As new parents, one of the many decisions we have to make is deciding on our little one’s nutrition. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, they always recommend breast milk as the best nutrition you can offer your little one. Although, in some cases for many parents, breastfeeding is not an option either for medical reasons, work-related reasons, or for the simple reason they are not considering breastfeeding to supplement their little one.
No matter what the reason is, as parents we constantly search to provide our children with the best because, in the end, we want happy, healthy children. Unfortunately, the search for the best formula alternative to breastmilk can be overwhelming and stressful. Here are some helpful tips to help you along the way in finding the best Sell Formula for your little one.
Research the Ingredients
You always want to take a closer look at the ingredients of the baby formula you are considering, as the ingredients will reveal whether this is the best choice for your little one or not. If you don’t know what the ingredients are in the baby formula you are considering, do your research to understand what each ingredient does for your baby.
Make sure you know what your little one will be consuming as many ingredients would be best to avoid and keep away from your little one. Some ingredients will harm the development of your little one over time (like pure sugar). The best baby formulas resemble breast milk as closely as possible regarding the proportion and type of nutrients they contain.
All baby formulas contain a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates are essential components of baby formula. Using the best carbohydrate source is critical in ensuring that you are getting wholesome nutrition for your baby to thrive and develop with the best. Since babies’ digestive systems are immature and cannot break down complex carbohydrates, babies need simple sugars in their diet.
Lactose is composed of one glucose and one galactose molecule, making it the ideal carbohydrate source for baby formula. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar, but lactose is the primary carbohydrate source found in breast milk.
Throughout your research you will notice how European baby formulas have lactose as their primary carbohydrate. In comparison, you will discover that different baby formulas on the market today are made and composed of glucose and fructose, corn syrup. Meaning that even though your baby might enjoy the taste of this formula, their pancreas must work harder to regulate the blood sugar levels; those carbohydrate sources are sweeter than lactose and have a higher glycemic index.
The next ingredient to look at is the protein source. Although breast milk and cow’s milk contain various individual proteins, these proteins are either whey or casein. However, the protein ratio in cow’s milk is quite different from the breast milk ratio. Cow’s milk includes 80 percent casein, and 20 percent whey, versus breast milk, which contains 40 percent casein and 60 percent whey. So, in this case, it is essential to choose a baby formula that specifically lists whey as an ingredient as this means that the whey to casein ratio has been adjusted to more closely resemble breast milk.
Next, you want to take a look at the fat source. About half of the calories found in breast milk come from the fat source. This is the ratio that baby formulas try to approximate, as fat is essential for typical baby weight gain and overall growth.
Surprisingly, unlike protein and carbohydrate content, the mixture of fats in breast milk changes to correspond with the mother’s diet, meaning that babies can digest various fatty acids. You will find that many baby formulas contain palm oil as the primary fat source, which is not necessarily bad. Although, it would not be the best for babies born ahead of schedule as it is not the most easily absorbable source of fatty acids.
Coconut oil is the better choice for a primary fat source in baby formula. As coconut oil is unlikely to cause indigestion and contains medium-chain triglycerides, which babies more easily absorb.
European Regulations
The formulas that fit the criteria for having clean, wholesome ingredients are European baby formulas. European baby formulas are regulated by the European Commission, which has more stringent regulations than the FDA. European baby formulas are free of detectable levels of pesticide residue, and many come from grass-fed cows/goats, which are raised in a biodynamic Demeter or Bioland farm. This means that the farms are organic and entirely sustainable, and free of GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
Also, the European Commission requires that at least 30 percent of the carbohydrates come from lactose. Furthermore, the European baby formulas are also prohibited from having pectins, fractals, and carrageenan as ingredients. The European Commission only wants to provide what is in the best interest for all the little consumers.
Conclusion
Altogether, choosing the best baby formula for your little one is a critical and significant decision to make as a parent. Balanced and wholesome nutrition is imperative to give your little one a healthy start so that at every developmental stage, they will be thriving and building towards a happy and healthier future.
European baby formula contains only the best pure, natural ingredients to perfectly support your baby at every stage they grow through. European baby formulas give you the security and peace of mind that you are only supplementing your little one with the healthiest formula and no hidden ingredients. They ensure that your little one is not missing out on any nutritional benefits they would get through breast milk. This is why European baby formula is the best alternative you will find for breast milk.
Finally, deciding to go with a European baby formula free of synthetic ingredients and unwanted additives will only help your little one receive the best nutrition without the side effects of the harsh ingredients found in other baby formulas. Always keep in mind and remember that a happy baby is a healthy baby.