Modern approaches to adapting milk formulas for artificial feeding of healthy children in the first year of life

All manufacturers of baby food for newborns strive to develop a product that is as close in composition as possible to breast milk. After all, it is the best food for babies.

For this purpose, large companies create laboratories where they study the composition of breast milk and create components for adapted formulas.

Adapted milk formulas are produced without palm oil, starch and glucose and contain only breast milk components. Nutrition for a later period - from 6 months or from a year is called partially adapted and may contain these components in its composition.

What is the composition of adapted mixtures?

In addition to special protein, the composition necessarily includes components of breast milk, which help a bottle-fed baby to fully develop. Here are the main ones:

  • Microelements – iodine, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. They help improve metabolism, build bones and other tissues of the body.
  • Nucleotides – form the baby’s strong immunity and digestive system.
  • PUFAs or polyunsaturated fatty acids are extremely important for the development of mental activity, nerve cells and vision.
  • Oligosaccharides are the newest component that scientists learned to synthesize and add to baby food as recently as 2018. Therefore, it is included in the products of only the largest manufacturers. And these products are more expensive than others. But this is a very important component - carbohydrates, which are involved in the development of the child’s immunity.
  • Taurine is an amino acid that is very important for infants and premature babies. It affects the development of the baby’s nervous system.

Products for infants may also contain other components, for example, pre- and probiotics, other minerals, vitamins and amino acids.

How can a mother choose a formula based on its composition?

Remember that a doctor must prescribe a medicinal formula for a child.
When choosing your own formula for healthy children, be guided by the composition of baby food and the manufacturer you trust. Infant formulas must include ( in addition to proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamin-mineral complex and taurine) important functional components :

  • Omega-3 and Omega-6
  • Lutein
  • Prebiotics (GOS)
  • Nucleotides
  • Probiotics
  • Milk fat
  • Free from palm and rapeseed oil

Types of adapted mixtures

This category includes: adapted, partially adapted or special mixtures.

Highly adapted or adapted mixtures

Essentially it's the same thing. This is food for babies from 0 months to six months, which is as close as possible to mother's milk.

All MATERNA products from 0 to 6 months are classified as adapted. And the Materna Gold line is highly adapted due to the presence of oligosaccharides. There is no product closer to breast milk than Materna Gold HM-O.

Partially adapted mixtures

From the age of six months, the child’s body’s needs for nutrients change. At this time, complementary foods begin to be introduced, and baby food becomes more varied in composition. Manufacturers still strive to make the product similar to breast milk, but add casein instead of whey protein, because the baby’s body is ready to absorb it. Sometimes palm oil, starch or glucose appear at this stage.

By age, these are stages 2 and 3 - for babies after 6 months and from 1 year.

Special blends

Dairy products are not suitable for children with lactose intolerance. It happens that an undesirable reaction occurs to other components. In this case, the pediatrician should recommend special nutrition.

Special formulas for infants are also classified as adapted, because manufacturers strive to bring their composition closer to breast milk. However, they also solve narrow problems, for example:

  • Antireflux
    - help reduce the frequency and volume of regurgitation;
  • Soy
    - suitable for children with lactase deficiency or allergies to casein. Provided you are not allergic to soy;
  • Formulas for premature
    babies and underweight babies are more nutritious and help them gain weight faster;
  • Low-lactose
    - for children with temporary lactose intolerance. They also help relieve colic;
  • Hypoallergenic
    - based on hydrolyzed, that is, partially split protein. They are intended for children with allergies for whom nothing else is suitable. These mixtures taste bitter and children are reluctant to eat them. But in rare cases, this is the only possible option.
  • Fermented milk
    - prescribed for children who find it difficult to digest regular milk. The proteins in them are in a curdled state, which makes them easier to digest.

What does adapted milk formula mean?

Baby food is called adapted because it is adapted for feeding babies from birth, which means it is as close as possible in composition and consistency to human milk.

For example, such products for newborns contain whey protein, which is found in mother’s milk and is more easily absorbed by the baby’s body than casein, the protein in cow’s milk.

How to choose?

