- A brief introduction to infant milk
- When to use infant milk
- The organic alternative: infant formulas from other animals
- Mixed breastfeeding and weaning: how to proceed?
In the first few months after birth, your baby needs nothing but you: your love, your arms to protect and cuddle him, and your milk to feed him. Health professionals are unanimous: breast milk is the only complete and indispensable food for the healthy growth of babies between 0 and 6 months.
Nevertheless, when breastfeeding is impossible, or when the mother chooses not to breastfeed, infant milk is a suitable alternative. It contains all the nutrients needed for a child's good health and growth.
Powdered or liquid, formulated from cow's or goat's milk, 1st age or growing-up milks, hypoallergenic... the range of infant milks is vast. So wide, in fact, that choosing the best infant formula for your baby from among all the possibilities can seem complicated. That's why Élhée shares with you her little secrets for a happy, satiated baby.
A brief introduction to infant milk
Classic infant milk is made from cow's or goat's milk. It comes in dehydrated form, to be mixed with a suitable mineral water, or in ready-to-use liquid form.
Cow's milk-based infant milk, for example, is enriched with vitamins K and D, as well as iron and essential fatty acids. Its protein and mineral content is adjusted.
What's more, its manufacture complies with regulations regulations, particularly with regard to composition.
When to use infant milk
Breastfeeding is the simplest way to provide 100% coverage of a child's nutritional needs for up to 6 months, but bottle-feeding has become increasingly popular. In fact, it offers a number of advantages, and thanks to the variety of infant formulas on offer, babies can be offered a tailor-made diet.
When breast-feeding is impossible :
- Because of contraindicated medication.
- Due to illnesses such as severe anemia or type 1 diabetes, or when the mother has hypoplasia (underdeveloped 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 family and friends can also feed baby and enjoy this moment of discovery and intimacy.
- For greater freedom of movement for mom.
Choosing the right infant formula for your baby's age
Infant formulas can be divided into three main groups according to the age of the baby and its nutritional needs:
- 0 - 6 months: 1st age milk,
- 6 - 12 months: 2nd age milk,
- from 12 months: 3rd age milk or growing-up milk.
Allergy, reflux and indigestion: a story of composition
In most cases, the age indication is sufficient to choose an infant milk. However, in some cases, a specific milk may be recommended by the pediatrician or family doctor. This is the case when digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea), gastric reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a food allergy to cow's milk proteins are diagnosed.
Baby milk brands therefore offer formulas adapted to the needs of each child: hypoallergenic, lactose-free...
The organic alternative: infant formula from other animals
For some years now, babies have also been benefiting from alternative infant formulas largely formulated from goat's milk. This type of baby formula is recognized for a number of benefits:
- a more easily digestible composition thanks to a lower proportion of lactoglobulin and casein (milk proteins),
- a milk more suited to lactose-intolerant babies,
- a different taste, sometimes more appreciated.
Junéo, for example, offers a whole range of organic infant milks with goat's milk, suitable for babies from birth: Junéo chèvre 1er âge, 2 ᵉ, and croissance.
It is also possible to find infant formulas based on ewe's milk and, more rarely, mare's milk.
Mixed breastfeeding and weaning: how to proceed?
From birth, at the time of feeding diversification or later, you can choose mixed breastfeeding for your child. But there's a subtle balance to be struck between bottle-feeding and breast-feeding, which you'll find easier to achieve if youlisten carefully to your feelings.
What does mixed breastfeeding mean?
Mixed feeding is when a baby is breastfed with breast milk and bottle-fed with infant milk. The aim of mixed breastfeeding is to gradually wean the baby to a more independent diet.
The transition to bottle-feeding and infant milk
There's no better rhythm for mixed breastfeeding than your own. The one you find the most natural, the least restrictive and the most pleasant for you and your baby.
A problem often encountered by young mothers is breast-nipple confusion. To avoid this as much as possible, the choice of a physiological teat is essential. Shaped like a nipple and adapted to the palate, it enables breast-fed and bottle-fed babies to suck equally easily in either direction.
Choosing the right bottle
When it comes to breastfeeding and infant feeding, it's all about feeling and pleasing the senses. Baby's nose, mouth, lips, tongue and hands are soft, sensitive areas. It's important not only to preserve them, but also to stimulate them.
To accompany the transition to mixed breastfeeding, a sensory bottle can be an invaluable aid. Shape, texture, color... today, buying one can combine innovation, efficiency and love at first sight. Every aspect counts. And if, what's more, you fall for a bottle made in France from healthy materials and your baby adopts it straight away, you'll know you've found it.
