Infant formula is a frequently purchased product by parents and baby carers. Many working mothers choose this type of nutrition because it is easy to prepare and in terms of useful qualities, it is not inferior to breast milk. Baby food companies adhere to strict rules to create the perfect product. There are different types of formulas, which are distributed according to age-old categories. Let’s look at the special features of different age groups.
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What are the types of baby formula by age?
- Formula for premature and low birth weight babies. It is marked with the number 0 or Pre on the package. Choosing a high-quality formula with the necessary nutrients for children during this period is an important task. Special ingredients in the composition promote digestion and colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Such popular manufacturers as Holle, Hipp know everything about the needs of the baby at this age. They are the most adapted to breast milk formulas in their composition.
- Number 1 stands for infant formula from birth to 6 months. The composition is also as close as possible to the breast milk as well as the pre-stage formula. One of the differences from the previous product is the addition of maltodextrin. This is a concentrated carbohydrate that is extracted from corn or potato starch and gives energy to the baby. Baby food for babies from birth onwards is made based on skimmed milk. A pre-stage is based on whole milk. As a result, babies gain weight quickly.
- The number 2 indicates that the formula is created for children from 6 months to a year. It is intended for children from 6 months to a year. The proportion of such substances as whey proteins and casein is important in this age. On average, this indicator is as follows: 70: 30. After 6 months casein plays an important role in the development and growth of the baby. The amount of this substance should be much greater than in the 1-stage formula. A distinctive feature is its high nutritional value. In addition, some baby food includes cereals and rice. The product becomes more nourishing and thicker. This is especially true for night feeding. The child eats and sleeps all night.
- You will find a baby formula for children from 12 to 18 months at number 3 in the package. Many children are so addicted to formula that at the age of 1 they continue to drink it in the same amount as before. At the same time, mothers have already introduced into the diet such baby food as cereals, fruit and vegetable purees, and meat. If a child has a big appetite for bottle-feeding, the mom should not limit it. After all, 3 Stage contains all the necessary complex vitamins and minerals and healthy fats that a child may receive less from ordinary food. Parents prefer Lebenswert Stage 3, Kendamil Organic, which is suitable for feeding children up to three years old. They are based on organic and environmentally friendly components.
What are the different kinds of formula according to its consistency?
- Liquid. This food is ready to consume and does not require additional preparation. It only needs to be warmed up before use. But unfortunately, it is very difficult to find liquid food on store shelves. In addition, its cost can unpleasantly surprise you. You have to buy it mainly if the family goes on a long journey and there is no way to cook nutrition for the baby.
- Dry. This is the most popular kind of baby food over the first option. There are a wide variety of dry formulas, with different compositions, created for different ages of the child. They have a long shelf life and are easy to prepare. Dry formulas are easy to purchase in pharmacies, stores and buy online. For example, you can buy any products such as Hipp, Holle, Jovie, and many others at a discount on BabyMilkBar’s Organic Formula website if you order more than 1 can. A busy mom doesn’t have to waste time queuing at the store. The order will be brought to your apartment or house, which you indicate on the website.
What are the specialty baby formulas?
- Lactose-free. It is suitable for children with lactose intolerance. What does it mean? Lactose intolerance means the lack of enzymes necessary for the digestion of milk. In this case, the child may have bloating and abdominal pain. One of the most qualitative formulas is Holle Bio. We have more information about it on our website.
- Hypoallergenic. They are prescribed to children who tend to have allergies. The composition of the formula doesn’t contain cow’s milk protein, instead it is hydrolyzed protein.
- Anti-reflux. Such companies as Hipp invented special food for children with constant spitting and belching. In these two cases, the use of a special mixture is important. Why? In the process of feeding, the child spits up food and doesn’t receive enough nutrients, as a result, the baby may be underweight, and not develop properly. Anti-reflux formula reduces the likelihood of reflux while providing complete nutrition to your baby.
We hope this article has helped you choose the right formula for your baby.