Why would you decide to use baby formula? Baby formula is food in powder form. It is manufactured and designed to meet the specific dietary needs of an infant. It serves as a complete or partial substitute for breast milk for infants under 12 months of age.
Here are three benefits of using Alula baby formula to feed your baby:
1. Nutritious
Its premium composition resembles a human mother’s mature breast milk at one to three months after delivery. It’s rich in nutrients similar to cow’s milk, which contain two types of protein whey and casein.
Also, the baby formula provides protein energy levels consistent with ESPGHAN (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) guidelines.
Protein
Baby formula that is rich in whey makes it less stressful for the 3 to 6-month-old infant. Therefore, it is easily digested by your baby when feeding. Importantly, it has the best protein content to ensure good brain function. If you have a low breast milk supply, organic baby formula is your best option. The same applies to adopted babies or surrogate babies.
Fat
Baby formula contains vegetable fats such as palm oil, high oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil and soybean oil. You may be aware that these are powerful agents for metabolism. Each of these oils are important for the development and growth of your baby. Isn’t it interesting that your human brain is mostly comprised of fat.
Carbohydrates
Your baby formula contains lactose, as does breast milk. Lactose is a source of carbohydrate that helps your baby to process calcium and minerals. Therefore, this complex ingredient protects your baby’s gut. It also helps develop your child’s immune system.
2. Convenience
You can use baby formula either for convenience, necessity or as a supplement. Your reasons may vary as you decide to introduce your baby to formula. First, you need to establish if you want your baby on formula only, or to use it as a supplement.
You can start by replacing one nursing session with a formula feed once a week. Or you may want to substitute a bottle of formula with one session at a specific time each day. If you follow such a pattern you then establish your milk supply. And, it also a precursor for your routine for feeding times.
Your child may balk the first time you introduce formula feeding, but with time your baby will adjust.
Babies control the flow of breast milk as they latch on and suck. Using a bottle or cup, your baby tends to draw more milk. Occasionally your baby might show some resistance. It’s only because your baby has to use different tongue and mouth motions compared to breastfeeding.
Here’s how to help your baby start with a slow flow nipple. Hold the feeding bottle in a horizontal position. Pause during feeds. Also, switch your baby from one side to another as you do when breastfeeding. Stop feeding when your baby shows signs of being full.
Also, to help your baby adjust you may ask the help of your partner, relative or even a friend. Your baby can smell your breastmilk, and as a result it may confuse the child. You understand why you should not be nearby when introducing baby formula feed from a bottle or cup. Again, if you’re going back to work, here is what you need to know.
The baby formula doesn’t get digested as fast as your breast milk. Therefore, your baby will not need to be fed as often. However, introduce the bottle feed at least two weeks before you resume breastfeeding. It’s a transition period that helps both you and your baby to adjust.
3. Supplementary feeding
Breastfeeding is a good experience for both mother and child. However, sometimes there are unrealistic expectations that come from breastfeeding. You may find that you are unable to breastfeed because of natural reasons, or you returning to a demanding work schedule. Baby formula is the perfect solution for when your baby needs an alternative form of nutrition. What if you find that your baby’s demands for food are higher than your milk supply?
It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and neither have you done anything wrong. Even as adults, you know that appetite and eating patterns differ from one person to another. Therefore, the same principle applies to babies. Furthermore, it is the best substitute for your mature breast milk. Equally important, remember to prepare your baby formula under hygienic conditions. And, keep your baby’s feeding bottles or cups in sterile environments.
Overall, baby formula meets your baby’s dietary needs to ensure a strong immune system, brain development and general wellbeing. You’ll find that baby formula ensures that your child gets the nutrients essential for growth and development. Baby formula is nutritionally balanced and perfectly safe. Most importantly, you will enjoy peace of mind when it comes to feeding your baby.