Selecting A Good Formula Milk for Newborn

Bringing a newborn into the world is every parent’s joy but can also be very challenging when it comes to giving them the best nutrition possible.

Breastfeeding which is the best method of nourishing your babies is not always possible for every parent and baby. I understand pretty well that some parents can be very busy breastfeeding their babies or choose not to due to certain reasons.

However, finding or choosing a good formula milk for your newborn can be a very daunting task. There are a lot of well-known brands of infant milk in the market but honestly, I can’t give any personalized recommendations.

You should consult with an experienced pediatrician for personalized recommendations as there is no “best baby formula milk” in the market right now.

You also need to know your baby’s needs and some potential allergies they might have when you consult with an expert pediatrician.

In this article, we will dive into detail the intricacies of choosing a good milk formula for your newborn, factors to consider when choosing one, and recommendations based on reviews and demands.

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Understanding Baby Formula

Baby formula also known as Infant formula or formula milk, is an alternative to breast milk designed to provide babies with essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

They are ultra-processed food designed for babies between 0-12 months, usually prepared for bottle feeding from powder.

Types of Formula Milk in Nigeria

There are several types of formula milk in the Nigerian market right now. They include;

1. Soy Milk: Uses Soy protein as the primary source and it’s suitable for babies that are allergic to cow’s milk.
2. Cow’s milk-based formula: As the name implies, made from cows and is the, most healthy baby formula type. Also, easier for babies to digest. Some cow milk-based baby formula undergoes proper processing to mimic breast milk.
3. Hydrolyzed formula: Made for babies with allergies and sensitive tummies. In this type of formula, the milk proteins are broken down into smaller components for easy digestion.
4. Specialized formulas: Made for babies with specific needs like constipation, reflux, or prematurity. They may contain probiotics, prebiotics, or other specific types of fats.

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Babies Between 0-6 Months

The World Health Organization (WHO) and leading health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies between zero to six months of life. This is because human breast milk contains antibodies, immune-boosting components, and other unique blends of fats, and proteins needed for babies’ optimal growth.

Here are some key points:

1. Breastfeeding: As mentioned in the first paragraph, breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies, providing all the essential nutrients needed for their growth and development.                                                    Well-breastfed babies are well-nourished with essential vitamins and minerals needed for their healthy growth. Under certain circumstances where breastfeeding is not sufficient or possible, you can opt-in for baby formulas designed to mimic the composition of breast milk
2. Feeding frequency: Newborns require consistent feeding between 8 – 12 times a day including at night. This is because they have tiny tummies. During this time, you must pay adequate attention to their signs; crying, sucking, or rooting when they are hungry. As they grow older, they go longer between feeds.
3. Staying hydrated: Regularly feeding your baby breastmilk or baby formula can make them stay hydrated. You should consult with your pediatrician when it comes to giving water to your babies as too much of it can be harmful to their health.
4. Vitamin D supplements: Certain baby formula contains vitamin D supplements to complement breastmilk. Breastfed babies may not get enough vitamin D from breast milk.
5. Consult with a pediatrician: Each baby’s needs are different and may vary over time. So you must do regular checkups with a pediatrician to monitor baby growth. Regular checkups will help you track the weight gain, head shape, and developmental milestones of your little one.
6. Practice safe feeding habits: It’s important always to sterilize your baby’s feeding bottle after use. As a breastfeeding mother, eat good food rich in nutrients. Also, hold the baby well to avoid choking during feeding.
7. Watch for signs of hunger and fullness: Infants communicate hunger and fullness with certain signs through sucking patterns and body movement.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing a Baby Formula

Choosing good formula milk for newborns in Nigeria is indeed a vital decision. Below are some of the factors you should consider

1. Pediatrician’s Recommendation: You must consult with your pediatrician before making a final decision on any baby food. They can guide your baby’s unique health needs.
2. Age and nutritional needs: Choose a formula that is appropriate to your baby’s age because different milk formulas are designed to meet the nutritional requirements of babies at different stages of development.
3. Ingredients: Check the infant formula package for ingredients so you can know the ingredients your baby is allergic to. Avoid baby formulas that contain preservatives, sugar, or potential allergies.                                Choose formulas that contain DHA or ARA as both are important for brain and eye development.
4. Cost: Some baby formula may be expensive. So you must choose quality ones because choosing an expensive formula for your baby doesn’t mean they are necessarily better.
5. Brand reputation: Now that the online space is a global village, you can easily get reviews about certain baby food brands when you browse online.                                                                                                                           Choose reputable baby food brands that have a good track record of producing baby food. Ask your fellow parent in the same physical or online community as yours, and read reviews online.

