- Small presentation of infant milk
- When to use infant formula
- The organic alternative, infant formulas from other animals
- Mixed breastfeeding and weaning, how to proceed?
During the first months after birth, your baby only needs you; of your love, of your arms to protect him, to cuddle him and of your milk to feed him. Health professionals are unanimous, breast milk is the only complete food essential for the good growth of babies between 0 and 6 months.
However, when breastfeeding is impossible or when the mother chooses not to breastfeed, infant milk is a suitable alternative . It contains all the nutrients necessary for the good health and growth of a child.
In powder or liquid form, formulated with cow's or goat's milk, first-age milks or growing-up milks, hypoallergenic... the range of infant milks is vast. So extensive that, among all the possibilities, choosing the best infant milk for your baby can seem complicated. This is why Élhée is sharing with you today her little secrets for a happy and satisfied baby .
Small presentation of infant milk
Classic infant milk is prepared from cow's or goat's milk . It comes in dehydrated form to mix with suitable mineral water, or in liquid form ready for use.
Modified to achieve sufficient nutritional values compatible with exclusive infant feeding, infant milk based on cow's milk is, for example, enriched with vitamins K and D, but also with iron and essential fatty acids. Its protein and mineral salt content is adjusted.
Furthermore, its manufacturing meets strict and demanding regulations , particularly in terms of composition.
When to use infant milk?
Breastfeeding is the simplest way to cover 100% of the nutritional needs of a child up to 6 months, but the use of the bottle has become widely democratized. It even has several advantages, and allows, thanks to the variety of infant milks offered, to offer babies a tailor-made diet .
When breastfeeding is impossible:
- Due to contraindicated drug treatment .
- Due to an illness such as severe anemia or type 1 diabetes or when the mother suffers from hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the mammary glands).
- Following breast surgery and more specifically, a certain type of breast reduction.
- Due to certain rare congenital diseases of the baby.
By choice for the bottle:
- Because it’s easier to get back to work.
- So that loved ones can also feed baby and enjoy this moment of discovery and intimacy.
- For greater freedom of movement for the mother.
Choosing the right infant milk for babies based on their age
Infant milks are divided into three large groups classified according to the age of babies and their nutritional needs:
- 0 – 6 months: 1st age milk,
- 6 – 12 months: 2nd age milk,
- from 12 months: 3rd age milk or growth milk.
Allergy, reflux and indigestion: a history of composition
In the majority of cases, the indication of age is sufficient to choose an infant milk. However, sometimes a specific milk is recommended by the pediatrician or family doctor . This is the case when digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea), gastric reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even a food allergy to cow's milk proteins are diagnosed.
Baby milk brands therefore offer preparations adapted to the needs of each child: hypoallergenic, lactose-free, etc.
The organic alternative: infant formulas from other animals
In recent years, babies have also benefited from alternative infant milks largely formulated from goat's milk . This type of baby formula is recognized for different benefits:
- a more digestible composition thanks to a lower proportion of lactoglobulin and casein (milk proteins),
- a milk more suitable for babies with lactose intolerance ,
- a different taste sometimes more appreciated.
Junéo, for example, offers a whole range of organic infant milks made from goat's milk, suitable for babies from birth: Junéo goat 1st age, 2nd, and growth.
It is also possible to find infant formula based on sheep's milk and, more rarely, mare's milk.
Mixed breastfeeding and weaning: how to proceed?
From birth, at the time of dietary diversification or later, you can choose mixed breastfeeding for your child. However, between feedings and bottles, a subtle balance must be found, which you will achieve more easily by focusing on attentively listening to your feelings .
What does mixed breastfeeding mean?
We speak of mixed breastfeeding when a baby is fed both from the breast with breast milk, and from the bottle with formula milk. The aim of mixed breastfeeding is, little by little, to wean the baby and help him towards more independent eating.
The transition to bottle and infant milk
To establish mixed breastfeeding, there is no better rhythm than yours . The one that you will find the most natural, the least restrictive and the most pleasant for you and for your baby.
A problem often encountered by young mothers is that of breast-pacifier confusion . To avoid it as much as possible, choosing a physiological pacifier with the appropriate flow rate is essential. With its shape close to that of the nipple and adapted to the palate , it allows the breast-fed and bottle-fed baby to suckle equally easily in one way or the other.
Choosing the right bottle
When it comes to breastfeeding and infant feeding, everything is a question of feeling and pleasure of the senses . The baby's nose, mouth, lips, tongue and hands are soft and sensitive areas. It is important to preserve them, but also to stimulate them.
To support the transition to mixed breastfeeding, a sensory bottle can be a valuable aid. Shape, texture, color... today its purchase can combine innovation, efficiency and love . Every aspect counts. And if, in addition, you fall for a baby bottle designed in France from healthy materials and it is immediately adopted by your baby, you will know that you have found it.
