What is formula milk? How many types are there, how to choose the right formula for babies?

How to choose the right milk for the baby is something that mothers always wonder and care about. In today’s article, Tnhelearning.edu.vn will answer what formula milk is, the types and how to choose the right formula for your baby!

What is formula milk?

Formula milk, also known as powdered milk, is milk that is specifically designed to be used as food for infants and children under 12 months of age. In particular, milk has ingredients that simulate the chemical formula of breast milk and is used to completely or partially replace breast milk.

Types of formula milk

There are three types of formula: ready-to-drink, condensed milk and powdered milk.

• Ready-to-drink formula milk : This type of milk can only be opened for children to drink immediately, ensuring hygiene and especially convenient when parents do not know where to find water to mix milk. The price of ready-made milk is usually about 20% more expensive than powdered milk.

• Concentrated formula milk : This type of milk needs to be mixed with water. The ratio of milk and water is usually 1:1 . Compared to ready-made, condensed milk is cheaper and less bulky. However, this form of milk is still more expensive than powdered milk.
• Powdered milk: It takes longer to mix than other formulas and must be followed exactly as directed. This milk is kept for 1 month after opening.

How to choose the right formula for babies by age

Milk for children under 1 year old

• Low birth weight premature babies: High protein, vitamin and mineral composition suitable for premature babies, has a higher energy ratio than normal milk.
• Children under 6 months old: Suitable for babies (with birth weight over 2500g ) to 6 months old. Because it is easy to digest, optimal for the kidneys of young children and enhances calcium absorption. Milk provides full nutrients when the baby is suckling 150ml/kg/day .
• Children from 6 months to 12 months: The weight gain of children at this stage will no longer depend as much on the milk diet as children under 6 months old. Children only need to drink 500-800ml of milk/day, depending on the current weight of the child.

Milk for children over 1 year old

Can be divided into categories over 3 years old and over 6 years old because depending on the priority needs of nutrients according to age, such as more calcium, many substances help to strengthen the anti-infection. But in general, the composition of milk is not much different and the choice does not need to be too strict because the baby also eats a variety of other foods. Children need to drink about 300-500ml of milk per day.

How to choose the right formula milk for special needs

Lactose-free group

This group of milk is often used for children with irritable bowels, flatulence, and loose stools due to sensitivity to lactose. Based on the source of protein in milk, this group is divided into 2 types: plant origin and animal origin.

Hydrolyzed Milk

Hydrolyzed milk contains hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein, so it is easy to digest, used for children with cow’s milk allergy. In addition, it can be used for children from birth with digestive disorders, diarrhea of any kind, food intolerance due to prolonged severe diarrhea, multiple bowel resections, malnutrition. .

Milk for children with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Some formulas have added rice starch, or added natural gum with milk thickening properties to help reduce vomiting and nourish beneficial bacteria in the intestine, increasing the volume and plasticity of the breast milk. stool, preventing constipation and spasms.

Fat-free milk group

Fat-free milk is low in calories and cholesterol-free, and is often used for children who need calcium but do not want to gain weight or need to abstain from fat.

Some frequently asked questions when choosing to buy and use infant formula

Is formula milk different from powdered milk?

In fact, formula milk is a form of milk powder. But if powdered milk can be used for everyone, then formula milk applies to each object and has some ingredients added or removed.

When should you choose infant formula?

Although breast milk is the best for babies, when conditions do not allow a mother to exclusively breastfeed her baby, formula milk can be used to ensure adequate nutrition, especially for babies. especially in the first years of life.

Formula milk has advantages such as a variety of varieties to help parents have many choices. Breastfeeding does not depend on the mother, thus creating favorable conditions for the mother to return to work soon.

What are the different types of formula milk?

Formula milk has 6 main ingredients: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It’s the carbohydrate, protein, and extra ingredients that make the difference between many formula brands.

Example: Whey protein and casein protein in cow’s milk are always combined in separate proportions to produce different types of milk.

Can cereal or milk be added to infant formula?

Do not add any ingredients, including vitamins, cereals, cow’s milk, … to your baby’s formula, unless directed by your doctor. Formula milk is carefully refined with dozens of nutrients measured in precise doses, anything added can be hazardous to your baby’s health.

What are the signs that the baby’s body is not suitable for the type of formula being used?

You should monitor any child’s reactions and notify the doctor if any unusual symptoms occur. Don’t self-diagnose signs of allergies or sensitivities in your baby, as you could overlook a potentially serious risk, or prevent your baby from getting enough nutrients.