Infant formula is made from cows’ milk that is processed to
meet certain standards to be appropriate to infants. Although there is a
spectrum of brands in the market, they are mainly comprised of two types of
proteins: casein and whey.
Types of Infants’ Formula
First Infant Formula
This is the first formula you give your newborn once they
attain the age of 6 months. Give your baby this formula through the first year
of life, then provide them with whole cow’s milk after one year of birth.
According to studies, this formula is best for newborns
because it is based on whey in cow’s milk. This whey is easy to digest when
compared to casein.
Casein Infant Formula
This one is harder to digest when compared to first infant
formula and that’s why it’s inappropriate to infants.
There are other casein-based baby formulas due to the
explosive rise in formula manufacturers that are claimed to be of no benefit in
infants. Just check the labels to see if it’s verified as first infant formula
otherwise, you’ll end up picking the wrong formula if you’re not careful.
Soya Based Formulas
This type of formula is ideal to babies who are allergic to
proteins in cow milk. Your doctor may recommend soya based formula but do not
use it until it has been prescribed. Besides, your doctor may recommend a
formula that’s utterly hydrolysed with proteins, and that’s why you should
consult or talk with your doctor if your baby is allergic to specific formulas.
On the other hand, you’ll find two infant formulas- liquid
and powdered infant formula. Liquid formula is ready-to- feed. It is safe and
does not contain bacteria or microorganisms, reducing the possibility of
infections. This formula is suitable to infants who are vulnerable to
infections, weigh less at birth or those infants who are pre-term.
Unsused infant formula should be stored with the cut side
upside down in a fridge and disposed after 24 hours.
Read more: Playpens for babies
Powdered formula needs some preparation with tap water.
Here’s how to prepare the powdered baby formula:
1. Take a disinfected kettle and fill it with not less than 1
litre of fresh tap water. Boil this water and give it around 30 minutes to cool
so that its temperature is not less than 70 degrees Celsius. (there are several
ways to disinfect as I will explain below)
2. Place the bottle teat and cap on the upturned sterilizer
lead and not on a dirty surface while you stand the bottle on a disinfected
surface.
3. Next, put the correct amount of water as stated on the
manufactures label. Scoop the formula also according to the scribbled
instructions and level with a clean item like dry knife.
4. Pick the teat by the edge and screw with the ring. Use the
cap to cover the teat and shake the solution vigorously until the all the
powder has dissolved.
5. Make sure the formula is at body temperature. Cool the
bottle if its hot by running cold water on the bottom half of the bottle. The
water should not touch the teat cap.
6. Finally, feed your baby and dispose any remaining formula. Note
though that you can store the feed in a fridge for not more than 24 hours.
Dispose the feed if it was not kept at room temperature.
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