Breastfeeding is the best for your baby and has many benefits. It is important that you stick to a healthy and balanced diet as you prepare for and during breastfeeding.
However, if you decide to stop breastfeeding or choose mixed feeding, study the market for these products and the composition of the formula carefully. Before introducing formula into your baby's diet, we advise you to consider the social and financial consequences of such a decision. To ensure your baby's healthy development, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package when preparing, using and storing baby food.
How To Choose Baby Formula
In order to choose the best food for your baby, we recommend that you always consult your doctor or other professional pediatrician.
Baby doctors in the U.S. usually recommend the use of domestic brands of formula manufacturers. But more and more young mothers are choosing European organic formula and are completely satisfied with it. They write positive reviews about them on the Internet, and recommend them to their friends.
Difference Between USA's And European Formulas
Why is it so? Let's look into it. There are significant differences between American and European brands of baby formula. In Europe, standards for infant formula are more stringent than in the U.S.
The main point is that EU standards prohibit the inclusion of sucrose (sugar) in infant formulas. The only exceptions are infant formulae for premature infants. All European formulas must contain at least 30% of calories from lactose, which is not the norm for American formulas.
Many European formulas are certified by Demeter (deep commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and ecosystem conservation) and Bioland (organic-biological farming). Data from these certifications attest to the high standards of product organics.
In the United States, most infant formulas are not divided into stages, which means that they do not meet the specific nutrient requirements of a given period of child development. Organic formulas from Europe, on the other hand, are usually sold in stages. And each stage has its own formula composition according to the needs of the baby's body. After all, even mother's milk changes its composition as the baby grows in order to provide her with the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
HIPP and HOLLE formulas are among the leading brands of organic European formulas. Usually they cannot reproduce all the components of breast milk (antibodies, hormones), but they contain the ingredients as close as possible:
- Organic cow's or goat's milk;
- Organic vegetable oils;
- Organic lactose;
- Organic whey;
- Prebiotics;
- Probiotics;
- Natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids;
- Vitamins and minerals.
Although these manufacturers use only selected ingredients in production, the way to the highest quality is through a multi-stage control system. The contents of each jar pass through a quality control system, including up to 260 checks from soil testing, raw material analysis and testing of the finished product.
All organic European formulas have the organic seal of the European Union. So, this ensures that they are made without synthetic or chemical sprays, genetic engineering, artificial flavors, flavor enhancers, dyes and preservatives.
The Choice is Always Up to You
As for the financial side of this issue, European mixes are no more expensive than formula from the United States. And sometimes even cheaper. If you have chosen a formula from Europe, and it is perfect for you, you can order it in online stores in bulk by cooperating with another young mother. It will be even cheaper.
Usually there is no ideal formula, which was suitable for all children in the world. But try to choose a worthy formula that can set your baby up for a better start in life. After all, only you-parent can provide your baby as good as possible. Namely, to keep it satiated, happy and healthy.
