Milk Powders or formula milk is a nutritious alternative to breast milk that contains vitamins and nutrients a nursing baby needs in supplements. Commercially available milk powder is produced under hygienic conditions in an attempt to mimic milk using a complex combination of protein, sugar, fats, and vitamins that cannot be prepared at home. Therefore, if your baby is not breastfed, it is important to only use over-the-counter prescriptions for formula milk and not try to prescribe them yourself. In addition to medical procedures that can prevent breastfeeding, breastfeeding can be too difficult and stressful for some mothers. Here are some reasons why women should choose milk powders:
Rich Diet: Milk powders fulfil all the necessities of a nutritional diet that babies are expected to get. These powders are a rich combination of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients. So the baby is getting a rich diet no matter what!
Convenience: Formula milk can be prepared at any time and place. Parents or caregivers can share the feeding duties using powder milk and be at peace. Moreover, mothers can also experience bonding time using formula milk with her child.
Managing schedules: Many times there are growth spurts in infants that the new mothers fail to understand. It is at such times when the growth in feed doubles or triples. Milk powders are the safest and the last resort to offer infants in such emergencies. Be it at midnight or daytime or outdoors or indoors, all schedules can be managed with formula milk.
Fulfilling hunger: Formula milk is the most reliable alternative when babies are super hungry. It is supposed to fill the stomachs for a longer period than breastfed babies. So the time between two feeds can be more and mothers have less to worry about constantly feeding their children while they are on a holiday.
Milk Intolerance: Sugar in the milk is called lactose. This sugar can be in cow’s milk or breast milk too. Sometimes babies cannot digest the sugar in milk which signifies that they are lactose intolerant. Undigested lactose causes diarrhea or stomach bloating. You can choose formula milk that is lactose-free for the baby’s best health.
Top 10 Baby Milk Powders
Types of Milk Powders
- Milk-based formulas (Cow’s milk, with added vegetable oils, iron, vitamins, and minerals)
- Soy-based formulas (Soybeans and have added vegetable oils and nutrients)
- Specialty formulas (Made from goat’s milk which has been ‘pre-digested’ and the protein removed or reduced)
Buying Guide for formula-based milk
1) Brand: Choose brands that are backed by reputed pharma companies. Even if ingredients are the same quality or raw material, the manufacturing process and safety guidelines are followed to make the brands reliable and trustworthy.
2) Allergies or Gassiness: When you introduce formula milk to a baby for the first time, it is common that your baby may have spitting, colic, eczema, or gas problems. If your baby has certain kinds of allergies because of formula milk then talk to the paediatrician immediately and change the formula milk only after consulting the doctor. Your doctor will clearly tell you which ingredient doesn’t suit the child.
3) Lactose factor: When babies are lactose intolerant, always look for a milk powder that is free of lactose.
4) Nutrients: There are 16-19 nutrients that formula milk should have. It is very important to consider ingredients that can be replaced with mother’s milk, like calcium, iron, or phosphorus. Added nutrients like DHA and ARA should also be checked while buying the milk powder because these nutrients help in developing the brain. Checking out ingredients before buying it gives a sense of satisfaction that the baby is not losing out on main ingredients and will be well-fed
5) Age recommendation: Strictly follow the age recommendation mentioned in the baby formula product. The nutrition required for a newborn varies from that of a toddler. Hence, added minerals, vitamins, and nutrients make it efficient and effective as per the specified age group.
6) Expiry Date: Check if the product is damaged or torn or leaks. Products are placed in airtight containers; if the product is damaged there are chances that the formula may already be damaged. Avoid buying it if the packet is slightly damaged or not sealed properly.
7) Net Weight: If you think bigger the better then you are thinking wrong. Buying a big pack can cause moisture to be trapped in the packet. So ideally 400g should be bought to avoid getting it spoilt.
Top 10 Baby Milk Powders
1. Nestle NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula Powder (Upto 6 months)
Nestle creates newborn nutrition products that are based on cutting-edge science and research. Nestle has been committed to innovation since its inception 150 years ago.
Nestlé NAN PRO 1 is a spray-dried infant formula with DHA ARA for babies who are not breastfed from birth. NAN PRO 1 includes DHA, which helps a baby’s brain develop normally. Whey protein, vitamins A, C, D, iron, and zinc are also included.
- Power-packed with all vitamins
- Excellent for weight gain
- Helpful for moms who cannot produce milk
- Available in tins and refill packs
- One-time use only
- Expiry is limited to 3 weeks
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
2. Nestle LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder – Upto 6 months
Nestle creates newborn nutrition products that are based on cutting-edge science and research. Nestle has been committed to innovation since its inception 150 years ago.
