Deciding on how you want to feed your infant is a delicate process. Some mothers decide to go with breastmilk strictly, while others do a mixture of breastmilk and formula. Other mothers decide to do formulas alone.
Purchasing the popular, recommended brands may seem like the right choice at the time, but if you don’t research and skip over the fine print, you may be subjecting your baby to medical hardships.
Formula brands like Similac and Enfamil contain cow milk in their ingredients. Cow’s milk can be harsh on an infant’s digestive system and cause potentially irreversible damage, especially if they are born prematurely.
In some instances, infants have contracted Necrotizing Enterocolitis or NEC. This is a very serious and potentially deadly disease that attacks the intestines.
Several infant formula lawsuits are being filed against Similac and Enfamil for the damage they’ve caused to susceptible infants and their families.
Suppose your child has been diagnosed with NEC, and their condition correlates to their consumption of these formulas. In that case, you may be entitled to a settlement from the responsible parties.
Cow-milk-based formulas are not the only type of baby formula available. If you want to avoid putting your child at risk, or if you’re simply seeking an alternative to this formula, themilkybox has several viable options available.
Cow-milk-based formulas are not the only type of baby formula available. If you want to avoid putting your child at risk, or if you’re simply seeking an alternative to this formula, several viable options are available.
Soy, Non-Dairy Formulas
Soy-based formulas are entirely gluten-free and don’t contain milk proteins or lactose. This is a great choice if you need an alternative that’s free of cow’s milk and vegan. This formula is also easier to digest and doesn’t cause gas buildup.
Soy-based formulas are available in liquid or powdered form. Powdered soy formulas can be found at most major retailers, but the liquid may require a prescription from your baby’s pediatrician. Talk to your doctor and see If this is the best option for your baby.
Hemp-Based Formulas
A few hemp-based formula brands are on the market, but they’re not as readily available as soy and cow milk alternatives. Hemp is an allergen-free plant with high levels of Omega fatty acids and proteins.
Hemp is a great alternative to cow dairy because it’s easier to digest and doesn’t contain as much sugar as soy-based formulas.
The only downside of using hemp-based formula is that the mixture requires more water than other products. Using too little powder could lead to dehydration or an unbalanced diet for your baby. It’s important to follow the mixing instructions closely.
Hemp formulas are allergen-free and provide your baby with essential nutrients.
Hypoallergenic Formulas
If your child has a milk allergy, hypoallergenic formulas are available. These products are created with hydrolyzed proteins that break down the allergen structure. This process makes them easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Some types of hypoallergenic formulas are available, like amino-acid-based and partially hydrolyzed. These are not the same as soy or hemp formulas; they contain more milk proteins and fewer carbohydrates.
Your baby’s pediatrician can help you decide if a hypoallergenic formula is the healthiest option for your child.
Low-Lactose Formulas
If your infant has a manageable or fluctuating tolerance for lactose products, you may want to consider low-lactose formulas. They provide the same benefits as traditional nutrients without the complication of gastrointestinal issues.
These formulas are made with enzymes that break down the milk sugar into glucose and galactose.
This makes it easier for your baby to digest and eliminates uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Low-lactose formulas are available in both soy and cow’s milk varieties.
Review your options with your pediatrician and ask them for recommendations.
Like soy-based formulas, they can be purchased as a liquid or powder. This is a great choice if your baby needs fewer carbohydrates or lactose in their diet, but you’re not ready to completely replace cow’s milk.
Lactose-Free Formula
If your child is lactose-intolerant, this is the best formula option for you. They are also gluten-free and don’t contain any added sugars.
This benefits your baby’s digestive system by providing a nutrient that their bodies can break down naturally without causing discomfort, infection, or intestinal damage.
Lactose-free formulas provide all of the same benefits as traditional cow’s milk. They are great for infants who need to avoid dairy but don’t want to miss out on important benefits like calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
Goat Milk Formulas
Babies allergic to cow’s milk tend to adapt to different kinds of milk, like goat’s milk or sheep’s milk. However, there are incidences where a baby is generally allergic to animal milk and would opt for other alternatives.
Goat’s milk is generally lighter than cow’s milk and has many healthy nutrients, which can be a good supplement for the child. Goat’s milk is also prescribed by Healthline to babies nowadays, as many of them seem to adapt easily.
The best goat milk formula is Holle, which is too prominent worldwide and has an excellent protein content. They are also low in lactose which is an added advantage. However, if a child shows signs of allergy to the formula, it is better to be immediately avoided.
Almond Milk Formula
This formula is not considered too conventional and requires consultation with a doctor. However, recent studies have established that almond milk is a fitting nutrient for babies and can be given without hassles.
Although a complete substitution of breast milk with almond milk is not recommended, feeding the babies twice a day could be the best way to nourish them.
Almond milk is extremely rich in supplements and is very safe to be fed with. Babies who are older than 12 months can be given almond milk without any consultation as well.
There are many different formula varieties for almond milk, and one can choose the appropriate brand that the doctor suggests.
Conclusion
There are plenty of brands that fall under these alternative categories. Do your research, talk with your pediatrician and decide on the formula that works best for your infant.
You want to do what’s best for your baby. Mindful nourishment is a great place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is soy, non-dairy formula?
Soy-based formulas are entirely gluten-free and don’t contain milk proteins or lactose. This is a great choice if you need an alternative that’s free of cow’s milk and vegan. This formula is also easier to digest and doesn’t cause gas buildup.
What is hemp based formula?
A few hemp-based formula brands are on the market, but they’re not as readily available as soy and cow milk alternatives. Hemp is an allergen-free plant with high levels of Omega fatty acids and proteins.
What is the hypoallergenic formula?
If your child has a milk allergy, hypoallergenic formulas are available. These products are created with hydrolyzed proteins that break down the allergen structure. This process makes them easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
What does lactose-free formula do?
Lactose-free formulas provide all of the same benefits as traditional cow’s milk. They are great for infants who need to avoid dairy but don’t want to miss out on important benefits like calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