Ask your pediatrician to recommend appropriate foods for your baby. He will do this taking into account the health and absorption of your child's food.

The pediatrician may recommend 2 or 3 brands that are suitable for age and composition, from which parents will have to choose according to their affordability and availability.

It is very important that baby food can be easily purchased or ordered for delivery. And also so that you can afford it. After all, if the mixture is suitable, then there is no need to change it - this is a lot of stress for the baby’s body.

You will also have to choose a format - most products for babies are produced in the form of powdered milk formula, which is diluted with water. But there is also ready-made food that just needs to be heated.

MATERNA baby adapted formulas are now in Moscow!

MATERNA baby food is produced in Israel under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and the Chief Rabbinate of the country. Dairy and dairy-free mixtures, porridges and purees can be purchased in the Materna Shop online store with delivery from a warehouse in Moscow

Mixtures are always available. And the brand’s consultants and pediatrician will help you choose the right nutrition.

For all new customers, free delivery of the first order in Moscow or a 50% discount on delivery to the regions using the code word “Babyblog”.

How to understand that the mixture is not suitable

If the food is not suitable for your child, you will immediately understand - something will be wrong. Frequent regurgitation, constant colic, constipation, stools of unusual color and consistency - all these may be indicators that you should think about changing your diet. The child may not gain weight well, refuse a bottle, or sleep poorly.

In any case, these are all reasons to consult a doctor. After all, the matter may be not only in nutrition, but also in some kind of infection.

Choose the right food and let your children be healthy!

Ten best baby formulas

Similac (Abbott) Gold

In the line of baby food produced by this company, this product is the latest development. It is characterized by an innovative composition, which is now even closer to natural breast milk. An original ingredient has been added here - an oligosaccharide, which had previously been found only in human milk. You won't find similar products on the market today. With the help of this component, beneficial bacteria begin to actively develop in the child’s intestines. Due to the fact that up to 70% of the cells of the immune system are located in this organ, when using such milk it is possible to strengthen and significantly support the natural defenses of a developing and growing organism. The substance reduces colic in the baby’s tummy and makes him calmer.

Literally after a week the child begins to cry much less, and after a month the immune system becomes twice as strong and better resists various infections. The product also contains bifidobacteria B.lactis - this is a very effective and thoroughly researched probiotic. It promotes the development of the baby's natural intestinal microflora and also maintains the digestive system in perfect order. There are FOS prebiotics, which provide food for the beneficial intestinal microflora and promote gentle bowel movements. There is no palm oil in the composition, so the likelihood of constipation is minimal, and calcium will be absorbed very well.

More: TOP 5 best cereals for first feeding

Advantages:

  • Instantly dissolves in water without forming lumps;
  • Prevents colic and constipation;
  • No palm oil;
  • There are all the necessary beneficial substances, and many of them are not found in other mixtures.

Flaws:

  • A little expensive;
  • Not found in all stores.

Similac (Abbott) Gold

Friso VOM

A special anti-reflux mixture, the main purpose of which is to eliminate various negative consequences of feeding a child, for example, colic or regurgitation. The composition contains a special thickener that is absolutely harmless to the health of the child. Its function is as follows: when it enters the baby’s stomach, it prevents the mixture from coming back out, as happens when regurgitating. Here, carob gum acts as an anti-reflux substance - a special component that also has a positive effect on the functioning of children’s intestines and prevents constipation. It contains skimmed milk powder and whey. Lactose serves as a source of carbohydrates here. Galacto-oligosaccharides function as a prebiotic - they help to establish proper intestinal function.

Another useful substance is polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3, -6. Such connections are useful to ensure that the child’s vision develops well and in accordance with age. Nucleotides are essential for the development of brain connections and the digestive tract. Maltodextrin is used to further thicken the mixture. It does not harm the baby’s esophagus and stomach, and decomposes into glucose in the intestines. Contains a whole complex of vegetable oils - sunflower, palm, rapeseed and special single-cell oils. All of them are aimed at creating elasticity of the skin.

Advantages:

  • Provides a restful sleep for the baby after evening feeding;
  • Stabilizes the stool;
  • Improves the functioning of all body systems of the baby;
  • Prevents regurgitation;
  • The complex of nutrients is perfectly balanced.

