Pregnancy Week By Week

The primary importance of baby formula milk is the salient fact that for infants who can not or are not breastfed, the infant formula is the only or the major source, of nutrition during the child's first four to six months of life.

This 0-12 months, has been identified by medical science as the period in an infant's life as a time for rapid growth and development. The time when a child's' nutrient requirements are the highest. This is in comparison to any other point in his or her mental, physical, and emotional developments. Deprive the infant of his or her sole source of nutrition. You'll have a child who is unable to reach his or her full potential for growth and development.

If there is any doubt in your mind on just how crucial infant formula is to a developing child, then read the Infant Formula Act of 1980 and it's amendments in 1986. A member of the legislative body, Senator Metzenbaum echoed the sentiments of the majority when he explained that infant formula needs tighter regulation than other foods. He then went on to say "there is simply no margin for error in the production of baby formula. An infant relies on the formula to sustain life and provide the proper nourishment at a time of rapid physical and mental development."

The law defines Infant formula is defined by law as, ( in part), a food for use by infants that simulates human milk or is suitable as a complete or partial substitute for human milk. 21 U.S.C. 321(z). Infant formula is unique because it can not afford to have nutrient inadequacies. It's the only source of nutrient. At this stage in the infant's life he or she can not have a mixed diet. For that matter, get the missing nutrient requirement in other foods. If the infant formula has serious nutrient deficiencies, the child could have serious and irreversible adverse effects from other diseases. Thus, the importance of proper infant formula manufacture, composition, and nutrient levels cannot be overstated. There are three main types of Infant formulas. This is because while there are babies that readily take to a cow's-milk-based formula, some babies do better on a soy-based or protein-modified (protein hydrolysate) formula.

Then there are specific formulas for preemies (premature babies) or those with allergies or metabolic disorders.

Cow's milk formula.
A lot of cow's milk base formulas have been improved so to the point where it resembles breast milk. Infant formula milk should have fatty acids, very similar to that found in mother's milk. It also has a lot of fatty acids, which help in the development of the baby's brain and nervous system. The calories will also fuel the infants' high energy requirements.

The benefits of cow milk based infant formula are the following:

1. Easier to digest.
2. Right percentages of protein, fat and carbohydrates

The second formula is soy-based. This soy based infant formula is recommended for babies who are allergic to the cow's milk proteins. It is also a good alternative for lactose-intolerant babies. Lactose is a sugar that is naturally present in milk.

If your baby has lactose intolerance, don't give the infant cow's milk. Or your baby could suffer from painful abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea and gas. It doesn't matter if they only drink a small amount.

However, be certain to give your child a soy infant formula. Ordinary soy milk just like ordinary cow's milk is not enough for your baby.

The third formula is protein hydroslysate formula. This special milk is intended for infants whose family has a history of milk allergy.

It is more expensive compared to the standard infant formula. But the protein hydrolysate formula offers less possibly of causing your infant to have allergic reactions. This is because the proteins in hydrolysate have been broken down in a process that mimics digestion.

Although there are a lot of competing brands of infant formula on the market today, they are alls based on either of these basic formulas. So even if they compete with each other, their formulas are strikingly similar.

Be cautious with switching, even if your child fusses or cries a lot. This is not the only or the most accurate way to gauge if the child can not tolerate the formula. Have a prior consultation with your infants' pediatrician if you are thinking of switching.

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