Scientific research has made the baby formula industry progress significantly in the last century. Today, manufacturers offer milk powders rich in vitamins and nutrients children need. Special milk powders are also available for children with special needs and food allergies and intolerances. Feeding a baby with powdered milk is a safe option that also has benefits. If you want to make an informed choice when feeding your baby with powdered milk, you need to know more about powdered milk.
Learn more about milk powder.
Powdered milk is a unique food composition for babies, similar to a mother’s milk. Powdered milk can replace or supplement breast milk. Infant formula is produced in 3 forms:
- Powdered milk powder: every cup of this milk powder should be mixed with boiled and cooled water. Powdered milk powder is the cheapest type of milk powder.
- Condensed liquid milk powder: This milk powder should also be mixed with boiled and cooled water. These milk powders should be consumed according to the instructions on their package.
- Ready-to-use powdered milk: This is the easiest option for feeding babies because you don’t need to mix it with water.
Types of dry milk
Various ingredients are used to produce milk powder, but most are based on cow’s milk. Of course, the special milk powders made for premature babies or babies with special medical conditions contain different ingredients.
1. Milk powders based on cow’s milk protein
Usually, milk powders are produced based on cow’s milk, and more nutrients are added to make them more similar to mother’s milk. Most babies grow by consuming these milk powders. Some babies are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk, so milk powders with other ingredients should be used to feed them.
2. Soy-based milk powders
These formulas are helpful for babies who have special metabolic needs. You should pay attention to the fact that some babies allergic to cow’s milk may also be allergic to soy milk.
3. Milk powders containing hydrolyzed protein
These milk powders are produced for babies allergic to cow’s milk or soy-based milk powders. This type of milk powder includes proteins that are more broken down compared to the proteins found in other milk powders. Of course, the breakdown rate of proteins used in hydrolyzed milk powders is different; Some of these powders contain only slightly broken down, while the proteins in some milk powders are highly broken down. This second category of hydrolyzed milk powder is suitable for babies allergic to protein.
Ingredients found in various types of milk powder
Although the ingredients in formula milk from different companies are different, all of them should contain the nutrients needed for the baby’s growth. According to the established standards, powdered milk should meet the nutritional needs of children under one year old. Nutrients in milk powders include:
- Vitamins: biotin (vitamin B7), choline, inositol, niacin (a form of vitamin B3), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, C, E and K.
- Minerals: calcium, copper, chloride, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
- Supplements: fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, amino acids, protein, and probiotics.
- Additives: lactose (natural sugar found in milk) and vegetable oils.
The difference between formula and breast milk
Powdered milk is the best substitute for breast milk, which is very similar to breast milk in terms of nutritional value and ingredients; it is designed to provide the nutrients needed for the child’s growth. Of course, despite all the positive features and nutritional value, powdered milk is not the same as breast milk.
For example, powdered milk has a thicker texture and may be more challenging to digest. Therefore, formula-fed babies tend to bloat more, and because their stools are more complex, it will be more difficult for them to have a bowel movement.
The process of producing breast milk is much more complicated than the process of producing powdered milk. Along with the baby’s growth, breast milk’s nutritional value changes naturally to meet the growing baby’s needs. Also, breast milk contains antibodies that increase the readiness of the baby’s body to fight infections and pathogens. Naturally produced in the mother’s body, these antibodies are not present in powdered milk.
It doesn’t matter what method you choose to feed your baby; Breast milk, formula, or a combination of the two. Your baby must grow up with the best nutrition, care, and love.
Reasons for parents to choose formula
Although experts recommend breast milk as the best option for infant feeding, this recommendation does not mean that breastfeeding is the best choice for all mothers. Many factors make parents choose formula to feed their baby, from personal preferences to health-related reasons.
For example, parents whose first child was born may need help from others to care for the baby. If other family members want to help take care of the baby, the formula is the most convenient and easy option to feed the baby.
Also, some mothers do not have enough milk, so breastfeeding is challenging and stressful. These mothers feed their babies entirely with formula or supplement it with breast milk.
There are many advantages of choosing formula for baby feeding. Feeding the baby powdered milk by other family members helps to strengthen their emotional relationship with the baby. It also allows other family members to help the mother feed at night. At the same time, it becomes easier to plan for feeding the baby. The formula is digested more slowly, so formula-fed babies need fewer meals.
Apart from all this, the fact that anyone can feed the baby at any time is perhaps the most crucial advantage of powdered milk.
Choosing the best formula for the baby
The milk powders available in pharmacies have been approved, and their consumption will not cause complications for babies. But not every formula is suitable for every baby. Therefore, you should check your options and consult your doctor. You can even try options.
