milk from the renowned Nestle brand. It contains probiotics, proteins and oligosaccharides, making it extremely beneficial for the little ones. This food is especially suitable for children 6 to 12 months of age. Among its many benefits, it balances the intestinal flora and facilitates proper digestion.


The best powdered baby milk with organic formula

NAN Natura 1 Organic Formula, 0 to 6 Months, 658 g

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Nan Natura 1 Organic is a line of baby milk powder with organic formula. It is a healthy food, since it does not contain added sugar or transgenic components. This milk, indicated for children from 0 to 6 months, is added with DHA (essential fatty acid) and iron. It is certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Powdered Baby Milk

We do not want to decide for you, but we do want to help you so that feeding your little one is not a headache. For this reason, we have prepared this complete guide with the answers to the most frequent questions of parents in relation to powdered baby milk. This information will make it easier for you to choose at the time of purchase.

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What exactly is powdered baby milk?

As its name suggests, it is a powder made from cow's milk protein, but adapted to the nutritional needs of the little ones. Powdered baby milk is used to replace or add to breast milk when for various reasons it is not sufficient or suitable for very young children.

Up to what age should my child drink powdered baby milk?

The formulas of this milk have the addition of vitamins, minerals and fats that babies need but cannot obtain from natural cow's milk. Why? Because babies are not prepared to digest it so easily. The protein level is too high for them, so only part of it is extracted in the infant formula.

For these reasons, parents should not give their baby cow's milk as the main milk drink until they are over 12 months old. And not only that: babies who have not reached one year should not consume skimmed, evaporated or sweetened condensed milk, nor alternatives such as soy, rice, almond or coconut milk.

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What is the difference between powdered baby milk and follow-up formula?

Although we could not be so decisive when saying that babies should consume follow-up formula from 6 months, it is true that the composition is different. Check with your doctor to find out when to switch from one to the other.

Criteria Baby milk powder Tracking formula
Carbohydrates between 5.4 and 8.2 g / 100 ml. between 5.7 and 8.6 g / 100 ml.
Protein between 1.2 and 1.8 g / 100 ml. 2.4 g / 100 ml.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all healthy babies who are not breastfed consume iron-fortified formula until they are one year old. It is important that little ones eat the minimum recommended amount of iron: 4 mg per liter ( 1 ) .

What should I keep in mind when I decide to buy powdered baby milk?

First, you should take into account if your child suffers from allergies or food intolerances. Some of the most common powdered baby milk are lactose and sugar free. To detect if there is a problem and be able to consult with the pediatrician, you have to know that the main symptoms that usually manifest are colic, rashes or diarrhea.

Second, doctors recommend avoiding the following ingredients when your baby is less than 12 months old:

Breast milk or powdered baby milk?

Whichever way you choose to feed your baby (breast milk, powdered milk, or a combination of both), the most important thing is that he is nourished, cared for and loved. Here you will see a table with the advantages of each of the methods:

Breastmilk Milk powder
Advantage Provides natural antibodies that help your baby resist illnesses, such as ear infections.It can reduce the risk of sudden infant death in the first year of your baby's life.Helps reduce the risk of being overweight and developing asthma, type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, and lymphoma.It can increase the intelligence of your child.Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer. Babies can be fed by anyone.They wake up less at night.The father can also experience bonding with his baby.Mothers don't have to worry about what they eat or drink.Babies don't need to eat as often.You don't have to adapt your job to breastfeeding.
Disadvantages Breast discomfort and sometimes pain when the baby sucks.Greater time of dedication, especially at night.Mothers should be careful about diet. They always taste the same.It is not free.It does not have the antibodies from breast milk.

What water should I use to prepare powdered baby milk?

Powdered baby milk must be prepared with a few measures of water so that it dissolves, but to achieve the desired consistency you must take into account certain aspects. If you use well or tap water, we suggest that you boil it first and cool it down. Otherwise, it is preferable that you test directly with a filter.

Is powdered milk bad for your baby?

Due to certain myths that have circulated for decades, powdered baby milk is still frowned upon by certain people who do not understand that, many times, its use is necessary and that it has no contraindications. The truth is that it is more benign than its reputation suggests and here we will list why:

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Purchase criteria

We are nearing the end of this guide, but we don't want to overlook a few things that will come in handy when you need to decide which baby formula is best for your little one. Next, we will present a list of the purchase criteria that we consider most important when choosing.

Additional ingredients

There are six main ingredients in powdered baby milk: carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. But what makes them different are the specific carbohydrates or proteins they contain. Some common additional ingredients that are added to baby formula include the following:

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Type of milk

Powdered baby milk is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so the choice of one or the other will depend on the conditions and particular needs of your baby. You should always consult with your pediatrician to choose the correct variant.

Expiration date

When you buy powdered baby milk, we suggest that you take some time to analyze each product. As you may have noticed, there are endless features that could make the difference between one variant and another. One of the essential aspects is that you check the expiration date of the milk, since that will determine its safety and quality.

If your baby drinks little milk powder, it is not advisable to buy cans in bulk, as they will surely expire before you can use them. The age of the child will also influence this decision because babies over 6 months already eat some foods, while minors are only fed milk, which implies a higher consumption.

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Weight

Although 800 g cans are the most commercialized, there are boxes with milk sachets and other smaller presentations. The most important thing about this criterion is that you know that, once opened, powdered baby milk must be consumed within a month. If your child does not feed exclusively with this milk, you should think about the containers of less grams.

Summary

We know that feeding your baby is priority number one. All parents want to see our children healthy and strong. And it is for that reason that we decided to create this guide. It is time to put guilt aside and offer powdered milk to our babies if breastfeeding is not a possibility.

Thousands and thousands of children have grown up on powdered milk and there are no differences with those fed with breast milk. If you are blessed to be able to breastfeed your baby, go for it! It is wonderful. But if it is not an option, science has thought of hundreds of alternatives for you and your young child.

If you have already tried any of the powdered baby milk, tell us about your experience. And share this article with all those who need to clarify doubts about this product.

Conclusions

First things first , evaluate what kind of baby formula you need. To do this, consider the age and special needs of your baby.

Second , choose the presentation that suits you best.

And finally, look for a brand that meets your minimum nutrient requirements. Remember that not all baby formulas are the same.

tip: if you notice that your child does not react well to milk, in the second week of feeding, then talk to your doctor. You may need anti-reflux or lactose-free baby milk.