How to understand whether the mixture is suitable or not. How do you know if the formula is suitable for your child? Is formula right for your baby: video

Breastfeeding experts confidently say: any woman can breastfeed a child. However, sometimes the desire to feed the baby encounters serious obstacles. The main obstacle to breastfeeding are diseases whose treatment is not compatible with breastfeeding. Sometimes, having started successfully, breastfeeding ends after a few months due to the fact that the mother was unable to establish lactation and properly organize the feeding process. There are times when a mother, due to her own views and beliefs, does not try to breastfeed her baby at all, giving formula from birth. In all these cases, the child grows up on artificial feeding. It is important for parents to understand what formulas for newborn babies are in terms of their composition and properties. The fact is that feeding a baby at an early age is the key to his health for the future. Of course, nothing can be better than mother’s milk, but if for some reason the child will grow up on artificial feeding, the choice of formula for nutrition must be approached very thoroughly.

Huge selection of baby formulas

Types of mixtures: study and classify

The baby food market has a wide range of varieties of infant formula, which are consistent with the requirements of GOST and the Institute of Nutrition. It is very easy to get confused in the variety of multi-colored jars and boxes with baby formula. Therefore, to begin with, we suggest you figure out who is who on the store shelf and what the numbers and inscriptions on the packages with the mixture mean. In other words, let’s look at what baby formulas are in terms of consistency, composition, age and purpose.

Consistency

Based on consistency, infant formula can be divided into dry and liquid.

Dry mixes. On the Russian market this is 90% of infant formula. Such mixtures are powder packaged in a cardboard box or tin can, which must be diluted with boiled water before use.
Liquid. Such mixtures are ready for use and only require heating. They are sold in tetra packs and packaged in 200 ml. The only problem is that in Russian stores the share of such mixtures is negligible. You can find such mixtures only in large cities.

The most common are dry ones, they are convenient to store, dispense, easy to transport and have a wide variety of choices. Liquid mixtures are easier to prepare than dry mixtures, as they only require heating. But they have a short shelf life (only a couple of days).

Compound

Almost all infant formulas are made from cow's milk. Since cow's milk protein is foreign to our body, it must be present in the mixture in a modified form. Depending on the degree of processing of milk protein, infant formulas can be divided into:

Adapted. They are made on the basis of demineralized cow's milk whey, so such mixtures are as close as possible to breast milk in their properties. They are quite light, nutritious, and quickly digestible. Adapted mixtures are designed specifically for newborns. In addition to demineralized whey, the adapted mixtures include polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and nucleotides. Of course, such mixtures are more expensive to produce, so based on price they can be classified as premium. The most popular adapted mixtures are:

— Nestle NAN (cost about 400-500 rubles per 400 g package, depending on the availability of additional components);

— Nutricia Nutrilon (prices range from 375 to 650 rubles per 400g);

— Semper (sold in packages of 350 g, price range 360-480 rubles);

Some babies suffer from cow's milk protein intolerance, so formulas based on the whey of such milk are not suitable for them. For such children, there are adapted milk formulas based on goat milk:

— Bibikol Nanny (a 400g package costs about 1300 rubles);

Partially adapted to some extent close in structural composition to breast milk, they include not only lactose, but also sucrose, they do not have a stabilized mineral-fat composition;
Subsequent are made from whole cow's milk powder to which sucrose and starch are added; they do not contain whey.

Depending on the child's age: Up to 6 months are the starting ones, and over six months are the subsequent ones.

Liquid mixtures are also adapted. The most accessible of them are:

— Ready-made milk formula NAN (price about 60 rubles per 200 ml package)

— Ready-made milk formula Agusha (price about 25 rubles per 200 ml package)

Unadapted. These mixtures are made based on cow's milk protein - casein. As additional components, they can contain everything that is found in adapted mixtures. There are mixtures that are very “poor” in composition: they lack taurine and fatty acids. For this reason, in some sources, unadapted baby formulas are divided into “less adapted” (casein instead of demineralized whey, the remaining components are the same as in adapted mixtures) and “partially adapted” (casein and a poor composition of additional components). This is not entirely correct, because the degree of adaptation of the mixture is determined by how easily the mixture is absorbed by the child’s body, and this depends precisely on what is present in it as a milk base: demineralized whey or cow’s milk protein. Casein mixtures, regardless of their nutritional value, are more difficult to digest, so they are all unadapted in any case, and should be given only after 6 months. The main “representatives” of casein mixtures are:

— Similac (price from 350 to 650 rubles for standard packaging);

— Nestle Nestogen (a 370g package sells for an average of 240 rubles);

— Baby (price per package is about 210 rubles).

As a child grows, his digestive system develops. If formulas based on demineralized whey are better suited for a newborn, then for children older than six months you can use casein formulas or formulas whose milk base is powdered cow's milk (these are mixtures of the second and subsequent levels).

Age indicator

The formula of infant formula greatly depends on the age of the baby for whom it is intended. This is due to the fact that as the child grows and develops, the child’s digestive system improves and the body’s needs for nutrients change. This is a completely natural process, because breast milk changes its composition as the baby grows. The formula number of the formula is always indicated on the packaging. Behind each number and designation there is a certain age range.

The gradation of mixtures by age is as follows:

“0” or the prefix “pre” in the name - the mixture is intended for newborn premature or low birth weight babies;
“1” - mixture for children from birth to 6 months;
“2” - mixture for babies from 6 months to 1 year;
“3” is a mixture for children over one year old.

As we said earlier, as the formula of the formula changes over time, its milk base changes: the amount of unadapted cow's milk proteins increases. In addition, the content of vitamins and minerals increases, because the need for these substances becomes higher. It is also believed that formulas for older children are more filling and nutritious.

