The World Health Organization recommends only breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. For various reasons, it is not always possible to feed your baby naturally. Modified mixtures can be used as a substitute or as a supplement to breast milk, if its amount does not allow for adequate weight gain. Modified milk is cow’s milk that has been properly modified during processing so as to imitate natural food in the best possible way.
The most significant changes in modified milk rely on:
- lowering the amount of protein,
- changing the protein composition,
- increasing the amount of unsaturated fats,
- increasing the lactose content,
- adding DHA acid (docosahexaenoic acid),
- lowering the amount of sodium, potassium and chlorine.
Additionally, modified milk is enriched with, among others, o vitamins A, E, D, C, taurine, carnitine, iron, iodine and prebiotics. A child’s digestive system and its caloric requirements change as it grows. Modified milk are adapted to the needs of children of different ages:
- starting milk (1 in the name) – intended for newborns and infants up to 6 months of age,
- next milk (2) – this is milk for children who have started the seventh month of life,
- Junior milk (3, 4, 5) – these mixtures can be given to children from 1 year of age to the end of 3 years of age.
choosing adequate milk, attention should be paid to the specific needs of the child as well as to additives that benefit the child. Some mixtures contain nucleotides needed for the development of the immune and digestive systems and for growth. Composition of fatty acids LC-PUFA (ARA and DHA) supports the development of a child’s nervous system, vision and cognitive abilities. Additionally, it is added to some products probiotics supporting the child’s immunity. There are mixtures designed for children with a problem downpour, they thicken in the stomach, eliminating the problem. Others are intended for children with mild digestive problems, and others for lactose intolerant. Lactose is a disaccharide present in cow’s and human milk. Sometimes children develop permanent or temporary intolerance. It manifests itself with diarrhea, flatulence, overflow in the stomach, and may lead to malnutrition. If you observe such symptoms, you should visit a pediatrician and consult the choice low or lactose free milk. There are also mixtures containing modified ones MCT fats intended for children with congenital defects in fatty acid metabolism, available on prescription. There are also blends on the market soy. They do not contain gluten or lactose, they are not recommended without a clear need, especially for children under 6 months of age.
Enfamil – allergy to formula milk
Sometimes a child has allergy for a given component of the mixture. If you notice any of the following allergy symptoms, please contact your pediatrician:
- skin changes – rash around the elbows and knees, on the face, behind the ears, on the neck, reddening of the skin, blisters, dry and rough skin,
- diarrhea, flatulence and colic, pouring
- cap, Qatar.
Enfamil – how to feed with formula milk?
You should follow according to the manufacturer’s and doctor’s recommendations. Do not change the product often, you can expect digestive discomfort.