Flaws:

  • Quite expensive;
  • Very thick - does not pass through the nipple well;
  • It needs to be diluted with fairly hot water - its temperature should not be lower than 50 degrees, it is also difficult to stir.

Friso VOM

Valio Baby

Another dry adapted product, and it has appropriate markings, depending on which mixture is intended for children of a certain age. It is optimal for babies, largely due to its perfectly balanced composition, and it is close to natural breast milk. It does not contain palm oil, but there is a complex of prebiotics GOS (galactooligosaccharides). These substances are found in large quantities in human milk; they promote the growth of intestinal microflora and restore digestion. In addition, such substances have a gentle effect on stool and contribute to the active development of the baby’s immune system. The complex of vitamins and minerals is ideally balanced to ensure that the body develops harmoniously and in strict accordance with the child’s age. These include iron, zinc, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, the latter two also being intended for proper skeletal development.

There is no palm oil here, so the baby will have little colic, regurgitation and constipation. There is natural milk fat, which is completely identical to the fat complex of mother's milk. Dietary cholesterol is also at the required level. There are no artificial flavors or colors, nor are there any preservatives or genetically modified products.

Advantages:

  • Ideally balanced composition;
  • The presence of a complex of vitamins and minerals;
  • Pleasant smell and taste - most babies eat this mixture with undisguised pleasure;
  • It dissolves perfectly in water without forming lumps or other inclusions.

Flaws:

  • Some babies may have an allergic reaction to this mixture.

Valio Baby

Semper Baby Nutradefense

The mixture contains an original combination of MFGM & Milk fat components, which includes membranes of milk fat globules and a certain percentage of natural milk fat. All these compounds are found in breast milk and are very important for the proper formation and development of the child. Clinical studies have shown that the use of infant formula with a similar complex reduces the likelihood of infectious diseases and increases the cognitive development of babies compared to children who were fed formulas without such components. The packaging is sealed tightly, preventing water vapor from the air from entering the mixture. Directly on the jar there are detailed instructions on the preparation and use of the mixture, as well as on the amount of volume depending on the age of the baby.

The mixture dissolves perfectly even in cold water, and disperses very well: no lumps form either at the bottom or on the surface, although the manufacturer recommends diluting the product at a temperature of 40 degrees. Suitable for most babies, copes well with colic and constipation. Due to the presence of all the necessary substances and minerals, the baby, when consuming this mixture, gains weight according to plan.

Advantages:

  • The original composition of the mixture with the addition of all the necessary nutrients;
  • In children, colic and regurgitation disappear, and allergic reactions do not occur;
  • Dilutes well even in cold water;
  • Kids eat these products with pleasure.

Flaws:

  • The measuring spoon that comes with the composition is often located at the very bottom of the jar;
  • Quite a high cost.

Semper Baby Nutradefense

Nutrilon Superpremium

This company has been producing baby food for more than 40 years, and the specialists have succeeded well in this matter. Researchers studied breast milk and tried to find out the optimal ratio of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. As a result, they have an optimal mixture that can be used as a main or additional food. In addition, the products are so similar to mother's milk that they are recommended for a smooth transition from breastfeeding to artificial feeding, if the need arises. The composition lays a solid foundation for the baby's health. The developers added a significant amount of DHA/ARA fatty acids, which contribute to the rapid development of the baby's intelligence. The mixture also contains milk lipids, which provide the entire necessary range of minerals, and this complex is perfectly balanced.

More: Top 10 best smartphones for children, how to choose a children's smartphone

All prebiotics contained in the composition are aimed at the active development of immunity. The mixture is produced in containers weighing 400 or 800 grams. The packaging is made of materials that allow you to hold it with one hand without fear of it slipping out of your palm. Preparing the mixture takes only a few seconds, and you can use ordinary boiled water at room temperature; there is no need to heat it. This allows you to quickly make food for your child, for example, at night, when there is not much time to cook, and the baby screams loudly and can wake up the household.