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Specialized and medicinal mixtures

Sometimes the characteristics of the baby’s body and health state make special demands on infant formula. In such cases, the child needs specialized or medicinal mixtures. Depending on what type of problem the baby has, the following infant formulas can be distinguished:

Formulas intended for premature babies: They contain a lot of protein, vitamins and whey protein and have high energy value. Manufacturers designate packages of such food with the meaning «0» or another prefix "pre-" in the title.

Fermented milk mixtures. Used for digestive problems (colic, constipation, during the recovery period after taking medications, to treat dysbiosis). Such mixtures contain lactic acid and bifidobacteria. If babies experience colic, vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, it is effective to use anti-reflux nutrition containing substances (gum or starch) that act as thickeners. For example: “Nutrilon AR”, “Enfamil AR”, “Nutrilak AR”, “Frisovoy”. For constipation, use a diet enriched with gum, which has the properties of dietary fiber, or lactulose. Lactulose is a disaccharide that activates the growth of bifidobacteria. Lactulose is contained in Detolact Bifidus and Semper Bifidus.

More common and most popular mixtures:

— Nutrilac Fermented milk (price about 400 rubles)

— Nutrilon Fermented milk (price about 410 rubles)

— NAN Fermented milk (price about 450 rubles).

Mixtures with high iron content. Such mixtures are prescribed to babies over 4 months of age for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. A signal for prescribing a formula with a high iron content is low hemoglobin levels in the child’s blood. Of course, it is impossible to bring hemoglobin back to normal with the mixture alone, and the pediatrician will prescribe iron supplements. The mixtures themselves with a high iron content are not positioned on the Russian market as medicinal, they simply have a richer composition and the proportion of iron in them is greater than in other mixtures.

— Enfamil Premium (price about 390 rubles)

— Similac Premium (price about 350 rubles).

Hypoallergenic mixtures. This type of nutrition is necessary for babies prone to allergic reactions. Cow's milk protein is a strong allergen, so in such mixtures hydrolyzed, i.e., is used. already partially digested protein broken down by enzymes. Hypoallergenic infant formulas often have the abbreviation “HA” in the name.

— Nutrilon Hypoallergenic (price about 550 rubles)

— NAN Hypoallergenic (price about 550 rubles)

Lactose-free and soy mixtures. Used for cow's milk protein intolerance. This is a pronounced form of food allergy, for which even hypoallergenic mixtures will not help.

— Nutrilon Soy (price about 560 rubles)

— Frisosoy (price about 450 rubles)

— NAN Lactose-free (price about 690 rubles)

— Similac Isomil (price about 410 rubles)

Antireflux mixtures. Necessary for babies who often spit up. These mixtures contain special thickening components: carob gluten, rice or corn starch. The packaging of such mixtures often bears the abbreviation “A.R.”

— Enfamil A.R. (price about 670 rubles)

— Frisovo (price about 610 rubles)

— Nutrilon Antireflux (price about 680 rubles)

It is important to know! There is also such a thing as “supplementary feeding during breastfeeding.” Supplementary mixture used when the baby does not have enough mother's milk. Then highly adapted formulas are used (they can be called breast milk substitutes).

Choosing a formula for a newborn

The choice of food for artificial feeding of a child must be made after consultation and examination of the baby by a pediatrician. At the same time, every attentive parent must be familiar with the fundamental principles that will help choose the right mixture.

In order to choose a formula for a newborn baby, you need to remember what requirements a high-quality infant formula meets.

For newborn babies, you need to choose only adapted formulas. They are most similar in composition to breast milk and are easily digested and absorbed by the infant’s body.
When choosing a mixture, you must strictly adhere to age recommendations. You can start artificially feeding a newborn baby only from the initial stage of formula; you cannot switch to a different level of formula before 6 months.
If your baby has any health problems or has difficulty digesting, choose specialized or medicinal mixtures. By the way, it is not at all necessary to completely transfer the child to a medicinal formula. In some cases, it is enough to replace 1-2 feedings per day with it.
Do not blindly follow advertising; always study the composition of the mixture yourself and compare it with other mixture options. If possible, choose a mixture that does not contain palm or canola oil and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the mixture. Do not buy a mixture with a borderline expiration date.
Buy baby food only in specialized stores.
The presence of carnitine, linoleic acid, taurine is useful - they are involved in fat, protein, vitamin and energy metabolism, tissue generation, and the formation of internal organs.
Monitor your baby's reaction to food. If you experience allergies or digestive problems, consult your pediatrician. Perhaps the selected mixture is not suitable for your baby and needs to be replaced.

How to understand that the mixture is not suitable

As the experience of mothers whose babies grow up on artificial feeding shows, finding “your” formula is not always easy and quick. The only search method is the “trial and error” method. To avoid indigestion and health problems, the mother needs to carefully monitor the baby’s reaction to the formula. Some tips will help the mother navigate and understand whether the chosen formula is suitable for the child. So, it’s worth thinking about a new mixture if:

Appear in the form of a rash and redness of the skin;
The child has frequent loose stools with white spots (undigested particles of the mixture);
The baby shows anxiety, screams and cries after feeding, and does not maintain the required interval between meals;
The child is not gaining weight well ();
At night the baby sleeps very restlessly and often wakes up.

Prepare the mixture only in accordance with the preparation method indicated on the package, observe the proportions of the components.

Artificial feeding is an expensive pleasure. Parents who use the formula note that the baby’s nutrition becomes a very significant expense item in the family budget. However, you should not save on mixtures by choosing cheaper and low-quality options. The best option to save money and be sure that the baby has enough for growth and development is breastfeeding, so try to establish lactation and feed, and only take a bottle if breastfeeding is really impossible.

What is important to know when choosing infant formula?

Breast milk is the best food for a newborn. However, sometimes it happens that a mother cannot feed her baby with her milk. Then you need to choose a mixture for the baby that suits him in all respects. How do you know if baby food is right for your baby? First, let's figure out what mixtures are available in modern pharmacies.

