Breastfeeding is the best way to feed babies. However, they may sometimes need more milk infused with nutrients to supplement breast milk. Milk formula can either be in powder or liquid form. They contain ingredients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which benefit your child.
But babies are different from each other, and many are sensitive to particular foods. If your baby is one of them, you must take your time to search for the right milk formula. It’ll help in ensuring your baby won’t experience severe allergic reactions. With that in mind, below are six tips to assist you in choosing the right milk formula for your sensitive baby:
1. Speak To Your Child’s Pediatrician
It isn’t prudent to try new formulas on your sensitive baby without getting a professional opinion, no matter how excellently the manufacturers make them. Randomly trying milk formula can lead to acid reflux, constipation, milk protein allergy, gas, weight decrease, stool blood, diarrhea, or rashes. These situations can be harmful to your baby, so you’d want to talk to your pediatrician first because they can suggest the right formula depending on your child’s condition.
Additionally, baby experts like Serenity Kids can advise on dosage instructions, preparation techniques, and perfect storage methods, so it doesn’t affect your baby.
2. Assess The Different Types Of Formula
There are various baby formula types, each with its unique ingredients. Thus, you must take your time before using them on your kids. Below are examples:
- Milk-based formula: It’s one of the most common types of baby formula. Many ingredients are incorporated into it. For instance, lactose makes it have a similar texture to breast milk. Additionally, vegetable oil and fats make it easy for kids to digest them, unlike butter fat which can be rough on their stomachs.
- Soy-based baby formula: It primarily contains glucose and soy. It’s an excellent formula if your kids can’t break down lactose. It’s also a perfect option if your baby has a milk allergy, a rare disorder like galactosemia, or is intolerant to galactose sugars in lactose.
- Extensively hydrolyzed formula: It contains protein substances that have been broken down already. A hypoallergenic formula can be helpful for your sensitive baby.
- Specialized baby formula: The formula is excellent for your baby if they have a rare disease or are underweight. But first, you must speak to your pediatrician before buying them.
As you can see, all these baby formulas have unique advantages, especially for babies who have sensitivity issues. So, pick the right one for your baby.
3. Check The Label
When buying milk formula, it is important to read the ingredient label and nutrition facts. Doing so will help you identify strange inclusions your baby could be allergic to. Primary ingredients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Ensure you check the proteins in the formula because they may cause adverse reactions. You can also check for the extra supplement to determine if they’re allergy-free. If any ingredient listed on the bottle isn’t clear to you, it’s best to steer clear of the formula because you wouldn’t want to risk severe reactions from your baby.
4. Check For Any Reactions From Your Baby
If you’re giving a new formula to your little one, always be on the lookout for any kind of reaction they may have. Any slight change in their behavior could signify the formula you’re using isn’t right for them. Check if they sleep more or less, are often bothered, vomit, or have color changes in their stool. Then, speak to your pediatrician about the changes you’ve identified to help you determine if these reactions are caused by the milk formula you introduced to their diet.
5. Stick To One Milk Formula Brand
It’s best to stick with a reputable brand known to produce high-quality formulas with the needs of sensitive babies in mind. Hopping from one brand to another may not be a good idea, as you may encounter dishonest manufacturers who don’t disclose all they’ve included in their milk products. So, diligently search for a reputable milk formula supplier you can work with for the long term and stay loyal to them.
Conclusion
Your baby’s sensitivity to milk formula shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can significantly affect their growth as their bodies are still developing and need careful attention. So, speak to nutrition experts before you buy a milk formula for your baby. It’ll enable your little ones to enjoy their childhood and grow to be their best selves without undue discomfort.
