If a mom cannot breastfeed or a dad babysits, they select a baby formula. Parents who care about their infants should be aware of the pros and cons of all types of baby formula. Babies take their vital powers from food, so it must be nourishing and healthy. The best option is to consult a pediatrician to ensure that the chosen variant is safe for a baby. Other things to consider are the list of ingredients, certificates about performed tests, and the approval of the FDA in America or EFSA in Europe.
Types of Baby Formula
There are five available types of baby food:
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Organic vegan baby formula
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Organic non-vegan baby formula
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Non-organic formula
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Homemade formula
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Special baby formula
Organic vegan baby formula fits babies who suffer from an allergy to animal milk. This formula can be based on hemp, coconut, oat, almond, or pea. Some vegan formulas contain all the required nutrients, while some may be rich only in some nutrients. So, parents need to add the lacking vitamins and minerals to make it substantial.
The organic non-vegan baby formula can have cow’s or goat’s milk as the main ingredient. Organic formula is 100% natural, without chemicals, sweeteners, or taste enhancers. American companies produce only cow’s formula, while European countries have both variants. Goat’s milk is hypoallergenic and causes fewer digestion problems like gasses, constipation, or diarrhea.
The non-organic formula is the cheapest on the baby food market, though it usually contains harmful components like thickeners, flavors, GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics that prolong its lifespan. Besides, milked animals can eat chemicals and take anti-parasite drugs or antibiotics. Consequently, one should pay attention to certificates and lab tests to ensure it is safe.
One should only deal with a homemade formula when being aware of cooking standards and having top-quality ingredients. Proportions must suit a baby’s health requirements, so only a couple of parents risk preparing them.
Special baby formula is for sensitive kids with gasses, allergies to animal proteins, difficult defecation, or frequent regurgitation. As a rule, these are goat formula and organic vegan baby formula.
Tips for Choosing the Best Formula
The available types of baby food impress even experienced parents, so beginners always feel puzzled. Experts recommend following these simple rules when selecting the best type of feeding for babies in the first month of their life.
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Your pediatrician is competent enough to select the best formula for your baby, depending on its needs.
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The organic formula doesn’t contain sugar, GMOs, flavors, stabilizers, and other harmful components. It has vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and Omega 3-6, so it positively influences a baby and helps parents develop healthy eating habits in their children.
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Select a special formula if your baby is gassy, can’t poop, or is allergic to animal milk. In this case, organic vegan baby formula or organic goat formula fits best.
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Prefer products from reputable baby food manufacturers.
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Don’t buy expired products or food that hasn’t been tested and certified by the FDA or EFSA.
European organic food manufacturers have created stages to adjust the formula to a baby’s needs. The Newborn’s stage is 0+ or 1.