Everyone knows that breastfeeding is the best nutrition for a newborn. Breast milk is a unique product with content adapted for the peculiarities of each infant. Moreover, the content can constantly change, adjusting to the needs of a child. For example, when a baby gets sick, the level of protective antibodies in milk rises. Even during the day, the amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates varies. Morning milk contains more carbohydrates because a kid needs a lot of energy during the day. Day milk contains more proteins. In the evening it contains fat so that a baby is well fed and can sleep during the night without waking up.
Of course, there are times when breastfeeding is not possible, so then infant formula is necessary and the only possible measure. Today there are so many varied formulas on the market for any case. Manufacturers try to create formulas as close to breast milk as possible so that an infant can receive the proper nutrition even if it doesn’t get breast milk. Of course, it is impossible to repeat the unique content of human milk, but on Organic’s Best there are fully organic formulas with natural composition in order not only to provide feeding for a kid but also avoid the probability of allergies.
When breastfeeding is not suitable?
The reasons for starting bottle-feeding can be different, however, the most common ones are:
- individual intolerance (rarely but some newborns are allergic to specific components in breast milk)
- poor weight gaining(in such a case, it is required to supplement a baby with formulas)
- the lack of breast milk
- personal reasons
How to start bottle-feeding correctly?
It is recommended to start the formula one month before you plan to switch completely to bottle-feeding. Firstly supply a kid with a little formula after each breastfeeding. Although, the very first thing to do if you want to start switching to bottle-feeding is to visit a pediatrician to get individual advice. If possible, the formula should be introduced gradually and take from 5 days to 2 weeks:
- the first day – the formula has to take up half of the feeding rate
- the second day – the portion is increased to at least 2/3 of the total
- if a child absorbs the formula well (there is no frequent regurgitation, constipation, or diarrhea), then you can completely switch to bottle-formula
- in case, a baby’s diet includes complementary food (vegetable and fruit purees), then feeding with the formula alternates with it
The general algorithm for starting bottle-feeding is the same for both a newborn and a 6-months-old kid and only formulas will differ. On formulas suitable from birth there should be number 1 indicated on the package, or number 2 for formula suitable from 6 months e.g. HiPP stage 2.
What are the formulas and how to pick up the one?
The abundance of infant milk is enormous. There are hypoallergenic formulas for those with lactose intolerance, specialty feeding for allergies like HiPP formula, and so on. Besides, on the market, you can find specialized milk replacers for premature babies and babies with gastrointestinal problems. There are powder and liquid, adapted and non-adapted formulas.
To make the process of switching to bottle-feeding smoother, you need to carefully check the components:
- visiting a pediatrician before bottle-feeding can save your life especially if a child has digestive problems or is allergic
- watch the reaction if a kid eats with appetite or not. If there are problems( like burping), the formula will have to be changed
- it’s better to select adapted feeding because it is nutritious and easier to digest