Advantages:

  • The composition contains biologically active components that ensure the growth and development of the child;
  • The composition is aimed at preventing most pathological processes;
  • The product has the same ratio of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and lactose as in breast milk;
  • There is an improvement in the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract of the baby;
  • Produced on the basis of original European technology;
  • Found in almost every major grocery store;
  • Reasonable price.

Flaws:

  • There is a small amount of coconut and palm oil;
  • Some parents feel that the product does not taste very pleasant.

Nutrilon Superpremium

Nestogen

A carefully balanced diet ensures the normalization of the child’s digestive system, and, consequently, the proper development of the child’s entire body. The mixture is absolutely safe and is absorbed almost instantly. The prebiotics contained not only make the digestive process stable and relieve constipation, but also promote the beneficial development of intestinal microflora and prevent regurgitation. Depending on the digital labeling, the mixture can be given to children from birth until the age of two. It is produced in cardboard packages, but the mixture powder itself is in sealed foil packaging.

The composition contains all the micro- and macroelements that are necessary for a growing child's body. There are also fats and amino acids that can compensate for the lack of nutrients.

Advantages:

  • Almost instantly dissolves in water;
  • The composition is balanced, it is aimed at ensuring that absolutely all components of the mixture are fully absorbed by the baby’s body;
  • There are fatty acids aimed not only at increasing immunity, but also at improving brain function and developing vision;
  • Well adapted for children with any health condition;
  • Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, including ensuring the normalization of stool.

Flaws:

  • Parents often say that the formula is too sweet;
  • The foil bag does not have a snap flap;
  • Contains no probiotics.

Nestogen

Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1

Finally, we can present to you the products that open the top four of the best infant formulas. This composition is made using the highest quality whey protein. There are also polyunsaturated fatty acids that have a positive effect on the state of the child’s cardiovascular system and ensure the development of the brain and vision. In addition, the mixture contains a well-balanced complex of vitamins necessary for a child, which was developed by the company's researchers taking into account the age characteristics of the baby. It is well thought out and promotes the harmonious growth and development of the body.

The mixture also includes vitamin D and calcium, which, along with other beneficial substances, are well absorbed by the child’s intestines and act on bones and teeth, strengthening them. The iron and zinc contained are designed to prevent anemia. A complex of antioxidants and biologically important nutrients are designed to protect the baby from most adverse environmental factors.

Advantages:

  • The cost of the mixture is very reasonable - it is one of the cheapest among all those presented on the market today;
  • There is no palm oil or rapeseed oil in the composition - many parents have a negative attitude towards these substances;
  • Dissolves almost instantly;
  • Every baby eats this mixture with pleasure.

Flaws:

  • The packaging is not very convenient, including the measuring spoon.

Nutrilak (InfaPrim) 1

BIBIKOL Nanny Classic

Depending on the labeling, it is used from the moment of birth until the child reaches two years of age. The composition is a dry, fully adapted milk mixture, which is produced on the basis of goat milk, which is obtained from New Zealand farms. The natural conditions in this country make it possible to fully provide animals with fresh grass throughout the year. Product developers were able to fully preserve all the beneficial qualities of goat milk, largely thanks to the original production technology of their composition. It contains less alpha-S1-casein and beta-lactoglobulin when compared to standard baby formulas made from cow's milk. In addition, the composition contains natural milk fat and vegetable oils of the highest quality.

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Goat milk contains nucleotides, components of fat globule membranes (for example, phospholipids), and oligosaccharides in quantities sufficient for the child’s body. The optimal amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids has been added to the mixture, and there is a carefully balanced vitamin and mineral complex designed exclusively for children.

Advantages:

  • Goat's milk causes fewer allergic reactions compared to cow's milk;
  • Perfect for lactose intolerant children;
  • Quite a tasty product;
  • Easily digested in children's intestines;
  • Minimal likelihood of allergic reactions.

Flaws:

  • Slightly higher in cost compared to products made from cow's milk.