Types of baby food

Physiological

This type of mixture can be simple or adapted. This product is intended for daily feeding and closely replicates the composition of breast milk.

The adapted version of the mixture is much better digestible: it contains less protein and more vitamins. A simple formula is easier to fill and is suitable for a newborn who cannot withstand the intervals between main feedings.

Medicinal

These are mixtures with a complex composition designed to combat gastrointestinal problems and allergies. The composition of these products is more complex and can cause negative consequences.

For babies who have lactose intolerance, manufacturers suggest choosing a lactose-free formula for a newborn. These children do not produce the enzyme that is designed to digest lactose. If you give them the usual mixture, dysbiosis may occur.

To make it easier for parents to choose a formula for a newborn, manufacturers mark on the packaging the amount of lactose contained in the product with the designations “BL” (lactose-free) and “NL” (low-lactose). Also, when purchasing baby food, you may see the designation “Soy”: soy products are intended for children with intolerance to cow protein.

If your newborn is allergic to regular baby food, your pediatrician may suggest choosing a formula with the “HA” symbol or “Hypoallergenic” label.

Another type of mixture is anti-reflux. They contain a thickener (gum or starch). They should be chosen for the treatment of constipation, colic and other disorders in the baby’s digestive system.

The medicinal mixture is prescribed only by a pediatrician: under no circumstances should it be used as the main diet.

Choosing food according to the child’s age

To choose the right baby food, you need to take into account the age of the newborn. Manufacturers put the appropriate designations on packages:

the number “1” on the packaging of artificial food for children means that it can be given to babies from birth to six months;

number “2” - for children six months and older.

You can also find the designation “Pre” - this is a mixture for a baby born prematurely. Sometimes manufacturers simply indicate the acceptable age in months.

Parents need to take into account: you should not buy a formula for a newborn that is not appropriate for his age, since the consequences will be negative in any case. It would be a good idea to study the composition of the product before purchasing: it may contain potential allergens for the baby, and find out the expiration date.

The only parameter that parents should not pay attention to in order to choose the right food for children is the price. Just because food is expensive does not mean it is necessarily suitable for a newborn. All selection options are entirely individual.

How to understand that the mixture is not suitable?

Introducing a child to any product should begin with small doses. For the first feeding, you should give no more than one scoop of the mixture (it is always included in the package). The next day, try giving two and observe how the child’s body reacts. On the third day you will know for sure whether the product is suitable for your baby. If the formula is not suitable for the newborn, parents will be able to observe the following signs:

colic, gas, bloating;
the child becomes capricious and nervous;
frequent regurgitation appears;
an allergic rash may appear;
frequent stools with white spots;
The baby's growth and weight gain have slowed down.

This condition of the newborn may be temporary. If the negative effects of consuming the mixture continue for more than 3 days, the diet should be replaced. If the formula is not suitable for the child, he will not be able to get used to it.

To quickly make a choice, you can consult a pediatrician. Doctors know the quality composition of products from well-known manufacturers and the developmental characteristics of your baby, which means they will be able to choose the optimal formula for you. Ask your doctor to explain what role certain components play in the nutrition and development of the newborn. Even if your doctor’s advice does not suit you, you can try to select the products yourself by studying their composition.

You should not rely on reviews on the Internet or advice from friends. They do not know the characteristics of your child and come only from their own experience. In your case it may be wrong.

If the formula is suitable for the child:

his stool is stable and uniform;
the child sleeps well and develops normally;
skin is clean, healthy;
The newborn has a good appetite.

Only if all the listed signs are present can we say that the food is suitable for the baby.

Formulas are the optimal product for feeding children under one year of age who, for certain reasons, cannot accept breast milk. They have everything for the normal development of children. However, it should be remembered that no formula can completely replace mother’s milk in terms of quality composition. If a mother has the opportunity to breastfeed her child at least once a day, this should be done and not replace natural feeding with artificial feeding. Otherwise, the choice of formula will depend on the child’s condition and the pediatrician’s prescriptions.

In terms of beneficial properties, an indispensable product for a newborn is mother’s milk. It often happens that the mother does not breastfeed the baby. In the current circumstances, babies are transferred to artificial feeding with infant formula, which are developed taking into account the norms and needs of children of all ages and contain vitamins and microelements. However, baby food departments in pharmacies and supermarkets are overflowing with a huge assortment of this product. From the variety offered, it is important for parents to choose a product that suits their little one. It is equally important to learn to understand when artificial formula is not suitable for a newborn.

You can determine that formula is not suitable for your child by carefully observing the baby’s well-being. The baby’s body gives the mother signs indicating possible nutritional problems. The task of parents is to recognize the signs in time, establish the cause and take the necessary measures. If the baby is transferred to artificial feeding and consumes food that is unsuitable for the body, the following symptoms may occur:

Allergic reactions. The allergy will manifest itself in the form of itchy areas, rashes, redness and peeling of the skin. Sometimes a runny nose occurs, the baby becomes restless and capricious.
Digestive dysfunction. When an infant is transferred to artificial feeding, the infant's stool changes: it becomes pasty, crumbly, white-yellow in color with a characteristic putrefactive odor. These changes are considered normal. Uncharacteristically frequent and profuse regurgitation, changes in the nature of stool in the form of constipation or diarrhea are signs that the selected mixture requires replacement.
The baby is worried about colic and gas. To make sure that the problem is in the diet, follow the feeding rules - it is recommended to hold the baby in a column after eating, give the bottle correctly, periodically place it on the tummy, and massage.
Having problems gaining weight. Formula-fed babies gain weight well because they eat at regular intervals and in the required amount. If the baby does not gain weight or the weight gain is minimal, this indicates that the food is not completely absorbed in the intestines, is not absorbed by the body, and the dairy product should be changed.
Changes in behavior appear. Sleep disturbances, increased excitability, frequent crying or, on the contrary, passivity are evidence of digestive problems associated with a changed diet.

