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Breastmilk always is the best food for babies. Years of brainwashing and manipulation by many marketing sources, convenience, and many other factors have made formula milk or cow’s milk an easy option for families to choose them. There are very rare medical scenarios which are less than 2% where a mother is unable to breastfeed a baby. Otherwise, all mothers can breastfeed on the very first day and I would insist to watch the video dedicated to the same. How to ensure to breastfeed on the First Day of Delivery? In cases where you are forced to give formula milk to your baby, one must be aware of its details completely. 

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What is Formula Milk?

It is the formulated infant milk suggested for babies below 1 year as the best alternative to breast milk. It is the next best food for babies and provides almost complete nutrition required for growing babies, but only till a year.

When is it advised?

• Mother is unable to lactate or baby is unable to suck even post help from a lactation consultant

• Maternal medical condition

• Mother staying away from baby and unable to store pumped breastmilk

• Combination feeding at rare cases

Why should you not give Cow’s Milk to babies below 1 year?

Cow’s milk contains 2 times the protein present in human milk, as calves grow quickly they need it. Human babies need more fat than protein for their healthy development and good function of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Excess intake of milk causes constipation and digestion issues. This is a liquid and fills up a smaller stomach quickly and hence later you complain about low appetite. Too much calcium can hinder iron absorption and hence we see a lot of Indian kids suffering from Iron deficiency.

Will there be any effect on my baby?

Remember that Formula is just like any medication and comes with its own set of risks

1. Comparatively less immunity in babies as Breast milk is tailor-made

2. Digestion issues

3. Hygiene factor

4. Cost factor

How to prepare formula milk?

Always follow the recommendation given on the package of Formula Milk. Serious concerns are observed when one compromises on such measures.

• Ensure the feeding bottle is washed well and sanitized before use.

• Wash your hands and follow this during travel too.

• Boil water, cool, and keep ready

• Add scoops as recommended to room temperature water. Add powder to hot water will cause lumps.

• Sprinkle on your hand and check the heat before offering

Few cautions

1. Formula milk prepared should be used within 1 hour of preparation

2. Formula milk date of expiry should be verified before usage.

3. Note down the date of opening as most formula milk is meant to be used within 1 or 3 months of opening the seal or can.

4. Formula milk is not easily digestible and some babies may spit up much or may have colic trouble which is ok and will be better in a week or so.

5. Do not keep changing the brand until the baby shows some adverse reaction

6. Switch to full fat cow’s milk once your baby crosses the 12 months bar.

Types of Formula Milk available

• Cow’s Milk-Based Formula – Has cow’s milk as the major ingredient but the protein content in it is broken down to that which suits human babies.

• Soy-Based Formula – Vegan Parents worldwide use Soy-Based Formula. This is also used for babies who are lactose intolerant or have cow’s milk allergies.

• Protein Hydrolysate Formula – Some babies have protein allergy and both Cow’s Milk-based formula or Soy-Based Formula don’t suit them.

• Specialized Formula – These are the ones specially made for premature babies or babies with specific medical conditions.

Which Formula to Choose?

In today’s competitive era, most of all the Formula Milk brands are well designed to match the content in breastmilk and do it in its best possible way. So buy any formula that suits your baby and remember not to often change it just because something else suited someone else’s baby.

Video: Formula Milk for Babies – All you want to know

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