How to Choose the Right Infant Formula for Your Baby?

All infant formulas, regardless of brand or type, must meet specific nutritional standards to ensure they provide the necessary nutrients for infants. These standards dictate the minimum amounts of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that must be included in each formula. These nutrients are essential for the growth and development of infants, and formula manufacturers must adhere to these standards to ensure that their products are safe and effective for use.

Let's examine the critical components of baby formula. These include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which create a foundation for a healthy beginning.

The building blocks for growth-protein support skin, hair, nails, and all the organs to ensure healthy development. 

The primary protein sources in all baby formulas are animal milk, milk protein isolate, whey, casein, plant protein ( soy, pea, rice, etc.), and amino acids.

Visual and cognitive development count on a ratio of fats that mimic breast milk. 

You may find the fats listed as vegetable oil, palm oil, coconut oil, canola oil, or rape seed oil. Other vegetable oils may also be listed on their own or in combination. 

Selecting the perfect formula for your baby requires carefully assessing their nutritional requirements. Examining calorie content and selecting components that align with your family's desire for infant nutrition.

Babies require substantial calories to support their physical growth and healthy brain development. The number of calories a baby needs varies based on age and whether or not they have started consuming solid foods. It's important to note that developmental stages differ among babies, meaning each baby's caloric needs may vary.

On average, babies require approximately 90-120 calories per kg of body weight from birth to twelve months of age. The baby formula typically contains 19 to 20 calories per ounce. So, depending on the baby's weight and age, parents can calculate the appropriate formula for their little ones.

It's essential to ensure babies get enough calories for their growth and development. Young babies must consume enough calories to maintain their energy levels and support their physical and cognitive development. Therefore, parents should consult with their pediatrician to determine the best feeding strategies for their babies.

Many micronutrients are influenced by the ratio found in breast milk; this includes vitamins and minerals to support normal infant growth.

Baby formulas contain vitamins A, D, K, C, choline, calcium, iron, and more to prevent deficiencies and give your little ones the best beginning. 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are long-chain fatty acids in breast milk. 

 DHA and ARA are linked with normal brain and vision development in babies.

Probiotics are healthy to live bacteria, and prebiotics are what probiotics feed on. Together and separately, this pair is generally great for gut health and ensuring proper digestion. 

Beyond powdered, concentrated, and liquid, many different types of baby formula are available today. 

Cow’s milk-based baby formula accounts for 80% of all infant formulas on the market. Like breastmilk, cow’s milk infant formula contains lactose, a milk sugar. 

For sensitive babies, a gentle cow’s milk-based infant formula typically has lower levels of lactose.

Parents may choose to use goat milk formula for their baby for various reasons, from personal preference to health concerns. 

Compared to standard cow, soy, or other plant-based milk, goat milk has more protein per serving. The A2 protein in goat milk is also more digestible, meaning your body can use it more easily. 

Goat milk baby formula is digested easier and soothes gut flora, causing less chance of lactose allergies occurring. 

Whether your family chooses a diet free of animal products or your little one has a cow’s milk allergy vs. cow’s milk intolerance, a vegan formula that is nutritionally well-balanced and promotes future health can be the perfect option. 

Free of animal-derived ingredients, 100% vegan formulas can be used from birth through the toddler years and contain the same nutritional value as traditional baby formulas. 

Often referred to as “predigested, “ infant formula is often used for digestive worries associated with lactose.

Cow’s milk baby formula has large and intact proteins, but some babies have problems digesting them. 

When that happens, babies need an infant formula with smaller proteins. By extensively hydrolyzing or “breaking down,” the Hydrolyzed Baby Formula proteins became smaller and easy-to-digest proteins.

Sensitive and gentle infant formulas usually have partially hydrolyzed proteins that help gassiness, colic, and food allergy skin worries such as eczema.

A thickened baby formula may be recommended for little ones with acid reflux, GERD, or if your little one is spitting up more than five times a day. 

An Anti-Reflux Formula made with organic ingredients will soothe digestive worries and help with other digestive issues. 

Easily found over-the-counter soy formula. Unfortunately, this plant-based option can cause more harm than help.

Soy baby formula contains high amounts of genistein and phytoestrogens, both potent human endocrine disruptors, binding efficiently to the estrogen receptors in both females and males.

Generally, soy formula is not recommended. Infants with cow’s milk sensitivities or allergies may also have the same reactions to soy, in which case, hypoallergenic formulas are often a better alternative.

Choosing a formula designed to nourish your infant well with the best ingredients is essential. 

Each component must be designed and sourced in a specific way to give your baby all the clean energy it needs now for cognitive growth and physical development and to support health in future years. 

Manufacturers of organic European baby formulas follow holistic and eco-friendly farming methods. From soil to production, European organic farming practices consider animal health, husbandry, and the economic and long-term social aspects of farming.

In total contradiction are American organic practices that leave room for toxic ingredients, health-impairing non-lactose sugars, and heavy metals.

European baby formula is designed with each element and component in mind. Unfortunately, US standards are not the same, and their composition may include harmful ingredients that may be harmful to your baby today and in the future. 

Clean, pure ingredients that are as close as possible to nature are the best formula for all little ones. Combine that with content sourced in the most ecological and animal-friendly manner.

Starting from conception, all European baby formula ingredients that are farmed, sourced, and manufactured are strictly regulated to ensure that no harmful substances remain in your baby's bottle.

When choosing the right infant formula for your baby, the priority is to select a formula that eliminates pesticide residue, toxic processing agents, chemicals, and GMO ingredients.

European organic baby formulas go out of their way to avoid unhealthy and potentially harmful ingredients such as carrageenan, as well as highly processed sweeteners like corn syrup, glucose syrup, and other non-lactose sugars.

On the opposite end-American baby formulas allow these for quick energy sugars, fillers, and cheap additives. 

It is easy to see that European baby formulas are a better choice. 

Starting the first day, you give your baby a bottle through the toddler years. My Organic Company is here for your family. 

Our European baby formulas make choosing the right formula for your infant easier. Meeting every digestive and nutritional need is our goal. 

Please reach out to our European Baby Formula experts to help narrow down the best formula for your infant.