Using a new artificial formula, it is important to carefully monitor possible disorders in the child’s body for 3 days. Switching to artificial feeding is stressful for children's bodies and the baby needs time to adapt. Be patient and be attentive to your baby. This will allow you to avoid serious problems and complications, and promptly determine that the mixture is not suitable for newborns.

The choice of preparations for preparing baby food should be approached responsibly and seriously, and first consult with a pediatrician. The following classification of artificial nutrition is used:

Base mixtures. In turn, they are divided depending on age into highly adapted (from 0 to 6 months), subsequent (from 4 to 12 months) and others, depending on age. Basic mixtures differ in consistency (dry and liquid), the predominance of the protein component (whey, casein), and the presence of biologically active additives.
Treatment, prevention and treatment. They are prescribed by a doctor. Subtypes of medicinal formula for infants are hypoallergenic, anti-reflux, fermented milk, containing starch or prebiotics, formulas for premature babies. For children with phenylketonuria, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis, the use of special mixtures is necessary.

Famous doctor Komarovsky E.O. notes that a healthy child should be given regular formula. Buy special or specialized food (hypoallergenic, lactose-free, etc.) only when the baby has real health problems and physiological abnormalities.

To choose the right option from the variety presented, mommy needs to follow simple recommendations and tips:

Before choosing or using an already purchased mixture, be sure to consult your pediatrician;
look at the expiration date, do not take the product if there are several weeks or days left before the expiration date;
choose food in accordance with the age of the baby. Information about how many months the food can be consumed is always indicated on the box;
if the product suits your little one, take several packages at once so as not to wait for it to go on sale again and not to change the suitable option;
Having chosen a product manufacturer, give preference to its other products;
do not focus on cost, evaluate quality;
Do not take the advice of other mothers or sellers as the ultimate truth! Each child is individual and what suits one child may harm another.

If the food suits the baby and satisfies his taste needs, he sucks well and actively during feeding. Sleeps for the allotted number of hours day and night, because he feels full. He has regular bowel movements without a strong odor and no skin reactions. With the right choice, the little one will actively gain weight. This is enough to draw the necessary conclusions.

Very often, women, when transferring their baby to artificial feeding, make various mistakes. The most common of them are:

non-compliance with the schedule; by giving food on demand from a bottle, you can overfeed the child, which often causes gastrointestinal disorders;
frequent unreasonable substitutions of mixtures, search for new options;
transferring the baby to a different diet at the slightest change in stool or for other reasons;
use of fermented milk mixtures in unlimited quantities;
independent transfer of the toddler to medicinal products;
replacing adapted nutrition with cow's milk;
violation of recommended food concentrations during preparation;
excessive heat treatment of the product.

Only a doctor can determine whether a baby needs a therapeutic or preventative formula based on tests, existing disorders or predispositions to illnesses. After what period of time you should give your baby this food and for how long, it is also best to find out from your pediatrician.

Sometimes women wonder how often the formula should be changed? Pediatricians do not recommend looking for a replacement product if it fully suits the toddler and satisfies the nutritional needs. The new mixture may cause unpleasant reactions. Replacement is carried out as a last resort, if circumstances require it or there are medical indications.

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The birth of a baby is not only a long-awaited miracle, but also a large burden of responsibility for a new life. The most important thing at first is to provide quality nutrition to your child. It has long been known that breast milk is the most necessary and proper food for a newborn. It meets all the baby’s nutritional needs, contains microelements that help the young body adapt to new conditions, and provides strength for the formation and growth of tissues.

But due to many circumstances, not all mothers can count on precious milk. And some deliberately refuse breastfeeding because they want to preserve their figure. For many, milk disappears some time after birth for various physiological reasons.

Every mother who finds herself in this situation naturally has a question: how to choose a formula for a newborn? There are many types of milk formulas on the Russian market. First you need to figure out how they differ. The main difference between all types of mixtures is the age of the child. Infant formula for newborns has a certain composition, but for older children it is different. This is not surprising, because the body’s need for microelements and various vitamins changes as the baby grows. Mixtures vary in consistency. Liquid mixtures are more convenient, because they are ready for use and only require heating. But the choice of liquid mixtures is still a privilege of large cities, since they have a short shelf life and require certain transportation conditions. Dry mixtures are presented in almost every supermarket and children's food store in a wide variety. They are easy to store and prepare. Powdered milk mixtures differ in composition. Most formulas for newborns are based on cow's milk, but they are also made from goat's milk, as well as from soy, with the addition of bifidobacteria and probiotics. There are a wide variety of formulas for newborns. How to choose the right one is up to mothers to decide, based on their own experience and observation of the child’s behavior.

The price category varies from 200 rubles or more, depending on the composition, manufacturer’s brand and packaging. In this case, price is not the answer to the question of what formula to feed a newborn - more expensive or cheaper? Both domestic and foreign manufacturers are distinguished by good quality. Inexpensive milk formulas, usually from a Russian manufacturer, are well absorbed by many children, while expensive formulas from a European manufacturer may contain GMOs and various vegetable oils. Whether a child will accept formula milk or not can only be understood with an individual approach. When switching to artificial feeding, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician about the baby’s nutrition and how to understand that the formula is not suitable for the child. If certain physical indicators are present, the doctor may recommend a specialized milk formula containing a particular microelement.

So, we have decided how to choose a formula for a newborn. Now you need to see the baby’s reaction to the new food. You should not change the mixture at the first unsuccessful attempt. Adaptation to a new product takes about three days for a baby. For the first time, you should give your baby one measuring spoon of the prepared milk formula to try, on the second day - two spoons, and then increase by one serving. When a new product is suddenly introduced into the diet, there may be a severe allergic reaction due to its large intake into the body. If the baby took the mixture and remained full, then it suited him. Although there is no guarantee that he will use it constantly. Over time, many mothers had to change formulas, more than once.