BIBIKOL Nanny Classic

NAN Optipro

In second place in the ranking were the products of a Swiss brand, which is preferred by many parents largely due to its good qualities and pleasant taste. The main distinguishing feature of this mixture compared to all other products that we considered as part of our review is the presence of beneficial bifidobacteria. Otherwise, this is also an adapted dry milk formula that can be fed to a child, starting from the very moment of birth. The composition is carefully balanced, so the manufacturer confidently guarantees that the baby will receive all the necessary nutritional compounds, vitamins and minerals that are required for his physical, psychological and mental development in the first months and years of life.

There is a unique Optipro complex that provides the baby with the required amount of protein, and bifidobacteria allow you to form and improve immunity. The mixture contains the right amount of trace elements, minerals and vitamins. Products are manufactured using the highest quality raw materials. You won't find any flavorings, genetically modified products, preservatives or dyes here. The mixture tastes very pleasant, you can find a variety of vegetable oils in it, as well as fish oil; instead of standard table salt, magnesium chloride is used. Dilute it with water of any temperature - preferably room temperature, so that you don’t have to heat it up later.

Advantages:

  • Excellent product quality;
  • Widely distributed in any grocery stores;
  • Does not cause colic or stool upset;
  • Convenient packaging;
  • Easily dissolves in water.

Flaws:

  • Except for the relatively high price was not found.

Nutrilon mixture✦preparing the mixture✦sterilizing the bottle

NAN Optipro

Kabrita GOLD

The leader of the rating was Kabrita® milk formula based on goat milk. Goat's milk formulas are a gentle, gentle alternative to cow's milk formulas. Kabrita® is an excellent option for supplementation in case of low breast milk supply. Due to the characteristics of its protein, goat milk is closer to breast milk than cow milk, which is extremely important during the stressful period of lack or absence of breast milk and the introduction of formulas. Goat's milk forms a softer casein clot in the baby's stomach, which is digested easier and faster than a cow's milk clot, softens and normalizes the baby's stool. Products in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The mixture contains modern functional ingredients that are perfectly absorbed and have a positive effect not only on digestion, but also on immunity, brain development and vision. Eating these mixtures increases the duration of sleep (due to better satiety) and reduces the intensity of crying (due to more comfortable digestion). Unique fat complex DigestX®

It is a complete fat complex rich in beta palmitate, the dominant fatty acid in breast milk. With its help, increased digestive comfort is ensured, the microbiota improves, and, therefore, the body's defenses increase.

Buy a good adapted powdered milk formula based on goat milk Kabrita GOLD from the manufacturer!

The mixtures are enriched with prebiotics FOS and GOS, live bacteria Bifidobacterium BB-12. They are intended to strengthen the baby’s immunity, making the body resistant not only to infectious or viral diseases, but also to other diseases. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, combined with iron and zinc, promote rapid brain and vision development. Natural oligosaccharides and nucleotides of goat milk enhance the anti-inflammatory characteristics of the composition. The mixture is enriched with the most valuable goat milk whey, rich in amino acids, which avoids the addition of their synthetic analogues. The taste is soft and creamy - kids eat this food with pleasure.

Advantages:

  • Based on healthy goat milk;
  • Modern composition, all useful functional ingredients;
  • Comfortable digestion;
  • Enrichment with the most valuable goat milk whey;
  • Gentle support for the baby's immunity, development and growth.

Flaws:

  • High price.

INFANT FORMULA KABRITA GOLD. WHICH MIXTURE IS BETTER

Kabrita GOLD

The best anti-colic mixture

Friso VOM 1

Rating 4.9

The best in the category was recognized as a dry milk formula that helps in the fight against constipation and colic. Designed for feeding children from birth to six months. Contains prebiotics and essential vitamins for the proper development of the baby. Made from fresh milk. The composition includes carob bean gum, which plays the role of natural dietary fiber, which makes the mixture thick, which reduces the risk of frequent regurgitation.

Advantages

  • antireflux;
  • without starch, sugar and preservatives;
  • easy to digest.

Flaws

  • relatively expensive - 400 g about 600 rub.

The best lactose-free formulas for children

NAN (Nestlé) Lactose-free

Rating 4.9

The first place in the category is lactose-free milk powder, specially designed for children with lactose intolerance. A special combination of components accelerates the recovery process after diarrhea. The product contains easily digestible carbohydrates, as well as L. Reuteri, which is a probiotic culture that has a beneficial effect on the body's digestive processes, promoting the proper development of intestinal microflora. Includes all necessary nucleotides.

