From the moment of birth, parents want to provide their baby with all the best. The issue of milk that will meet all the needs of the child and will promote its timely development and health improvement is one of the most challenging. As food parents feed the baby becomes fuel for the brain, body and all body systems, it should be as full as possible with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutritious ingredients.
According to pediatricians, breast milk is the best option for the baby, as the mother’s body fully provides it with the full range of elements it needs, while transmitting antibodies that strengthen the baby’s immune system. If breastfeeding is not possible, families need to choose the best baby formula that will be ideal for all the individual characteristics of the little one. Many parents are wondering whether baby formula can be replaced with regular cow’s or goat’s milk, as it is more convenient and cheaper. Let’s take a closer look at this question.
What is the difference between infant formula and whole milk?
Their first difference is digestibility. It’s no secret that the child’s body is as gentle and sensitive to various ingredients, especially in the first months of life. Many foods are simply not suitable for a child due to their difficult digestibility. The same applies to cow’s milk, which is difficult for babies to take and can stress the organism.
Moreover, it is important to understand that the composition of infant formula and all milk is significantly different, so they have different effects on the health. Cow’s milk contains a high content of protein and minerals, which in turn can be burdensome for underdeveloped kidneys and cause fever, diarrhea and general malaise. In addition, cow’s milk will not meet all the needs of the baby because it does not contain enough iron, vitamin C and other minerals as well as the healthiest type of fat needed by a growing child.
Whole milk can seriously irritate the sensitive stomach, therefore, pure cow’s or goat’s milk is definitely not a good food option for a baby in the first months of life. You may want to consider using cow’s milk as you begin to introduce your child to solid foods. Dairy products will be a good addition to baby formula. These include cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, and more. Just pay attention to their gradual inclusion to baby’s diet so that the body gets used to the new food and does not feel discomfort.
Unlike whole milk, baby formulas are a great alternative to breast milk. Manufacturers do their best to make it as delicate, nutritious and filling as possible. You can use baby formulas from birth and be sure of their benefits for your baby, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, proteins, fats and carbohydrates and other nutrients.
Moreover, there is a great variety of baby formulas, which have their own characteristics and overcome a variety of health problems. There are many excellent high-quality organic formulas, such as Kendamil formula, HiPP formula, Holle formula and many others that have been tested by time and satisfied families. Therefore, choose baby formulas carefully and your child will grow up healthy and develop in time.