The best food for a newborn baby is breast milk, as it contains the whole list of vitamins and trace elements necessary for the harmonious development of the child’s body and includes specific antibodies that create protection against infectious diseases throughout the breastfeeding period.
Despite this, there are different situations when switching to formula feeding is the only possible option. In order to avoid stress and any potential adverse reactions in the baby’s body, it is necessary to approach this matter with full responsibility.
Making the decision to switch to formula, every mom wonders how to do it correctly and whether the milk formula will meet all the needs of the baby’s body. Although parents should visit a pediatrician when choosing baby formula and switching to it, knowing the essential rules and understanding the basics of baby formula composition will not be superfluous at all. The doctor will help make the right decision, as it is important to consider the individual needs of your baby: age and body weight, proneness to allergic reactions, and digestive issues.
When is the right time to transition your baby to formula?
Let’s say your baby is perfectly healthy, eats well, and you can provide him or her with your milk in the first months of life when your little one needs it most. But internally, you have already made up your mind to switch to formula feeding. This can be the first sign that the amount of milk will begin to dwindle because nothing triggers the milk supply except your baby and the desire to be close to him or her.
Weaning can be done from about four to six months of age when the baby’s digestive system has been developed, stools have normalized, and bloating is less common. One more interesting fact is that transition to formula milk is better to plan in the colder season, at least not on the warmest days, when there is an increased risk of infections and slow down the metabolism process in a baby’s body. In addition, it is easier for the baby to get used to the new diet in a more comfortable environment.
From as early as two months, setting a breastfeeding schedule with infrequent use of a baby bottle is possible. Formula feedings are better to start in the morning so that in the evening, the baby digests the “new foods,” and nothing can disturb the sleep calmly.
At first, it will be two or three times a week, then once a day, then morning and evening – twice. Such an approach will help get your mammary glands used to the change, and the baby will adapt to formula feeding. Adaptation means getting enough food (determined by weighing the baby), a balanced vitamin and protein complex in the new diet (depends on the quality of the formula and whether it suits the baby), and no trouble with the baby’s stomach and intestines.
What do parents need to know about formula composition?
Modern baby formula has a composition close to that of breast milk to provide your baby with the nutrients necessary for growth and development in the first year of life.
Breast milk is the best and healthiest food for the baby, but if breastfeeding is not possible, adapted milk formula is used to feed the baby. One of the critical components of formula is milk sugar, lactose, which is an essential energy source. The other two key components are proteins and fats. Interestingly enough, there is relatively little protein in the formula, as there is in breast milk so it does not overload the immature baby’s digestive system.
Fats provide from 30% to 50% of the daily energy requirements of the child’s body. In addition, fats have a vital building function in the body. They take part in the development of the brain and the visual organs and in the synthesis of hormones, for example.
Infant formula contains the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth and development of the baby.
One of the most critical elements in its composition is calcium, which helps a baby grow healthy. A baby needs iron to form healthy blood cells and provide oxygen to organs and tissues. Zinc promotes weight gain and the formation of the skeletal system and plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. Vitamin A is essential for vision development, and iodine is necessary for full mental development.
All the needed nutrients for a baby’s body are perfectly combined with high-quality organic Swiss milk in the relatively new but top-rated Loulouka formula. More importantly, this brand ensures the organic certification of its products, which helps many parents provide a balanced diet for their babies from the first days of life.
Be sure to talk to your pediatrician before you start introducing the formula.
Basic principles of the transition to infant formula
- The transition to formula feeding should be gradual, “crowding out,” over 5-7 days. This will help your baby adapt to the new diet and reduce the risk of digestive problems.
- Feeding on demand is possible only when breastfeeding and a little – when mixed. When switching to formula, you must provide feeding according to the exact schedule.
- It is not worth giving a child different formulas – he or she will have to readjust to a new diet each time, which is a great stress to the little body. If the formula for any reason is not suitable, your pediatrician will help you choose another one, taking into account all the features and needs of your baby.
- When preparing the formula, it is essential to measure the recommended portion correctly, the temperature of the water, and sterility – all of these instructions are on the packaging.
And the most important point: When you feed your baby, hold him or her in your arms – so the baby will be much calmer and more comfortable. Remember: the transition to formula feeding should not affect the emotional contact, so do not forget to show your baby love every time it is possible.