What if this is not the case? And how do you know if formula is not suitable for your child? The most indicative option is the appearance of a rash on the child’s skin, the so-called diathesis. It can be on the face or other parts of the body, so it is necessary to carefully examine the baby when swaddling. Constipation or, conversely, diarrhea also indicates the indigestibility of this product. Does your baby cry while eating or after? Are you experiencing colic, gas, or bloating? Baby didn't like infant formula? It also happens that the baby simply does not swallow it, burps and closes his mouth. All of these are indicators that formula is not suitable for the baby. Often the baby eats it, but over time he becomes lethargic and does not gain weight. This is also a very important sign indicating that the milk formula needs to be changed.

If some time has already passed and the formula has not yet been selected, you should consult with your pediatrician about formula for newborns. How to choose the right one from the many baby foods on the market today? Pediatricians recommend finding out in advance what mixture is given to the newborn in the maternity hospital, and how he reacted to it. It is also necessary to be tested to see if the child has allergies. To choose the right formula for newborns, reviews from pediatricians should be taken seriously. Thus, in case of intestinal dysbiosis, pediatricians recommend giving the baby the milk formula “Nutrilon Comfort”, “Nan Fermented Milk”, “Bifidus”. If a child has regurgitation and vomiting syndrome - “Nutrilon Ar (antireflux)”, “Similak Izovok”, “Granny’s Basket for children with regurgitation and constipation”. With low body weight and slow weight gain, as well as if the child was born prematurely, pediatricians recommend such milk formulas as Nutrilon Pre, Nan Pre, Enfalak, Hipp Pre. The prefix “pre” indicates that the product is intended for debilitated children. In case of severe allergy in a child to cow's milk protein and lactose, with malabsorption syndrome, and with a weakened postoperative period, pediatricians recommend the mixtures "Frisopel", "Pepti-Junior", "Portagen", "Humana GA" and "Hipp GA". For intestinal infections, as well as with reduced activity of the lactase enzyme in the intestines, and a tendency to diarrhea, choose the milk formula “Babushkino Lukoshko without lactose,” “Al 110,” “Nan” and “Nutrilon” lactose-free. For newborns without health problems, pediatricians recommend choosing adapted milk formulas, that is, those close in composition to breast milk. These are very popular products - such as “Nutrilon”, “Frisolak”, “Nestozhen”, “Nan”, “Agusha”, “Bona”, “Nutrilak”, “Babushkino Basket”.

To the question of how to understand that formula is not suitable for a child, many mothers can confidently answer using the example of their own baby. But in order not to spend extra money on buying expensive formula for newborns in order to determine the reaction to one spoon, and also to preserve your nerves and the health of your baby, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition when purchasing a product.

It is very important to consider the expiration date and method of preparing the mixture. It sometimes happens that mothers cannot answer the question: “How to understand that the formula is not suitable for the child?” At the same time, they prepare the formula incorrectly, which leads to colic or regurgitation in the child after feeding. It must be diluted only in boiled water, the temperature of which is about 37 degrees, and exactly the amount of the mixture that is indicated in the table on the package. Ready-made milk formula for newborns should not be stored for more than an hour; cookies should not be dissolved in it for “fullness.” The bottle and nipple must be sterile. You should not overfeed your baby. Perhaps the mixture suited him, but due to overeating he will start regurgitating and vomiting. If you follow the rules for preparing and storing milk formula and carefully monitor your baby’s reactions when feeding, if you follow the pediatrician’s recommendations on choosing a milk formula, the question of which formula to feed your newborn will no longer arise, and most importantly, the baby will be full and satisfied , which means mom will be happy too.

An adapted formula, that is, very close in composition to breast milk, was created taking into account all the needs of bottle-fed babies. The task of parents is to approach the choice of complementary foods for their child with all responsibility, study all the possible options that manufacturers offer and, of course, listen to the advice of the pediatrician.

Despite the fact that all infant formulas are similar in composition to each other, the newborn’s reaction to them can be completely different. It is not always possible to choose the right nutrition for a newly born baby the first time, and a young mother faces a number of problems that arise from eating food that is inappropriate for him. How to determine whether a given food is suitable for a child, or whether it is necessary to think about replacing it?

Criteria for selecting formula:

If the newborn started receiving formula milk in the maternity hospital, then changing it, at least for the first time, is not recommended.
It must correspond to the age of the baby. Packages of baby food from birth to 6 months are marked with the number 1, from six months to a year with the number 2, and over one year - 3
Check the expiration date on the packaging
The product must contain all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the full development of the baby: taurine, carnitine, linoleic acid, lactulose, probiotics, nucleotides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, iodine, iron
The amount of protein should range from 12 to 14 grams per 1 liter of prepared product
The composition must be free of starch and sucrose.
Instructions for preparing food should be informative and understandable
Try to choose an affordable product, one that you can easily purchase in the future.

If you try to follow these simple rules, then most likely you will succeed; the food you choose will be healthy and will bring you and your baby many pleasant moments. But there are exceptions to every rule, and every newborn organism is individual, so even the best and most expensive formula may be unsuitable for your baby. It is necessary to introduce complementary foods with a new product gradually, observing the reaction over several days.

You need to start feeding your child new food as carefully as possible, with small amounts, increasing portions every day, and monitor how he reacts to the innovation.

Here is an approximate scheme for introducing a new product into the diet of a newborn:

1st day. 10 grams of an unfamiliar mixture, once a day.
2nd day. 20 grams, twice a day.
3rd day. 30 grams, three times.
4th day. 40 grams, four times a day. And so on until the volume of the mixture reaches 70 grams, and the number of feedings reaches seven.

This scheme is suitable for newly born babies; if you start introducing a new formula at a later date, then its amount increases in direct proportion to the age of the child. For example: at 3 months, start complementary feeding with 20 grams, and at 5 months with 30 grams, adding the same amount daily.