Good Formula Milk for Newborns in Nigeria

Choosing the right formula for your newborns can be a daunting task. these recommendations are chosen based on the brand’s good track records, pediatrician recommendations, and positive reviews from parents.

1. Cow and Gate First Infant Milk Formula

Specially designed for babies from birth to 6 months. This formula provides complete nutrition inspired by breastmilk, supporting baby’s healthy growth and development.

Each 800g tub provides a nutritionally complete breast milk substitute, carefully crafted with over 100 years of experience.

Cow and Gate 1 First Infant Formula is your baby’s sole source of nutrition, offering a balance of skimmed milk and essential nutrients required from birth. The formula is a reliable source of DHA, a key component for your baby’s development.

Shop this product online here

2. Aptamil First Infant Milk

Aptamil First Infant Milk is a specially formulated baby milk designed to nourish your baby’s development. It contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your baby’s growth and immune system. Inspired by 40 years of breast milk research, Aptamil 1 offers a unique blend of nutrients that help nourish your baby’s body and mind.

Shop this product Aptamil Stage 1 online

3. Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula

This brand of formula is the trusted choice for your baby as it offers complete nutrition and easy-to-digest proteins. It gives a supportive foundation for your baby from 0-12 months.

Inspired by the nourishing qualities of breast milk, this formula is expert-recommended and contains Omega 3 DHA for brain development. Made with non-GMO ingredients, Enfamil NeuroPro is crafted with care and does not contain genetically engineered components.

It also features the exclusive HuMO6‡ immune blend, which includes 2’-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide), PDX, GOS, Vitamin C & E, and Selenium.

Shop Enfamil Neuropro Infant formula online

4. SMA® PRO First Infant Milk

An alternative to breast milk, when the baby is not breastfed. Breastfeeding provides the best start for your baby, but if you decide to combination feed or bottle-feed then SMA® PRO First Infant Milk is a nutritionally complete* breast milk substitute, enriched with Omega 3 (DHA)*.

Shop SMA PRO infant milk in Nigeria

5. Nestle Nan Optipro Milk

This infant milk is a range of infant formula developed by Nestle. There are three stages available: Nan Optipro 1 for newborns up to 6 months old, Nan Optipro 2 for babies 6-12 months old, and Nan Optipro 3 for toddlers 1-3 years old.

These formulas are specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers. Providing essential nutrients for growth and development. They contain ingredients like DHA, ARA, and prebiotics, which help support brain and eye development, as well as a healthy digestive system.

Shop: Nan 1 Optipro online

6. Kendamil stage 1

This infant milk offers a unique formula designed to support your baby’s healthy development from birth onwards.

Kendamil is the only UK infant formula made with whole milk as the primary fat source, providing a naturally creamy taste and reducing reliance on vegetable oils.

Closest to breastmilk, Kendamil first infant milk contains Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), which supports cognitive development and gut health. The essential fatty acids support brain and eye development.

Shop Kendamil stage 1 online

7. Enfamil Neuropro Care Infant Formula

This is a non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) baby formula specially designed to provide brain-building nutrition for infants aged 0-12 months. Expert-recommended DHA, inspired by breast milk, is a key component of this formula, promoting healthy brain development.

With a focus on eye health and immune support, Enfamil Neuropro Care is the perfect choice to nurture your little one’s growth and development. Trust Enfamil Neuropro Care, the leading brand in infant nutrition, to provide the best start for your baby.

Shop Enfamil Neuropro care Infant formula online

Wrapping Up

Choosing a good formula milk for your baby in Nigeria is a very important decision that impacts the baby’s health as they grow. As a parent, you have the major responsibility to provide the right nutrients that your baby needs at different stages of development.

By considering everything highlighted in this article, your baby is on the journey of having a healthy development. Remember to consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice and guidance throughout your baby’s feeding journey.