“I’d do anything for my sweet and beautiful child!”

Have you ever looked at your baby and thought that to yourself? Sure, you have!

Every parent wants the best for their babies, and that greatly involves the nutrients they consume.

There’s much to know about what’s good and bad for your baby. But before anything else, breast milk and baby formula are your baby’s first and best source of nourishment.

What is Baby Formula?

Baby formula mimics the composition of breast milk as closely as possible in terms of nutritional and physical properties. It makes for a great alternative or complement to breastfeeding.

Because babies rely so much on breast milk for optimal nutrition, growth, and development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates commercial baby formulas sold on the market. This assures they are safe and healthy for babies to consume.

There are 3 main types of baby formulas:

Cow’s milk protein-based formulas – the most common type; cow’s milk is made to resemble human breast milk and has well-balanced nutrients.

Soy-based formulas – are an alternative if your baby is allergic to animal milk or is lactose intolerant; some babies may still be allergic to soy too.

Protein hydrolysate formulas – the protein in this formula is broken down into smaller sizes; made for babies who are allergic to both cow’s milk and soy.

Baby formulas also come in 3 forms:

Powdered formula – least expensive; every scoop should be mixed with water

Concentrated liquid formula – typically sold in cans; also requires water

Ready-to-use formula – expensive option; premade and premixed

Your choice of baby formula will depend on your baby’s preference, convenience, and budget.

Best Ingredients for Baby Formula

It is important to be cautious when it comes to any contaminants. In recent news, they even found some dangerous levels of metals in some baby foods.

In the least, parents should make sure the foods they are giving their babies contain only safe and nutrient-rich ingredients.

We’re here to help you find the best baby formula on the market. Baby formula should have at least the following ingredients:

DHA

DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid. This is an omega-3 fatty acid that is usually found in foods like fish and seafood.

DHA is an important nutrient for developing infants. It helps support brain and eye development during the early childhood years.

Studies have also shown that DHA builds a stronger immune system, and supports both the nervous system and respiratory system of your child.

Although many claims have been made that DHA, in particular, increases the IQ of your child, recent trials and studies have proven otherwise. DHA may not directly influence how smart your child can get, but with sufficient nutrients, no doubt they will grow to be little geniuses!

Inositol

Inositol is the third most abundant source of carbohydrates in human milk, next to lactose and glucose. With its rich contents, it is understood how essential it is for the baby’s development. With that, infant formula manufacturers make sure to include inositol in their products.

Inositol is not even digested to be used as energy like other carbohydrates but is rather absorbed to be used as a building block for other essential compounds. Like DHA, inositol is used for healthy brain and pulmonary development during the infant years.

Vitamin D

Do you want your baby to grow tall and strong? Then you better look for vitamin D in baby formula!

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for growing babies. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus which are essential for healthy bone development. This helps them develop motor skills faster.

If your baby does not have enough Vitamin D in their system, they are at risk of getting rickets. Rickets is the softening and weakening of bones.

Although the sun is a great source of vitamin D, it is not advisable to expose babies to sunlight for a very long time.

Probiotics

Probiotics in baby formula are made to stimulate the growth of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These are the main bacteria found in the intestinal tract of breastfed babies.

Baby formula that contains probiotics promotes a healthy gut for your baby. They work to feed good bacteria in the digestive system, so your baby experiences easy bowel movements and softer stools.

Since about 70% of the immune system relies on the digestive tract, probiotics are a great ingredient that strengthens immune health too. 

B Vitamins

B Vitamins are B6, B12, Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, and Folic Acid.

Infants need vitamin B to support brain development and the production of healthy red blood cells. If an infant has a vitamin B deficiency, they are at risk of permanent brain damage.

Vitamin B nutrients help metabolize protein, carbohydrates, and fat. They convert it to the energy that creates new blood cells and maintains healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other bodily tissues.

Vitamin C

No matter our age, we all need vitamin C to keep viruses and infections at bay.

Vitamin C helps babies form and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues. It is even important to keep your baby’s gums healthy.

It also strengthens your child’s blood vessels. This reduces the chances of bruising in cases when children occasionally miss their balance and fall. In addition, vitamin C helps heal wounds and cuts faster, and boosts the overall immune system.

Calcium

Calcium is a necessary nutrient for bone strength and development. With strong bones, your baby can develop motor skills faster. Along with vitamin D, it is essential to prevent your child from getting rickets.

The baby’s first year is the most critical time of their lives as it is the period where major bodily functions are developed. Giving your baby the best baby formula with the right ingredients is crucial for their healthy and rapid growth. So make sure to check the label, mommies and daddi