Undoubtedly, breastfeeding is most useful for crumbs. However, sometimes a woman can not feed a baby with a breast for some reason, so you have to switch to a milk formula. But mixtures for newborns are very different, so many mothers are lost in choice. Some prefer mixtures of national producers, and some prefer imported analogues. In more rare cases, parents feed cow to cow milk. But pediatricians and nutritionists argue that cow milk is absolutely contraindicated to babies, as it does not correspond to the physiological needs of an infant.
Due to the wide choice of children's formulas, parents can choose the most suitable for their baby. Children's mixtures are divided into several criteria:
- artificial infant formulas for baby food of modern and past generations;
- artificial infant formulas for children who do not have any health problems;
- artificial infant formulas for children who have health problems;
- dry milk mixtures, which are intended for the artificial feeding of breastfed babies;
- ready-made liquid mixtures, which are intended for the artificial feeding of breastfed babies.
Modern milk mixtures can be told a lot, so it is about them and will talk in this article. Despite the fact that most of the milk mixtures for babies are made on the basis of cow's milk, they do not have a negative effect on the body crumbs, in contrast to pure cow's milk. During the industrial processing of cow's milk for the production of such mixtures in milk, the amount of substances that have a negative effect on the baby's body is reduced. At the same time, the content of useful substances increases.
Many children's mixtures are additionally enriched with various microelements and vitamins. For example, if a baby suffers from iron deficiency anemia, then the mother needs to choose milk mixtures in which the iron content is increased. If the lack of calcium in the body, you need to buy a mixture with a high content of a missing element. Before buying, carefully read all the information on the package. Also, you must first consult a pediatrician.
Kinds of infant formulas
Ksmesyam of the last generation include a mixture of "Baby" and "Baby". Such mixtures are not bad, because they are tested not by one generation. However, if you have the opportunity to purchase a mixture of a new generation, it is better to give them the same name. Many manufacturers produce different mixtures. Well-recommended company "Nestle", which produces a mixture of nann. Such a mixture refers to the premium class. The mixture "Nestozhen" is much cheaper, but it's no worse than Nestlé.
In any case, what kind of a mixture you would not prefer, remember that the cheapest milk formula for a baby is much better than cow's milk.
How to choose a dairy mix?
In the election, pay attention to the following criteria
- On what age is the mixture for the baby. After all, in each age category, there are some differences in composition. Such differences are focused on the needs of a particular age group.
- What is the shelf life of the mixture. Always check this criterion. If you buy a liquid mixture, then pay attention to the conditions under which it was stored.
- Read carefully all the information on the package: the composition, addition of the mixture, the characteristics of the mixture and so on.
Virtually all mixtures have the same fatty acid and vitamin-mineral composition, as well as the level of protein content. But fats, oils and protein can significantly differ. It is not possible to say which one is worse or better. After all, what is suitable for one baby, the other may not be suitable.
Very often in order to pick up the perfect mixture for crumbs, parents have to try a lot of such products. Therefore, it is best to buy the mixture in small packages, in order to begin to observe how the organism reacts to the macrocosms. There are some signs on which it can be determined that the mixture has failed:
- if the baby has any skin rashes that did not exist before;
- if the baby has intestinal colic and increased gas formation;
- if a child has a broken stool - there is diarrhea or constipation.
How to regulate the mixture in the diet of the baby?
If you decide to introduce a new kind of milk formula into the ration of your crumb, then do it gradually, in small portions and for several weeks. Only after you make sure that the baby has no signs of intolerance to the new mixture, it can be completely transferred to it. In order not to encounter any problems during the feeding of crumbs with an artificial mixture, it is recommended to observe a number of some simple rules:
- Preparing an artificial mixture is only necessary before feeding the crumbs. In no case, do not prepare the mixture in advance, as this can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. If you need to feed the baby on the road, then take your warm boiled water with you and prepare the mixture when you need it.
- Always use clean dishes and water to prepare the mixture.
- Always observe the proportions when you dilute the mixture. Thanks to this you will be able to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding, and therefore, problems with the weight of crumbs.
- Almost all paediatricians recommend the use of special water for the preparation of dairy mixtures. In such water there are no harmful substances that can affect the health of the baby.
- Before you give the mixture a crumb, check its temperature. The optimum temperature for baby food is 36.6 degrees.
- Make sure that the baby is eating peacefully, without hurrying and not swallowing the air. Always keep an eye on the state of the nipple - if it deteriorates, then replace it.
- If the baby does not eat the mixture, it should be thrown away. In no case it is impossible to give it a second time.
Feeding regime
The feeding regimes of babies who are on breastfeeding and on artificial feeding are very different. Babies who eat mom's milk, should receive breast on demand. With children who are artisanal feeding, things are different. They need to be fed a built-up schedule, which is compiled individually for each child by a pediatrician. On average, six to seven feedings per day are obtained. The interval between meals is three hours, and at night there is a six-hour break. You can not change the feeding schedule on your own. If the baby is undernourished or refuses the portion, you can simply skip feeding. Overabundance can lead to various problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Inaddition, it should be noted that parents should remember that a child who feeds on artificial mixtures should receive an additional amount of liquid. It can be special children's teas for baby food or ordinary children's drinking water in bottles. Do not limit the consumption of liquid, especially during a hot period. The kid should drink as much as he wants.