Advantages

  • high efficiency;
  • reduces the risk of colic;
  • without sugar, starch and preservatives.

Flaws

  • used only after consultation with a pediatrician;
  • relatively expensive - 400 g about 670 rubles.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Lactose-free

Rating 4.8

The second line goes to dry milk formula based on calcium caseinate. The product effectively eliminates the symptoms of lactose deficiency, ensuring the absence of negative reactions from the gastrointestinal tract. Lactose in the mixture is replaced with easily digestible and assimilable glucose syrup. Quickly relieves symptoms by normalizing intestinal barrier functions, as well as improving digestion due to the content of nucleotides.

Advantages

  • without starch, sugar and preservatives;
  • includes all necessary microelements and vitamins;
  • effectiveness has been proven by clinical studies.

Flaws

  • relatively expensive - 400 g about 700 rubles.

The best fermented milk formulas for newborns

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 fermented milk

Rating 4.9

The first line in the category goes to an adapted milk formula that improves the baby’s digestion. The product was obtained by fermentation using a special strain of bacteria. The baby’s digestive system, which has not yet matured, can easily cope with digestion and absorb the mixture well. Natural enzymes in the composition will promote better digestion of lactose, which will reduce the risk of colic. The acidity level of the formula is as close as possible to breast milk.

Advantages

  • proven effectiveness in clinical studies;
  • includes bifidobacteria;
  • without sugar, starch and preservatives;
  • low cost - 400 g jar about 450 rubles.

Flaws

  • not found.

Nutrilak Premium fermented milk

Rating 4.8

In second place in the rating is an adapted fermented milk mixture, which has an improved fat composition and does not contain rapeseed and palm oil. Contains natural milk fats, bifidobacteria and important nutrients. Ensures the full development of children with a weak digestive system. Includes beta palmitate, which gives the body energy, as well as phospholipids, sphingomyelin, gangliosides, which form the brain membrane, developing the baby’s intelligence.

Advantages

  • probiotic complex for better digestion and absorption;
  • contains lutein to protect the retina from UV rays;
  • the mixture was developed jointly with leading specialists from the Scientific Center for Children's Health;
  • without starch, sugar and preservatives;
  • reasonable price - box 370 g about 350 rubles.

Flaws

  • not found.

NAN Fermented milk 1

Rating 4.7

The third position goes to a balanced powdered milk formula with all the necessary nutrients so that the baby develops harmoniously. The product helps normalize microflora and improve digestive processes, which protects the child from intestinal infections. Contains bifidobacteria BL and a complex of essential vitamins and microelements.

Advantages

  • easy to digest;
  • does not cause gas formation;
  • without sugar, starch and preservatives.

Flaws

  • relatively expensive - 400 g about 550 rubles.

Voting for the best formula for newborns

Which blend would you choose or recommend?

Friso VOM 1

6.45 % ( 2 )

Similac Premium

3.23 % ( 1 )

Hipp Combiotic

12.90 % ( 4 )

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Lactose-free

6.45 % ( 2 )

NAN (Nestlé) Lactose-free

0.00 % ( 0 )

Humana SL

0.00 % ( 0 )

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 fermented milk

0.00 % ( 0 )

Nutrilak Premium Fermented milk

3.23 % ( 1 )

NAN fermented milk 1

6.45 % ( 2 )

Similac (Abbott) NeoSure

0.00 % ( 0 )

Humana 0-VLB

3.23 % ( 1 )

Hipp Pre

3.23 % ( 1 )

Bellact PR

0.00 % ( 0 )

NAN (Nestlé) Pre

0.00 % ( 0 )

Friso Frisopep AS

3.23 % ( 1 )

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Pepti Allergy

6.45 % ( 2 )

NAN (Nestlé) Optipro 1 Hypoallergenic

3.23 % ( 1 )

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 Premium

9.68 % ( 3 )

NAN (Nestlé) 1 Optipro

22.58 % ( 7 )

Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4.5 out of 5 )
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