The staggering variety of infant formula products can leave many parents confused. Being able to narrow down the options and know precisely what to look for will help you make better, and faster, decisions when you go to make your next purchase.
Let’s look at some of the ingredients and nutrients that you need to look for when you are purchasing infant formula.
Macronutrients Are Essential
Macronutrients are the building blocks of any nutritious diet. For infants and adults alike, macronutrients are necessary for virtually all processes in the body. For a rapidly growing infant, these need to be included in the diet in sufficient amounts to meet daily caloric needs.
Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates are used in the body as an energy source to keep your baby’s biological functions working smoothly and providing them with the pep that they need to get through the day. Fats are another great energy source but are also essential for healthy brain development and cushioning the organs in your baby’s body from harm. Proteins are the building blocks for muscle and organ development.
Making sure that your baby has enough of these substances to meet their needs is essential. Read the labels on the baby formula products you are planning to purchase in order to gauge how much your baby is receiving each day.
Good Variety Of Vitamins And Minerals
Beyond the basics, babies also need a host of vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy and avoid dietary deficiencies. This includes virtually the whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals, so be sure to read labels closely to understand whether a certain product is lacking in any way.
In particular, iron is especially important for the development of a healthy baby. Iron is essential for the proper development of a healthy cardiovascular system and will help your baby stave off anaemia. Calcium is also an important component of building healthy bones and teeth in your child, so be sure that they are receiving enough of this substance each day.
In some cases, vitamins may appear on a product label under their chemical name. It is important for you to learn what these terms are, especially if you are feeding your child exclusively through infant formula products.
Healthy Extras
Babies will also benefit greatly from the addition of pre- and probiotics in their infant formula. The links between overall well-being and healthy gut flora are well established in medical literature. Thus, these days it is relatively easy to find formula preparations that contain these highly beneficial substances. Probiotics are great for bolstering your baby’s immunity as well as increasing their mood and overall health.
What To Avoid
Many mothers want to go the extra mile and provide their child with high-quality formula products that are free from potentially harmful additives or chemicals. If you are concerned about such things, then you may consider leaving out cheap and low-quality additives such as corn maltodextrin, soybean oil and palm oil. These items are usually found in processed foods and are low on the scale of nutritionally-dense foods. If they are excluded from the formula that your baby consumes, then your child will be better off.
Buying organic products is another way to ensure that the quality of the ingredients in your child’s formula is top-notch. Look for organic labels on products when you buy in a supermarket or online.
Consult With A Nutritionist
Asking a nutritionist or a doctor will provide you with more comprehensive advice that is tailored to the unique needs of your baby. Be sure to confer with them if you have concerns or questions that require a more detailed response.
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