Switching a child to a new product in one day is strictly not recommended, as it can lead to negative consequences, such as bloating, indigestion and allergic reactions. Under no circumstances should you change baby formula without good reason; such a change is a very big burden on a fragile body.

If all the signs of good health, mood and timely development of the newborn described above are present, then you have made the right choice and the new food is suitable for your baby. You can safely continue to feed your baby with it, moving to the next level when he reaches the appropriate age.

If, after introducing a new product into the diet, you notice at least one of the following symptoms, this is a consequence of the fact that the chosen food is not suitable for the baby and you need to think about replacing it.

Frequent stools with white lumps of undigested food and mucus
Increased gas formation, colic and constipation
Constant regurgitation, even between feedings
Skin rashes, redness
Poor weight gain
The baby is lethargic, often capricious, cries and irritated
Sleeps restlessly at night, wakes up repeatedly
The child does not eat enough and cannot maintain feeding intervals

Observe the baby's behavior while eating; if he doesn't like it, he will refuse to eat. In this case, you should not force him to eat, but you need to figure it out and understand the reason for the refusal.

Of course, you need to gradually transfer your child to a new diet; the child’s body needs adaptation, otherwise he will be tormented by colic and regurgitation. If after 2-3 weeks the unpleasant symptoms do not disappear, the selection of a suitable mixture should be continued.

An allergic reaction to infant formula is the first sign that it is not suitable for him. Allergies can manifest as constipation, colic, diarrhea, regurgitation and rashes and are quite common. Typically, this reaction of the body occurs in the second month of life, but can appear at any age. What to do in such cases and how to fight so as not to provoke more severe forms of it?

First of all, you should try to dilute a smaller amount of dry powder in the same volume of water as before, that is, make a less concentrated mixture. This will reduce the load on the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate fermentation in the intestines. If this option does not help, you should think about changing the product or introducing additional nutrition into the diet, in the form of medicinal mixtures.

If the allergy is caused by dysbiosis, you can try adding a fermented milk mixture to your baby’s regular daily menu, which helps restore the intestinal microflora. Typically, such mixtures contain probiotics, which increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the child’s intestines, normalizing his function and stool.

Normally, in a healthy baby, the number of regurgitations after feeding is one to two; if an allergy occurs, their number increases several times and often turns into prolonged hiccups. In this case, it would be appropriate to add an anti-reflux mixture to the baby’s diet and drink it in a course. It has a thicker consistency due to the locust bean gum, casein or starch present in the composition. The effect of such a mixture is as follows: when it enters the stomach, it swells and forms a dense, thick lump, which the child is not able to regurgitate.

Another manifestation of an allergy to the mixture is skin reactions in the form of rashes and redness. The rash can appear on any part of the baby’s body and causes him great discomfort; usually the child’s body reacts this way to cow’s milk protein, on the basis of which most formulas are produced. But, first, it is necessary to determine whether the allergic reaction was actually provoked by the milk formula. Rule out contact dermatitis and drug allergies. If the rash continues, specially developed hypoallergenic baby food can be a salvation from this unpleasant problem.

An excellent alternative to a mixture with cow protein can be a product based on goat milk. Such mixtures are excellent for infants, contain the required amount of animal proteins and are superior to regular ones in nutritional value.

Any prescription, be it replacing a newborn’s diet or introducing medicinal mixtures into the diet, must come from a pediatrician. Self-indulgence in this matter should be completely excluded.

After the birth of a long-awaited baby, every woman thinks about how she will feed the child. Pediatricians believe that the best food for infants is mother's milk. After all, it saturates the child with those microelements and nutrients that are so necessary for a growing organism, helps him adapt to his new environment. The elements contained in breast milk ensure the growth of all organs and tissues of the body.

But there are times when a mother cannot breastfeed her child. One of the primary reasons is the lack of lactation, the presence of serious serious illnesses in the mother, and the use of medications that can harm the baby. And then the issue of artificial feeding of the baby is resolved. Today there is a very large selection of artificial breast milk substitutes. It is the mother who faces the question of which formula to choose, and how to determine whether the formula is suitable for the newborn or not. After all, she is nearby 24 hours a day, watching and caring for him. Due to the disappointing consequences of the formula’s reactions on the child’s body, it is necessary to select dairy products for a newborn for a long time. There are certain signs based on which we can make a conclusion about the baby’s condition after each meal.

The pediatrician should select the most optimal formula for the newborn. But then it is the mother who closely monitors the condition of the baby and his nutrition. The mixture is not suitable for the baby and requires replacement in the following cases:

Rash on the skin
Colic, gas
No weight gain
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract
Profuse regurgitation
Taste rejection

All of the above indicators indicate that this milk formula is not suitable for a newborn, and therefore it should be replaced with another.

Below we will discuss these features in more detail, since it will be problematic for a young mother to understand that the formula is not suitable for a newborn without knowing the symptoms.

After eating, the baby's skin became covered with a rash, cough and runny nose. The rash can be observed on the face, head, and other parts of the body. In some severe cases, hives may occur. This is how an allergic reaction to the mixture manifests itself. Therefore, when swaddling a baby, you should carefully examine his skin.

In any case, if allergic reactions occur, this is a sign that the newborn’s body did not like the proposed food novelty. Pediatricians advise observing the baby's reaction to a new type of formula for 72 hours. If the body adapts to the innovation, then the rash and itching of the skin go away. If the symptoms remain, you need to study the composition of the mixture and select the next one so that these components do not appear in the new one. Therefore, you should definitely contact your pediatrician for advice.

