Parent Dilemma: Exploring Your Baby Formula Choices

health

Parent Dilemma: Exploring Your Baby Formula Choices

By Alpro Pharmacy

December 22, 2023

😵‍💫 Parent dilemma:” I am not sure how to choose milk formula best suit for my baby?”

It is a child's basic nutrient essential 🥛

Almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth caused by “unhealthy diets” due to their limited financial resources, says the Health Ministry.

(Source: The Star, 1 Nov 2023)

Milk formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and develop. However, it does not have the same health benefits as breastfeeding for you and your baby. For example, it cannot protect your baby from infections, because breast milk’s nutrients will change according to your baby’s current situation.

The 4 main types of milk formula:

Cow Milk: The cows’ milk in formula contains 2 types of proteins – whey and casein. First infant formula is based on whey protein which is thought to be easier to digest than other types of formula.
Goat Milk: Different kinds of goats’ milk formula are available in pharmacies and shops. They are produced to the same nutritional standards as cow’s milk-based formula. This is suitable from birth.
Soya Milk: It’s occasionally used as an alternative to cows’ milk formula for babies who have cows’ milk allergy. Only use soya formula if it has been recommended or prescribed by a health visitor or GP.

Protein Hydrolysate Formula: Hydrolyzed formulas stand out as the preferred choice for babies with specific dietary requirements, particularly those with food allergies, intolerances, or sensitive tummies. It plays a vital role in nurturing the health and happiness of babies with unique nutritional needs.
Specialty formula: If your pediatrician recommends a specialized formula for your infant, follow their guidance about feeding requirements (amounts, scheduling, special preparations), since these may be quite different from regular formulas.

💡 Always consult a healthcare professional when it comes to choosing the best formula for your child.

🚨 Types of milk to avoid 🚨

Not all milk is suitable for feeding babies. You should never give the following types of milk to a baby under 1 year:

Condensed milk
Evaporated milk
Dried milk

My Healthy Growth Journey @ Alpro Pharmacy

Alpro Pharmacy also offers the My Healthy Growth Journey Program, where you can bring your children to visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy to measure their height and weight. Let’s work together to improve the health of the children in our country.