If you have opted to bottle feed your baby among the first choices you will need to make is the type of formula. Stand in front of the shelves containing infant formula at any grocery store or pharmacy and you could feel overwhelmed by the choice. The following information may help you to decide on an appropriate formula for the baby.
Cow's milk formula
Cow's milk protein (CMP) formulation is the most frequently recommended type of baby formula. CMP formula is categorized as whey dominant or casein dominant, which explains the main protein type.
Goat's milk formula
Goat's milk protein formula has a nutrient content similar to CMP formula. Some babies with a sensitivity to CMP tolerate goat's milk formula, but babies with a true cow's milk allergy (CMPA) are frequently allergic to goat's milk too.
Soy infant formula
Soy baby formula is based on plant protein. It does not include CMP or flaxseed (the main sugar found in milk). Soy infant formula is for infants who can not drink CMP formula for health, cultural or spiritual factors.
Starter, Newborn, Measure 1, Stage 1 or 'From birth'
These are simply regular whey-dominant CMP formula. Whey protein is easier to digest compared to casein protein and is more suitable for infants under six months of age. You may also become Starter formulas based on goat's milk or soy protein. Even though Starter or Measure 1 formula is marketed for babies less than six months old, it's suitable from birth to 12 months of age.
Follow on, Progress, Step 2 or Stage 2 formulations
These are formulations marketed for infants over six months. These are casein-dominant CMP formula, goat's milk or soy protein formulas which contain slightly more protein compared to Starter or Measure 1 formula. However, babies do not require additional protein in their milk. So there is no need to switch your baby onto one of these formulas unless you want to.
Toddler formula
A range of formula companies market formula for children aged 12 months to two years. Provided a child is eating a variety of nutritious foods there isn't any substantial advantage in giving toddler formula compared to normal cow's milk. But, toddler milk is not likely to cause harm to children unaffected by CMPA or MSPI.
Lactose-free and lactose-reduced formula
These are CMP formulas that have all or part of the lactose replaced by other sugars, usually corn syrup, and sucrose (table sugar). These formulas are for babies who experience secondary lactose intolerance - a temporary form of lactose intolerance which can occur during and follow a bout of gastroenteritis. A gastrointestinal disease can temporarily impair digestion of lactose. Once their gastrointestinal tract has recovered, babies can usually return to regular formula.
Anti-regurgitation (AR) or 'reflux' formulation
AR formula is a CMP formula that has a thickening agent included. A number of the lactose is removed to keep a carbohydrate balance and energy content similar to regular CMP formula. AR formula is slightly thicker when prepared compared to regular formula but thickens further once in contact with stomach acid. AR formula is generally reserved for babies who don't gain sufficient weight because of regurgitation of milk feeds.
'Colic' formula
This is essentially a lactose-reduced CMP formula. Low-lactose milk is believed to help alleviate symptoms of colic based on the theory that immaturity of newborn babies' digestive tract may cause insufficient digestion of lactose. However, there are many theories about the cause of infant colic. A reduced-lactose formulation may or may not prove useful.
'Constipation' formula
Constipation Formula is a whey-dominant CMP formula with the addition of certain carbohydrates to increase fluid retention . It may be helpful for babies who become constipated on regular whey-dominant CMP formula.
'Hungry baby' formula
So-called 'Hungry Baby' formulation is a casein-dominant CMP formula. Casein takes longer to digest compared to whey protein and therefore may sustain the baby for longer. Some Starving Baby formulas contain carbohydrates which require longer to digest.
Hypo-allergenic (HA) formula
HA formula is a whey-dominant CMP formula in which the protein has been broken down into smaller portions. This means the protein is less likely to trigger an allergic response in susceptible children (those with a strong family history of allergies). HA formula is not acceptable for infants with known cow's milk protein allergy.
Extensively hydrolyzed formulas (EHFs)
These are hypo-allergenic formulas which have the protein broken down into small molecules. This makes it easier for the infant to digest and absorb and significantly lessens the risk of triggering an allergic response. EHFs are typically the first selection for babies with suspected cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI) or milk, soy protein intolerance (MSPI). Available only by prescription.
Amino-acid formulas (AAFs)
These formulations, sometimes called elemental or ultra hydrolysed formulas, are not made out of milk, rather they are synthetically produced from amino acids, the non-allergenic building blocks for many protein. AAFs are will promote healthy growth for just about all children with CMPA, CMPI, and MSPI. Available only by prescription.
Specialized baby formula
There are also a number of formulas on the market for special needs babies, such as premature infants and babies with cardiovascular disease, malabsorption disorders, and other medical problems. Available only by prescription.
Unless your doctor recommends a specific formula, there is no reason to use a particular brand of formula. With the exception of the highly specialized formulas available by prescription only, there's very little difference between the brands and types of formulas.
Please note: Babies should not be given any milk or milk substitute besides breast milk or infant formula as their principal milk source during the initial 12 months.
Who is behind the ENS Infant Formula?
Essential Nutritional Support is the trick to your infant's early growth & development. Dr Mirakian and our Nutritionist Julie Albrecht have developed this formula with the added benefits of Vitamin A + D (Vision, Bone, Muscle, Heart, Metabolism & Immunity), Iodine + Selenium (Brain, Nerves, Immunity and Thyroid) DHA + AA (Brain and Eye Development) and 5 Nucleotides (Healthy Gut Microbiota and Immunity), to encourage your baby's early development & development.
All Formulas are made with premium Australian dairy milk.
To learn more visit our website at http://www.ens.global/ or contact our customer support to learn more through email at info@ens.global.