Most likely, your child will have no problem with whatever choice you make. You can try other types of milk powder and other companies’ products whenever necessary.
Most babies do not develop food intolerance when consuming cow’s milk-based formula, and replacement is rarely necessary. However, some babies cannot tolerate the proteins in cow’s milk, and when consuming cow’s milk-based milk powders, they suffer from digestive problems, and even blood is seen in their stools. Hydrolyzed milk powders should be used to feed these babies.
If the baby has a problem with using powdered milk, these symptoms appear:
- Diarrhea or constipation ;
- Vomiting a lot;
- Intense crying and impatience;
- Any change in skin color or texture with itching.
If your baby has problems with your chosen formula, consult your doctor. The exact reason for this incompatibility should be determined so that you can select the right option.
Change milk powder
Once you find the right formula, continue using the same procedure until your baby is one year old. Avoid changing milk powder arbitrarily. This should be done only with a doctor’s prescription and to treat problems related to the baby’s health.
The right way to feed with powdered milk
You should observe several points when you choose to feed with dry milk. The shelf life of powdered milk is usually one year. After this period, the nutrients in powdered milk gradually lose their properties. Experts emphasize that you should avoid buying and using powdered milk whose expiration date has passed.
Another critical point is that you must ensure the water is healthy. Use boiled and cooled water to prepare powdered milk.
If you want to heat the prepared milk powder, ensure it is not overheated. Place the baby milk bottle in a warm water container and wait a few minutes for the designed formula to warm up. Then pour a few drops of milk on your wrist or the back of your hand and test its temperature.
Always prepare milk powder according to the preparation method listed on its package. By observing this point, the prepared powdered milk will have the right concentration.
Avoid these things:
- Preparation of homemade milk powder;
- Use of unapproved milk powders;
- Using cow’s milk or soy milk instead of milk powder.
Experts recommend not feeding the baby powdered milk after 12 months and using whole milk instead. Of course, it is better to consult a doctor for this.
Amount of milk powder consumption
The baby drinks 30 to 60 ml of milk in each meal. The general rule is that every baby up to 6 months needs 60 to 75 ml of prepared milk powder per 450 grams of body weight. For example, a baby weighing 4.5 kg should consume 600 to 750 ml of prepared milk powder daily. Most pediatricians recommend that babies do not consume more than 950 ml of designed formula daily.
Of course, paying attention to the baby’s behavior to detect hunger and satiety is essential. Even if someone other than you cares for your baby, they should know these behaviors.
There are also signs that the amount of dry milk is sufficient or insufficient. The following signs indicate that your baby is not getting enough milk:
- constant crying;
- decreased urination;
- the loose and wrinkled appearance of the skin;
- The slow process of weight gain.
The following signs indicate that your baby has taken too much milk:
- Abdominal pain of colic type (exacerbating);
- excessive weight gain;
- severe vomiting;
- Raising the legs towards the chest.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the formula your child consumes. Of course, keep in mind that babies go through periods that affect the decrease or increase of their appetite. Temporary and minor changes should not cause you concern.
Powdered milk suitable for premature babies
For many premature babies, feeding is a big challenge. These babies do not have enough ability to perform the sucking movement to feed with a bottle or breast milk. These babies usually do not have a complete digestive system, and their bodies may not properly break down milk proteins. They may also have problems like reflux and bring up a lot of milk.
To reach the right weight and proper growth, dry milk for premature babies or breast milk is pumped with special tubes in the special care unit for newborns. These tubes enter the stomach through the nose or mouth. Other nutrients go directly into their bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
Premature infant formula has more calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals than regular formula and is designed to help underweight infants grow faster.
Common questions
1. Can powdered milk be a good substitute for breast milk?
The priority is to feed with breast milk, but if this is not possible, powdered milk is a suitable and complete food for babies and is designed to meet the baby’s needs.
2. Is infant formula different from standard infant formula?
Yes. Premature babies have special needs, and their formula is unique. This milk powder contains more protein and nutrients. It is mentioned on the packaging of the milk powders whether they are suitable for premature babies.
3. Can adults use powdered milk?
Adults have no restrictions on the consumption of powdered milk. Some adults, especially athletes, substitute milk powder for protein supplements. If you are a professional athlete, this amount is not enough for you and cannot replace accessories.
Conclusion
Baby formula is produced to feed and help babies grow, and you can be sure that whatever recipe you choose, your baby will grow. In rare cases, some procedures may not be suitable for your baby. Even in these cases, there is no need to worry because there are many alternatives, and you can get help from a pediatrician to examine and choose suitable options.
All parents want their children to grow up in the best conditions. Feeding a baby powdered milk is a safe and suitable solution to create these conditions.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