After eating, the children, having had enough, fall asleep. In the case when the mixture is not suitable, the baby experiences colic, pain in the stomach, as evidenced by a piercing squeal, the child kicks his legs, cries endlessly during meals, and also after it. This is especially evident at night, the baby sleeps poorly, spins, and is capricious. Irritability is also characteristic of him during the daytime. These symptoms can also occur because the baby swallows too much air with the formula when sucking. Or he holds the pacifier in his mouth incorrectly. After each meal, it is necessary to hold the baby upright so that the accumulated gas comes out. This must be done within a quarter of an hour. To ensure that the newborn does not swallow air during the feeding hour, it is necessary to ensure that there is always liquid in the nipple.

Artificial babies have always been much larger than those children who are fed their mother's breast milk. Breastfeeding babies often get tired because it is hard work. Therefore, as soon as they satisfy their hunger, they immediately fall asleep. It is sometimes difficult for nursing mothers to estimate how much milk the baby has sucked from the breast. In this regard, it is easier for artificial babies: sucking liquid from a bottle does not require much effort, since the milk itself pours into the newborn’s mouth from the nipple. It’s easier for mom to track the amount of formula she drinks on the division scale on the bottle.

When weighing the child, you can see that there is no weight gain, or there is some, but it is small. Then you should think about why the mixture is not suitable for the body: either it is a lack of necessary enzymes, or the poverty of the gastrointestinal microflora. Such a baby can also be identified visually: over time, he becomes lethargic and weak if he continues to use this mixture. You should contact your pediatrician for appointments for the necessary tests and recommendations for selecting a medicinal mixture.

A baby's stool more than three times a day indicates problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This manifests itself in the form of diarrhea, constipation, and discoloration. The mother may see white lumps in the stool; this mixture is not completely digested, or vice versa, the baby eats a lot, and the food is not fully processed. All this suggests that this diet is not good for the baby.

But there is no need to rush too much to abandon the mixture and replace it with another. This is a lot of stress for a small organism. It is necessary to monitor the baby and his nutrition. If the unpleasant symptoms have disappeared, then you can continue to feed the baby; if not, you should consult a doctor.

Every baby spits up due to air entering the stomach during feeding. After some time, this same air comes back out along with a small amount of food eaten. As the baby grows, he stops burping. If it doesn’t stop for a long time, you need to tell the doctor everything at the next appointment, especially if the regurgitation is profuse, like a fountain. This may be a pathology of the esophagus or the fact that the mixture is quite liquid and is not suitable for the child.

It is rare, but it happens that a baby refuses to eat formula, simply because he does not like the taste of the milk formula. Then he doesn’t swallow it, he constantly spits it out and burps or closes his mouth when a bottle with a pacifier is brought to him.

In order to choose the right replacement for breast milk, you should definitely consult with your pediatrician. Many bottle-fed children have passed through the hands of the doctor; taking into account his experience, he will select a dairy product that is ideal for the baby and his growing body.

Choosing the right milk formula is a serious and responsible step that parents of formula-fed babies need to take. This is important for adequate nutrition of the baby and for his health. It is necessary to find the right approach to the selection of milk nutrition in order to avoid possible complications in the future and do everything possible for the child’s full growth and development. Taking into account all the factors stated above, it will be easy for parents to navigate the breast milk substitutes on the market that are offered by modern manufacturers.

No matter how much they talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, there are cases in which it is impossible to do without formula. Therefore, many mothers today are concerned about the question of how to independently determine whether the formula is suitable for the child. Knowing what baby food formulas consist of, you can choose “your own” option that will not harm the child and will help his body grow and develop properly.

Types and characteristics of mixtures:

Adapted. Its properties are closest to breast milk.
Simple. The most satisfying and nutritious. Well suited for those who are unable to withstand breaks between feedings.
Medicinal mixtures. They can be used only after consulting a doctor: lactose-free (labeled BL), soybean (labeled “SOYAN”), hypoallergenic (labeled HA), anti-reflux (labeled AR), fermented milk, high iron, etc.

Not long ago, nighttime mixtures were developed. They contain components that have a calming effect on the child’s nervous system. Since healthy sleep is extremely important for both baby and mother, many pediatricians recommend their use.

In order not to change the formula frequently, it is necessary not only to carefully read the label, but also to regularly consult with a pediatrician, who will promptly tell you what nutrition is optimal for your baby.

How to determine whether the formula is suitable for a child

First of all, when choosing a formula for a newborn, pay attention to its composition. Read the label carefully. The following components must be included in the mixture:

milk serum;
linoleic acid;
taurine and L-carnitine.

How to understand that the formula is not suitable for a newborn? Pay attention to how the child behaves and whether everything is fine with his digestion. There are several ways to recognize that the formula is not suitable for your baby and needs to be changed. Loose stools or constipation are the most obvious cause for concern. If you notice such a violation, you should contact your pediatrician and undergo an examination.

If the child is healthy, the doctor will recommend a different formula. But if the baby does not sleep well at night and is very capricious during the day, this may also be a consequence of poor digestion. In case of insufficient weight gain, the mixture should be changed to a more nutritious one after consultation with a doctor.

How to understand that the formula is not suitable for your baby

The most common reason for changing the formula is allergies. And here it is completely obvious how to understand that the formula is not suitable for the child. If such symptoms appear, then an urgent medical examination and the prescription of special nutrition and medications may definitely be required. Signs of an allergic reaction are not only skin rashes and redness. Cough, runny nose and watery eyes can also be symptoms of an allergy to the mixture. If a child has an allergic reaction to the components of the formula, the most important thing is to carefully and without stress transfer him to another, safe food.

Regardless of the reason why parents decided to change the formula (not suitable, it has become difficult to get, etc.), this should be done only after consulting a doctor. The pediatrician will advise which type of formula is best for your baby, because there are quite a lot of them and not all of them can be consumed by children every day.

Choosing or replacing a formula is a responsible decision that parents must make not only based on their own considerations, but also based on the experience and knowledge of the pediatrician. When choosing a formula, remember: his health and development depend on what kind of nutrition the baby receives.