Nestlé LACTOGEN 1 is a spray-dried infant formula containing a probiotic (L.reuteri) for infants who are not breastfed or who are nursing (exclusively top fed). Please seek advice from a healthcare professional. Whey Protein is found in Nestlé LACTOGEN 1 Infant Formula Powder. Every live cell’s basic structural and functional components are proteins. Whey protein is a milk component that is easy to digest.
- It’s a vegetarian product
- Probiotic involved
- Power-packed with all vitamins
- Excellent for weight gain
- Helpful for moms who cannot produce milk
- One-time use only
- Expiry is limited to 3 weeks
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
3. Enfamil A+ Stage 1: Infant Formula (0 to 6 months)
Reckitt Benckiser’s Enfamil is a product that embodies the company’s belief that the true value of innovation lies in its ability to benefit people and the world. For nearly 200 years, this has been the driving force for their research, development, and partnerships. They embrace a long-term strategy for guiding a firm that has grown and thrived to become the world’s largest consumer hygiene, health, and Nutrition Company.
Enfamil A+ Stage 1 baby formula is for babies aged 6 months and up. DHA, ARA, Choline, and Iron are all present. Please refer to the pack label for more information on the product. Note: Consult your baby’s doctor with any questions about his or her health and well-being. Inquire with your baby’s doctor about the best formula for him or her.
- Contains Choline and Iron
- DHA + AHA for brain building
- Can be given to children up to 2 years
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
4. Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 Infant Formula Powder – Upto 6 months
Nestle creates newborn nutrition products that are based on cutting-edge science and research. Nestle has been committed to innovation since its inception 150 years ago.
Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 is a spray-dried infant formula containing DHA and ARA for infants who are not breastfed from birth. NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 is created using easy-to-digest whey protein, which is a component of milk protein. It contains DHA-ARA and Choline, which help a baby’s brain develop normally. Vitamins A, C, D, Iron, and Zinc are all present.
- It’s a vegetarian product
- DHA + AHA for brain building
- Power-packed with all vitamins, Choline, Iron and Zinc
- Excellent for weight gain
- Helpful for moms who cannot produce milk
- One-time use only
- Expiry is limited to 3 weeks
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
5. Similac Infant Formula, up to 6 months
Similac from Abbott Nutrition has been nourishing millions of babies across the world for over 85 years, setting the standard for science-based baby nutrition.
Similac 2 is a formula designed to suit the demands of growing infants over the age of six months. Supplemental food should be given to infants above the age of six months in addition to formula. Similac is known to help a baby’s immune system develop. It contains calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, all of which are proven to aid in the growth of a baby’s bones. It also contains vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals (such as calcium and iron), all of which are proven to aid in the baby’s healthy growth and development.
- It’s a vegetarian product
- Power-packed with neuro-nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Choline, Iron, Taurine, Iodine, Folic Acid and Zinc, Vitamin A, antioxidant vitamins C & E and zinc, Calcium, Vitamin D and Phosphorus
- If you make more than one feeding, keep it refrigerated between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 4 degrees Celsius)
- One-time use only and to be given within one hour of preparation
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
- Not suitable for babies with gas problems
6. Aptamil 1 Infant Formula Powder with Prebiotics (Upto 6 months)
Nutricia has been at the forefront of baby nutrition innovation for almost a century. Nutricia is sold in over 100 countries throughout the world. They provide nutritional solutions that have a good impact on one’s health from childhood to old age. Aptamil is a research product of Nutricia, a subsidiary of Danone Company.
Aptamil Stage 1 Infant Formula contains a scientifically established blend of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides that aid in the development of a baby’s immune system. Aptamil provides balanced, age-appropriate nutrients to help babies grow and develop properly. When mother’s milk is insufficient or unavailable, it’s a substitute for newborns aged 0 to 6 months.
- Baby sleeps for longer hours after Aptamil feed
- Can feed babies with gas problems
- It’s a vegetarian product
- Supports immune health, brain and visual functions, physical growth and digestive health
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
7. Farex 1 Infant Formula
Danone is a multinational food corporation with four divisions: Fresh Dairy Products, Early Life Nutrition, Waters, and Medical Nutrition. Danone has operations in India in the Dairy and Life Nutrition sectors. Danone’s emphasis is to make products that are relevant to India, combining with Danone’s international capabilities in the domains of research and development, product and brand innovation. Farex is a product manufactured by Danone.
Farex provides individualised nutrition that promotes healthy growth, development, and immunity at every stage of life.
