Breastmilk will always be the first and best feeding option for your newborn baby. However, what if you have insufficient lactation or painful latching due to your baby working his or her way to the areola? As painful as it gets, you find yourself in the baby aisle in supermarkets immediately seeking for baby milk powders.

There, you are bombarded with various baby formula brands that come to you with their enticing ingredients, catchphrases etc. As new parents, you get confused and anxious on which to choose. You don’t deserve so much anxiety and pressure!

What actually is a baby milk formula?

Kirtsy Leray, children's dietitian says that infant formulas are the only ideal alternative to breastmilk as it has the essential nutrients that are needed for a baby's healthy development.

(Image credit to FirstCry Parenting)

She says that most formula contains added minerals and vitamins that are mostly, carefully treated with cow’s milk. The amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are adapted to that of breastmilk.

What types of baby milk formula are there?

When choosing an infant formula, the foremost thing you need to look for is the type that is available on the shelves. Most babies can go well with the commercial cow-based baby milk powder. Though, some can’t and that’s why there are certain types of formula to cater the needs.

#1 Soy-based formula

Soy-based milk powder is concentrated from soya beans and given only when your cutie pie is lactose intolerant. Almost similar to cow-based and it has the same nutrients that a commercial milk powder has. This formula is suitable for infants from 6 months old but mind that it should be only given under medical supervision.

(Image credit FirstCry Parenting)

Note: It’s natural that soya contains phytoestrogens that are similar to females’ estrogens and the same factor concerns parents that it might affect baby’s reproductive system, its higher intake may cause low body weight and glucose in it may harm baby’s teeth.

 

#2 Goats’ milk-based formula

These goat’s milk-based milk powders are also formulated to cow’s milk-based formula and are suitable for newborns from birth. If your baby has an allergy, then this might be it.

(Image credit to Green Child Magazine)

Note: Goat’s milk and cow’s milk proteins are very similar. If your baby has allergic reactions to cow milks, hence it is advisable to avoid goat’s milk baby powder as well.

#3 Hydrolysed baby formula

Also known as the hypoallergenic formula, this infant baby milk powder is suitable for babies who are intolerant to cow’s milk formula. Definitely, your paediatrician would prescribe you an appropriate baby formula with fully hydrolysed formula (broken down proteins that are found in similar levels to that in breastmilk). You can feed your baby from 6 months, but prior to that ask the doctor's advice first.

 

(Image credit to MomJunction)

Note: There are some partially-hydrolysed formulas that you can get over the counter and shops but they are better to be avoided when your babies have an allergy to cow’s milk-based baby formula.

Are there any dissimilarities between brands?

As mentioned previously, you might stun due to the overwhelming amount of baby milk brands arranged on the racks. Most importantly, you will be wondering which to choose as each of them attract you with various catchphrases benefiting your baby’s health.

(Image credit to Vectorstock)

The truth is, all brands are similar in terms of their nutritional constituents, energy breakdowns, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates. The real difference comes down to their price, availability and import quality. Since all milk formula brands have similar nutritional value, hence proven you can buy any well-known brands.

Note: If you’re considering switching the milk powder you are feeding currently, remember to flip over and follow the serving guide provided. However, it’s better to not change the formula abruptly as it may cause an unease for your baby.

Should I buy the ‘Gold’ varieties?

‘Gold’ varieties do not actually have edible gold. It is called the ‘gold’ formula. It contains certain fatty acids and prebiotics (omega) which plays a significant role in the development of good eyesight, brains and other body parts. It can be found naturally in breastmilk and even the body can produce its own ‘gold’ due time.

(Image credit to Motion Loop)

Now, these ‘gold’ varieties can’t be found in regular formulas and there is no conclusive evidence that they’re helpful in overall development. Head here to know more about it!

What are the nutrients I have to pay attention to?

#1 DHA & AA/ARA

(Image credit to iStock)

These are actually fatty acids that are present naturally in mommies’ breastmilk. They are proven to be responsible for the baby's brain and vision development. Do look for an equal amount of DHA and AA as they are said to be closely mimicked to breastmilk.

#2 Nucleotides

(Image credit to Abbott Family)

One of the key ingredients that needs to be looked out for is nucleotides which are said to help build your little ones immune system as well as keeps a better digestive system.

#3 Choline

(Image credit to iStock)

This is one of the usual nutrients that can be easily missed. As a recently-added nutrient to baby milk formula, choline is considered as an ingredient which supports cell growth, body’s nervous system and brain function. Only a handful of baby milk brands consist this nutrient in their formula.

#4 Prebiotics & Probiotics

(Image credit to iStock)

What’s a prebiotic and probiotic? Simply put, prebiotics stimulate the growth of probiotics in baby’s guts while probiotics are live bacteria which helps to balance between the amount of good and bad bacteria that are present in the guts. It’s mainly to give an ease in the baby's digestive system.

#5 Vitamins

(Image credit to Nestle)

Usually, every and any milk brand has several essential vitamins that a baby has to get from a mother’s breastmilk. Check out for vitamins like A, C, D and E which are necessary for good skin and vision. Above all, they also work for a healthy brain, nerves, blood cells which enables a boosted immune system in your munchkins.

#6 Minerals

 
(Image credit to 123RF)

Iron, zinc, calcium and many other minerals’ presence in a baby milk formula is an added advantage because they have so many nutritional benefits. For instance, calcium helps your baby’s teeth and bones to grow strongly, iron helps in blood production and zinc helps cells grow, breakdown carbohydrates and stimulates the immune system.

Here comes the most important part of all. This is where you will really wonder how to choose the right baby milk formula. Let us guide you step-by-step!

Step 1-  Inspect the product label for the nutrients and their breakdowns
Step 2-  Watch out for sweeteners like dextrose, sucrose or corn syrup
Step 3-  Select based on age
Step 4-  Follow the preparation or serving guides
Step 5-  Immediately seek paediatrician if your baby shows any unusual symptoms


What are the milks to avoid?

• Condensed milk, obviously!
• Evaporated milk
• Dried milk
• Sheep’s milk
• Almond milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk

Woahh! Even we didn’t know there’s so much to consider when choosing the right infant formula for babies. But hey, these are actually the answers for the hows you have in your mind! Would you ask again “How to choose the right baby milk formula?” We bet you will not.

 
(Image credit to Verwell Family)

If you want to know what are the best baby milk powders you can get in Malaysia for your baby, then head here to find out. We have sieved the top 10 brands that you can get from your nearby supermarkets and grocery stores. Thank us later mommies! Hope this article has lent a helping hand to you and if you want more help, visit us at HappyPreggie.