Every mother knows that the healthiest food for a newborn is mother's milk. This is not only an emotional connection between mother and child, but also assistance in the postpartum recovery of the mother. But sometimes, for various reasons, a woman cannot breastfeed her baby, then artificial milk formula is suitable. The baby's reaction to such food is not always positive. Therefore, it is important to understand the question of how to understand that formula is not suitable for an infant.

Before buying formula for a baby, first of all, reading the information on the jar, you need to look at the age at which the child is allowed to give this food:

If the baby was born premature, choose products labeled “0”; This feeding is also suitable for newborn babies.
A jar marked with a unit is suitable for children up to six months of age.
From 6 months to 12 months, it is recommended to purchase a mixture with the two shown.
For very adult babies, from a year and older, formula milk marked with the number “3” is suitable for feeding.

Among other things, mommy should pay attention to the expiration date of the product. Under no circumstances should you purchase a product that has a couple of weeks left before its expiration date.

When choosing, you should focus on quality rather than cost of the mixture.

Compound

When preparing artificial milk for children, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician. There are several types of milk formulas:

Regular food. It is classified depending on the age of the child, starting with highly adapted (from the first days of life) and up to one year. Basic nutrition is produced in dry and liquid consistency, with a predominant protein component (based on whey or casein). In addition, the milk formula differs in the biologically active additives included in its composition.
Medicinal or therapeutic food. Used only as prescribed by a doctor. Has several subspecies:

hypoallergenic;
antireflux;
fermented milk;
using starch or prebiotics in the composition (suitable for premature babies).

Often, therapeutic artificial feeding is suitable for infants with pathologies such as phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.
Manufacturer's brand
When purchasing artificial nutrition, you must pay attention to the country of origin. The fact is that a mixture of the same brand, but produced in different countries, can differ significantly in quality.
How to tell if the formula is suitable for your baby
It is not difficult to determine that artificial nutrition is suitable for your baby. With the right choice of formula, the baby will enjoy the feeding process and will actively suck from the bottle. If food is well digested, the child sleeps for the amount of time required for his age without showing concern. There are no skin reactions, stool frequency is normal, without an unpleasant odor. In addition, an excellent indicator of the correct selection of formula is the stable weight gain of the newborn.
What symptoms can you use to determine that the food is not suitable for your child?
There are several signs that baby milk powder is not suitable for infants. They may appear after the first feedings. However, there are cases when symptoms appear even after several weeks of feeding. The digestive system of newborns is not yet formed and is very vulnerable. To reduce the possibility of unpleasant consequences, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging when preparing milk.
If all the conditions for introducing artificial nutrition into the infant’s diet have been met, but unpleasant symptoms still appear, do not panic. It is necessary to figure out what kind of reaction to the mixture manifested itself, and then take appropriate measures. Signs that baby food is not suitable for your baby are divided into several groups:
Digestive disorders.
Insufficient weight gain.
Skin reactions.
Instability of behavior.
Regurgitation.

Skin reactions
A quick way to find out that powdered milk is not suitable for your baby is a reaction on the skin. Often the baby’s cheeks turn red, which is a sign of diathesis. The rash can spread to other parts of the newborn's body, peeling, itching, and sometimes leading to an ulcerative rash.
With such signs, it is necessary to make sure that the baby has not taken medications or new foods in recent days. And all materials in contact with his body, including bedding, clothing or diapers, are well breathable and do not cause discomfort to the child.
In cases where the above factors do not affect the condition of the baby’s skin, and it’s all about nutrition, there is no need to immediately change the milk formula. It is recommended to wait a few weeks and allow the body to get used to the new food. Otherwise, when the symptoms only intensify, an urgent visit to the pediatrician is required.
Indigestion, problems with stool
Digestive disorders and problems with stool are the most common signs that artificial milk is not suitable for the baby. However, each of these troubles does not happen only due to an inappropriate mixture.
Abnormal bowel movements may be temporary, however, if the baby's bowel movements become more frequent up to 5 times a day or more, a strong odor is felt and lumps of undigested food are visible, then this is a reason to contact a pediatrician.
Constipation also causes great discomfort for the baby. In isolated cases, drugs intended for children from birth will cope perfectly with the problem.
Weight abnormalities
The healthy development of the newborn is reflected in regular weight gain. Gaining body weight for a newborn in the first months is a very important process. If the baby does not gain enough weight, this provokes the development of various pathologies.
In the case when artificial feeding takes place taking into account all the recommendations and in the proper portions, but the child does not gain weight well, this is a direct sign that the parents need to replace the milk formula.

Change in Behavior
Another reason for parents to change their baby’s milk powder is the baby’s increased tearfulness and irritability.
Intestinal colic
Increased restlessness of the baby during or after eating, rumbling and bloating indicate that the baby has intestinal colic. The appearance of intestinal spasms can be triggered by improper feeding techniques.
To avoid excess air getting into the baby’s body, it is recommended to lay the baby on the tummy before feeding, and then hold it in a column for some time. In this position, the baby will burp excess air. If the recommendations do not help, then be sure to consult a doctor.
Regurgitation
When a newborn eats, he swallows air. Some time after eating, the baby regurgitates it along with the mixture. If regurgitation is repeated frequently and in large volumes, the baby needs the help of a pediatrician. The specialist will most likely prescribe a medicinal mixture.
What can be replaced
If artificial nutrition turns out to be unsuitable, first of all, a doctor’s consultation is required to exclude other factors in the manifestation of unpleasant reactions.
When the child’s health is normal, taking into account the symptoms, the mother selects a new milk formula:
For a baby who has frequent constipation, fermented milk nutrition is suitable.
In case of loose stools, it is recommended to purchase powdered milk containing starch in large quantities.
If skin rashes are present, the infant should be treated with antihistamines, and then determine which component of the diet the baby is allergic to.
For an infant who is not gaining weight well, it is recommended to switch to lactose-free formulas.