- Baby sleeps for longer hours after Aptamil feed
- Can feed babies with gas problems
- It’s a vegetarian product
- Supports immune health, brain and visual functions, physical growth and digestive health
- Can be fed to kids up to 2 years
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
8. Dexolac Nusobee Soya Lactose Infant Milk Formula, For Babies Up To 24 months
Danone is a multinational food corporation with four divisions: Fresh Dairy Products, Early Life Nutrition, Waters, and Medical Nutrition. Danone has operations in India in the Dairy and Life Nutrition sectors. Danone’s emphasis is to make products that are relevant to India, combining with Danone’s international capabilities in the domains of research and development, product and brand innovation. Dexolax is a research product manufactured by Nutricia, a subsidiary of Danone.
Dexolac Nusobee Soya Infant Formula is a soy-based infant formula for newborns aged 0 to 24 months. It’s a lactose- and sucrose-free formula made to meet the nutritional needs of lactose-intolerant newborns.
- It is a vegetarian product
- Lactose-intolerant and diarrhea-prone newborns can use this milk alternative
- Maltodextrins and medium-chain triglycerides aid in digestion
- Provides electrolyte replenishment, immune function support, and brain growth
- Gets rid of loose stool problems
- Highly recommended for babies who have milk intolerance
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
9. AMUL Spray
Amul is an Indian dairy cooperative association with headquarters in Anand, Gujarat. It is a cooperative brand administered by the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), which is owned by 36 lakh (3.6 million) milk producers in Gujarat and is the apex body of 13 District Milk Unions spanning across 13,000 villages. Amul was a driving force behind India’s White Revolution, which saw the country become the world’s largest producer of milk and dairy products.
Amul Spray is a milk substitute for babies. It was supplied as part of the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service Scheme), a specific nutrition programme run by Indian state governments. It can also be used to whiten milk. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- It is a vegetarian product
- It is allergen-free
- Not recommended for babies with lactose intolerance
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
10. Neocate LCP, For Babies (0-12 months)
Nutricia has been at the forefront of baby nutrition innovation for almost a century. Nutricia is sold in over 100 countries throughout the world. They provide nutritional solutions that have a good impact on one’s health from childhood to old age. Nutricia is an allergy research pioneer. They are dedicated to providing high-quality, safe nutrition based on our 40 years of invention and scientific discoveries, as well as more than 600 papers in peer-reviewed journals in the field of immunology and allergy. Neocate is a research product of Nutricia, a subsidiary of Danone Company.
Neocate LCP is a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula made without cow’s milk protein. The formula provides immediate relief from the symptoms of cow’s milk allergy. This food should only be used for certain medical reasons and under medical supervision.
- Best recommended for babies with cow’s milk allergy
- It is lactose-free, sucrose-free and contains nucleotides
- It is non-vegetarian product
- High-cost
- Incorrect storage, handling, preparation, and feeding can all have negative consequences for your baby’s health
- Your baby may become ill if you use unboiled water, unboiled utensils, or inappropriate dilution while preparing the milk
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it ok to switch brands?
It’s always an experimental phase for new moms to try out different brands. So it’s okay to switch brands as per the baby’s needs. Switch brands compulsorily if you feel your baby has milk intolerance or some allergy because of an ingredient. Observe your baby’s health for a week after feeding them with powder milk for any significant changes.
2) Do we get trial samples from the brands?
Some brands offer free samples while some don’t. It’s good to play safe by ordering free samples and testing them on your baby. If the baby easily digests it and no allergic reactions take place, you can order full packages or bulk packets.
3) What are the symptoms of milk allergies in babies?
Diarrhea, frequent spitting up, scaly skin rash, abdominal pain, gases, coughing or wheezing, blood in stool, lack of weight gain or excessive crying, and irritability
4) Which formula milk to go for if the baby shows signs of allergies?
Formula milk prepared with goat’s milk has less casein (a protein that causes allergies). As compared to cow’s milk based formula milk, goat milk based formula milk is said to be digestible and less allergic.
5) Which milk powder do you suggest for premature babies?
Dexolac – Special Care Preterm LBW Tin, 400g. It helps premature babies reach their optimum weight and conjointly boosts their system. The powder includes a high energy count that helps in bodybuilding. Meanwhile, the nucleotides, minerals, vitamins develop the child’s immunity and avoid getting infections.
Conclusion
We hope you now have a clear idea on which milk powder to choose. We feel you have now gained good knowledge about the types, brands, sizes, weight, and other factors after reading our buyer’s guide. Now you can choose the best one for your baby. Please mention in the comments below which one you chose for your baby and how our blog helped you in choosing the right one.
