Milk and Formula Essay Example for Free

Milk and Formula Essay There are many different types of formula feed and there are many different factors to take into account before choosing the right formula feed. * Health * Dietary needs * Age * Cost and preparation time of different formula milks. There are three different types of formula: * Cow’s milk-based formula * Hydrolysed protein formula * Soya-based formula Most babies can have cow’s milk-based formula, however there are some who have a health or dietary reason why they can’t. The different range of formula milks are described below. (information obtained from the baby centre website). Cow’s milk-based formula Most baby formula milks are based on cows milk, which is modified to resemble breastmilk as closely as possible. Manufacturers modify cows milk for babies by adjusting carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels and adding vitamins and minerals. There are also special types of formula manufactured for premature babies. The protein in milk can be broken down into curds (casein) and whey. The ratio of casein to whey can vary according to the type of baby formula milk. There are two main types: First-stage formula. These milks consist of mostly whey, with a casein:whey ratio of 40:60, which is about the same as breastmilk. They are suitable for babies from birth up to about a year, and are thought to be easier to digest. Second-stage formula. These milks consist of mostly casein, with a casein:whey ratio of 80:20. They take longer to digest and are often promoted as being for hungrier babies. Nutritionally, babies will only need first-stage formula, although we may decide to move the baby onto second-stage formula as they grow. It is important to be cautious when changing a baby’s milk. Switching from first to second-stage milk too early can give a baby constipation. Although many milk manufacturers market their second-stage milk as suitable from birth, it’s best to wait until the baby is at least four weeks old. If the baby doesn’t seem content with the formula we first started them on, the parents should talk to their health visitor before changing formulas. When the baby’s a year old, we can move them on from first or second-stage formula to cows milk. Cow’s milk is not recommended as a main drink for babies under the age of one because it’s low in iron and vitamin C. But we can use small amounts in cooking for the baby when they’ve started solids, or on their breakfast cereal. Hydrolysed-protein formula This is a formula milk which is specially designed for babies with an allergy or intolerance to cows milk. If a baby has a cow’s milk allergy, the protein in the milk will cause an allergic reaction. And if they have a intolerance to cow’s milk, they will have difficulty digesting the lactose, or sugar, in the milk. Hydrolysed-protein formula milks are based on cows milk and have the same nutritional value as standard formula milk. But the protein in the milk is hydrolysed, which means it is broken down so the baby is less likely to react to it. These milks are also generally lactose-free, so babies with an intolerance to cow’s milk can digest them easily. If you think a baby has a cows milk allergy or intolerance, see your doctor or health visitor. Your doctor will be able to prescribe a hydrolysed-protein formula for your baby. You can buy these from your pharmacy, too. You can also buy special lactose-free formulas, which your doctor may suggest that your baby has lactose intolerance. Soya-based formula Soya-based formula is made from soya beans. It is modified with vitamins, minerals and nutrients to make it suitable for formula milk. Only give your baby soya-based formula on the advice of your doctor, health visitor or paediatrician. Even though manufacturers market their soya formulas as suitable for babies from birth, health professionals dont recommend them for babies under six months. Its not recommended that your baby has soya formula if she has a cow’s milk allergy. Babies who are allergic to cows milk are often allergic to soya, too. There is also no evidence that changing to a soya-based formula can help to soothe your baby if she is unsettled or colicky. Your baby may be colicky because she’s intolerant to lactose, and so a lactose-free formula is best if this is the case. Ask your doctor or health visitor for advice if you think your baby has an allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk. There are no particular health benefits that your baby would get from soya formula compared to other formula milks. In fact, soya formula milks can actually damage your baby’s teeth over time, because they contain glucose syrup. If you do give your baby soya milk, you’ll have to take extra special care of her teeth. What kind of formula milk does an older baby need? There are cows milk formulas that are marketed for babies from six months, because they are high in iron which growing babies need. However, these milks are not nutritionally necessary. Your baby will be getting the iron and other nutrients she needs from her solid foods. There’s no need to switch to a different milk if your baby is happy with breastmilk or her usual formula. Milks marketed for older babies include: Follow-on milks These are milks with higher protein and mineral content than ordinary infant formula. They are sold as suitable for babies from six months old. Follow-on milks are advertised as more nutritious than cows milk, because they contain added iron, vitamins and minerals. However, bear in mind that cows milk is not a suitable drink for your baby until she’s a year old anyway. Goodnight milks These are follow-on milks with added cereal, which are marketed at parents as helping babies to sleep better at night. However, there’s no evidence that they help babies to settle at night or that they take longer to digest. Don’t give goodnight milk to your baby if she’s less than six months old because cereal isn’t suitable for younger babies. Also don’t give this milk to your baby if she is overweight. Growing-up milks Growing-up milks are marketed at parents as being better than cows milk because they contain added iron and other vitamins and minerals. They are promoted to be used for babies from about one year old. However, growing-up milk isn’t needed, as once your baby’s a year old she can have full-fat cows milk as her main drink. She’ll also be eating a varied and balanced diet, which should provide her with all the essential vitamins and minerals, without the need for growing-up milk. These extra formula milks are not really necessary at all. Your baby can get all she needs as she grows by having her standard formula milk alongside calcium-rich and iron-rich foods. You can then move your baby onto cow’s milk when she’s a year old. The only reason you may want to change your baby’s milk is if you’re raising her as a vegetarian. When your start her on solids from six months, you may find it difficult to find enough vegetarian foods that are rich in iron. So an iron-rich formula may be a good option.