Which infant milk should I choose for my baby?

Formula milk

According to WHO infant formula (also called formula or infant milk) means “any food marketed or presented in any other way as a partial or total substitute for breast milk”. It can be in the form of powder to be diluted (in boxes of different capacities) or in liquid form ready to use (in small bottles or carton of milk). The nutritional benefit is the same in both cases. It’s up to you to see what best suits your lifestyle.

Cow’s milk contains too much protein, saturated fatty acids, minerals, and sodium, but it lacks iron, essential fatty acids, and vitamins for babies. This is why infants require milk adapted to their nutritional needs. Infant formulas are subject to very strict regulations to guarantee their health qualities.

Indeed, baby milk is classified according to age:

This infant formula is intended for babies from 0 to 6 months.
The composition of early milks tends to be closer to that of breast milk, in particular due to a low protein content (1.2g / 100 ml). Since infant milk is a baby’s only food during his first months, infant milk is made up of nutrients to cover all of the newborn’s nutritional needs.

On the same subject

Also called “follow-on milk”, it is intended for babies between 6 and 12 months and marks the beginning of the infantile food diversification, when they begin to discover their first purees and compotes.

It is still too early to give cow’s milk to the toddler because it could lead to deficiencies in vitamins, iron and essential fatty acids for the baby. The composition of second-age milk is therefore better suited to the physiological needs of the child.

Ideally for use up to 3 years.
It is important to respect the use of growth milks and not to give classic cow’s milk too early because it is not enriched with vitamins and iron, a source of deficiency in young children. Growth milk is indeed enriched with these nutritional foods. On the other hand, this milk is not considered as infant milk, but as a real foodstuff so it is not as regulated as the milk of the first and the second age.

There are also special infant milks that can be recommended on the advice of the pediatrician to meet certain specific needs of babies such as satiety milk (after 6 months and intended to satiate babies who often demand) or anti-regurgitation milk. or anti-reflux (to limit referrals). There are also cow’s milk protein-free milks (APLV) for children with allergies. It is a fairly common allergy that appears before the age of 1 year.

Be careful, never change the category of milk without your doctor’s advice.

Composition of infant formula

The composition of infant formula is highly regulated. These infant formulas are in fact made from cow’s or goat’s milk, transformed to adapt to the physiology of infants and their needs.

Animal fats are replaced by vegetable fats rich in essential fatty acids, essential for good brain development. Among the essential fatty acids, infant milks must be enriched in particular with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). DHA, a fatty acid from the Omega-3 family is essential for cerebral and visual maturation in infants. ARA, a fatty acid from the Omega-6 family, is also essential for a baby’s healthy brain development.

The salt level are reduced to adapt to the elimination capacities of the kidneys of the young. The milks are fortified with trace elements and vitamins. Vitamin D, present in milk is insufficiently absorbed and a supplement must be given to the baby.

Baby milks are most often fortified with probiotics or prebiotics, thus modifying the intestinal flora to approximate that induced by breastfeeding. They have the benefit of reducing episodes of gastroenteritis and improving intestinal comfort by reducing colic and bloating in young children.

Read also: Which bottle should I choose for my baby?

Should you choose organic milk?

The manufacture of infant milks obeys strict regulations in terms of breeding, traceability and selection of the various components.
Organic milks are made from organic cow’s milk. They are manufactured according to the same safety requirements.
You therefore have the choice between classic milk and organic milk, according to your convictions.

Which milk for which child?

Although infant milk and follow-on formulas are subject to strict regulations to meet the nutritional needs of infants, “classic” infant milk is not suitable for everyone. Here is a list of products adapted to the needs of each child:

• For a full term baby (between 37 and 41 weeks old), after a normal pregnancy, a “classic” first age milk is ideal. You may have to change it depending on the reactions observed (colic, constipation, etc.).
• If there is a history of allergy (eczema, asthma, etc.) in the family “hypoallergenic” milk will be preferred. It is cow’s milk whose proteins are partially hydrolyzed (therefore broken into small molecules), which reduces their allergenic power. Since it is based on cow’s milk, it should especially not be used in a child who has lactose intolerance.
• The milk “without cow’s milk protein” underwent more hydrolysis. It is reserved for children allergic to milk proteins or in case of allergy of this type in siblings or parents.
• The “comfort” or “digest” milk is enriched with potato or corn starch. It is given as part of small pumpings of milk or if the baby has trouble being satiated. These milks can constipate a baby.
• The “anti-regurgitation” milk is indicated in the event of proven gastroesophageal reflux. Enriched with carob, a fruit rich in fiber, this milk is thicker, which prevents regurgitation.
• The “pre” milk is enriched with proteins, essential fatty acids (especially taurine and carnitine) and triglycerides. It is suitable for children of low weight for their age or born prematurely.
• The “lactose-free” milk is reserved for babies with lactose intolerance. They are also recommended in cases of infant colic.
• The “acidified” milk is enriched with lactic ferments which increase the digestibility of food and help reduce bloating and colic. It is also indicated in cases of constipation and gastroesophageal reflux.

Read also: Child-led diversification, the new method that will revolutionize baby meals

Milk to avoid for all babies under one year old:

Organic or non-organic vegetable juices (almonds, rice, and soybeans, among others): According to a report by National Agency for National Food Safety (ANSES) published in 2019, an exclusive diet based on non-processed plant milks can cause deficiencies in calcium, iron, essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamins and proteins for the child because these milks do not comply with the regulations for infant milk and follow-on milk.

Milk of animal origin: Likewise, milks of animal origin – goat, sheep, cow and annesse, among others -, “are not adapted to the needs of infants” under one year of age and can lead to nutritional deficiencies because nor do they comply with the strict regulations for infant formula. Although most infant formulas are made from animal milk, they must be processed to suit the needs of infants. According to the recommendations of Ministry of Solidarity and Health, it is only from one year that you can introduce cow’s milk in the baby’s diet in order to avoid digestive disorders and nutritional deficiencies. It is advisable to give growth milk until the child is three years old because the milk of classic origin does not provide sufficient quantities of iron and fatty acid for the baby.

Until when should I give my baby milk?

You should never stop giving milk to your child, it is essential food for his growth. Infant milk and growth milk are rich in iron, essential fatty acids and vitamins (A, B9, C, D and E), which are essential for the development of your child’s brain. The switch to cow’s milk is usually done carefully from the baby’s first birthday.

If your child gets bored of the bottle, offer him milk in the bowl. For children who drink little milk, supplement with milk products to ensure that your baby is getting all of his nutritional needs.

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Nathalie Barenghi

Responsible for parenting for the aufeminin site, Nathalie is at your side to inform you about the essentials of parents’ life but also and above all to advise you, …