The debate over breastfeeding against formula feeding has been raging for decades. Both sides throw scientific research into the mix along with conventional wisdom and common sense. Still, the jury is out on this topic and different families follow different philosophies.
Many mothers are now considering using specialty formula as a breastmilk alternative. Some contemporary formula products are enhanced with nutritional benefits that breastmilk is unable to provide. If you are considering moving away from breastfeeding or are unable to breastfeed for a variety of reasons, then you need to at least inform yourself of the available options to make the best decision for your child.
Let’s look at some specific reasons why some mothers are considering specialty formula as a breastmilk alternative.
To Manage Their Child’s Food Allergy
Some babies develop food intolerances and allergies at an early stage of their development. The reasons for this are not always known, however, if you suspect that your child has a food allergy then check with your physician to determine if this truly is the case.
Once you have established that your child is allergic to a particular food, often cow’s milk during the infant years, then you can use a specialty formula to manage this condition. Many preparations are available from reputable and well-known brands that cater to lactose intolerances and milk allergies.
Explore your local supermarket and consult with your doctor to find a dietary solution for these conditions.
To Suit An Alternative Lifestyle
With the explosion of interest in vegetarianism and veganism, more households are making the switch away from animal products. While a vegan diet can be healthy for a newborn, parents must be highly knowledgeable and consult with their doctor every step of the way in this regard.
To help you meet the nutritional needs of your child while encouraging them to explore a vegan diet, you can use specialty formulas that are derived from plant-based sources. These often include soy and almond milks that are well-tolerated by infants and toddlers. However, remember that these sources of nutrition are usually less nutritionally dense than conventional cow’s milk formulas. Therefore, extra supplementation is often required to ensure that your baby can thrive.
To Help A Premature Baby Catch Up Fast
Some babies arrive a little earlier than expected. While they might be a surprise, there is no need for premature babies to be developmentally delayed. In fact, there are specialty formulas to boost your premature baby’s growth and help them catch up to their cohort quickly.
These formulas contain extra calcium, protein, and other nutrients that can facilitate rapid growth. Try these out under the supervision of your medical professional to allow your baby to reach all their developmental milestones in the standard timeframe.
To Help With Gas And Acid Reflux
While babies generally have digestive systems that are not fully developed yet, some babies are a little more sensitive than others to conventional forms of formula. In these cases, specialty formulas have been created to cater to those children who experience severe gas or acid reflux conditions. If you notice that your child frequently spits formula back up or acts excessively cranky after eating, then you might try these options.
Formulas For All Occasions
Beyond the breastfeeding versus formula feeding debate, there are legitimate reasons why your infant might require a specialized formula to receive adequate nutrition. If your child needs a little extra attention in this area, explore the formula aisle of your local supermarket or look online for one of these preparations.
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