No one argues that the best food for a baby is mother's milk. But a woman does not always have the opportunity to breastfeed her child. Finding a replacement for natural food is often difficult due to allergic reactions in the baby. In this case, you need to buy a special mixture for the baby - hypoallergenic, of which there are many varieties. What suits one baby may lead to tummy problems for another. Therefore, you need to know some of the features of baby hypoallergenic formulas and introduce any of them into the baby’s diet, carefully observing his reaction to the new food.
Features of feeding children with artificial formulas
Most mothers understand perfectly well how beneficial their milk is for a newborn baby and infant during the first months of his life.
But it is not always possible to maintain breastfeeding, and then parents transfer the child to feeding with artificial formulas.
Babies willingly drink sweetened formulas, but when they are introduced into the diet, a rather serious problem can arise - an allergy to infant formula.
Digestive problems, frequent regurgitation, body rashes, diathesis, moodiness and poor sleep - all these symptoms may indicate an allergy to artificial nutrition.
You should always pay attention to such signs, since ignoring them will lead to even greater health problems for the newborn, and then hospital treatment may be required.
If changes occur in the well-being of a baby transferred to artificial nutrition, you should contact your pediatrician so that he can choose the type of formula that does not cause an allergic reaction.
List of the best palm oil-free infant formulas for newborns from 0 to six months
The first six months of a baby’s life is one of the most difficult periods of development, because it is during these months that children’s immunity is formed, and mother’s milk is a very important help in this regard. If it is not there, then you can use a substitute, choosing only high-quality products without palm oil and other harmful additives. Based on research by specialists from the independent laboratory of Roskachestvo and reviews from real customers, the following rating was compiled.
Valio baby
The mixture is one of the bestsellers, being completely safe in all respects, including heavy metals and toxic substances.
Customers will also be pleased with the consistency of the product, which is a fine dispersive powder that easily dissolves in water and does not form lumps. Among other features is a composition rich in vitamins and microelements, which is as close as possible to breast milk. The price tag for the mixture is average - 300 rubles. for 350 g.
balanced composition of the mixture (all necessary vitamins and microelements, complete absence of harmful substances);
excellent organoleptic qualities (the mixture is moderately sweet, smells pleasant and is really very similar to mother’s milk);
well tolerated by babies (stool improves, colic goes away quickly, allergic reactions are not observed, etc.)
cardboard packaging instead of a tin can;
a price that constantly fluctuates, being tied to the USD exchange rate.
Nan optipro premium
The products of the world-famous manufacturer Nestle will cost twice as much - about 690 rubles, which is due not so much to its quality (the latter is not satisfactory) but to the packaging (the products are delivered in reinforced concrete). In addition, one such jar contains 800 g of the mixture, which is almost 3 times more than in the previous case, so the benefit is obvious.
And these are not all the advantages of the product, because we are talking about a unique mixture that is as close as possible to breast milk, ideal for feeding children from the first day of life. This result was achieved thanks to a special composition, which is a complex protein complex enriched with fatty acids and many other useful elements that ensure the full development of the baby.
The only important note is that the mixture is suitable for consumption only after dilution, not stored until the next feeding in finished form. In addition, you should adhere to all recommendations indicated on the packaging when it comes to storing the product after opening the can, remembering how important it is to ensure the proper level of humidity.
composition rich in amino acids and vitamins;
absence of preservatives, starch and other harmful substances;
economical consumption and price, considering the volume;
compliance of the actual weight and labeling of the product with the declared one;
long shelf life;
the presence of a measuring spoon and an auxiliary table for preparing the mixture.
deviation in potassium and manganese indicators (more potassium than the average daily intake);
Some buyers think the price is too high.
Mamako premium
A distinctive feature of this formula for feeding infants in the first year of life is that it is based on goat's milk - an ideal option for allergic babies who cannot tolerate cow protein. In addition, the mixture is rich in beneficial substances, including vitamins, minerals, bifidobacteria and prebiotics.
The last two components help populate the children's intestines with beneficial microflora, normalizing digestion and helping to fight such a common problem as dysbiosis.
excellent solubility without excessive foam and lumps;
absence of allergies and any other negative manifestations;
normalization of stool within the first week of use;
absence of palm and rapeseed oil in the composition;
high-quality sealed packaging (concrete can with a convenient lid).
increased content of potassium, sodium and manganese in the composition;
exceeding the permissible level of prebiotics, which can cause constipation and other digestive problems;
the average price of the mixture is 233 rubles. for 100 g, which may not seem acceptable to everyone.
Nutrilak premium 1
If you want to save money without losing quality, then you can opt for this safe mixture, packaged in cardboard boxes. It, like previous products, does not contain harmful substances, dissolves quickly and has a normal level of humidity.
In addition, the manufacturer claims an improved fat composition of the mixture, including natural milk components, the consumption of which contributes to the normal development of the brain and other vital organs. Returning to the price, it should be noted that on average a 350-gram package costs customers 300 rubles.
normalization of intestinal microflora and general strengthening of the immune system with regular use;
composition rich in useful components and good digestibility;
good nutritional value and organoleptic properties;
affordable price ensured by more budget-friendly packaging.
limited access - the mixture is not sold in a regular pharmacy and has to be ordered on various online platforms, waiting for some time for delivery.
Nutrilon 1 Superpremium
The rating of dry formulas for babies from 0 to 6 months is completed by this premium line in containers with a convenient plastic lid from a well-known global manufacturer. According to its characteristics, the products are not much different from all previous ones, having a rich fortified composition and not containing harmful impurities and additives.
The price of the mixture is also pleasing; the average price tag is 106 rubles. per 100 g. As a result, the cost of one package ranges from 425 to 1215 rubles, depending on the packaging volume. As for the features of the product, at first glance it may seem coarse-grained, although this will not in any way affect its solubility, which does not cause the slightest complaints from buyers.
an excellent universal composition that is suitable not only for the designated age category, but also for older babies (up to a year);
ergonomic packaging with a plastic snap-on lid designed to hold the included measuring spoon;
high-quality and rapid solubility of the powder;
good digestibility without allergies and disorders of the digestive tract.
some buyers complain about widespread counterfeit, strongly recommending purchasing goods only from trusted sellers;
There were cases when, when ordering on online platforms, the mixture arrived in worn packaging.
What allergens are contained in regular infant formula?
Usually parents buy their children food whose composition is close to human milk. But all these brands of infant formula are made using whey or cow's milk.
It is cow's milk protein that is the strongest allergen to which not only children, but also adults react.
It is also worth considering that the digestive system of children in the first months of life continues to actively improve, and therefore many types of food, including cow’s milk, are quite difficult for the body to digest.
Milk protein and its traces in the composition of children's food brands are considered the most important allergens, but in addition to these substances, the mixtures also contain a lot of other ingredients.
Food allergies in infants often develop to gluten, egg white, and soy.
The exact type of allergen can only be determined through special tests, and they are often used for severe types of food allergies, even if the baby is only a few weeks or months old.
If an allergy to one of the components of infant formula is detected, the pediatrician selects a hypoallergenic formula for feeding.
Today, such hypoallergenic baby food is also available in many different brands, and it contains different substances. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake again with the choice of food for the baby, you need to listen to the recommendations and advice of the pediatrician.
Other types
Soy-based dairy-free formulas can be called relatively hypoallergenic, since they cause negative reactions in almost 30% of children. You can give them to your baby no earlier than 5 months. Examples - “NAN soya”, “Similac Izomil”, “Frisosoy”, “Humana SL”.
Products based on goat milk - “Nanny”, “Mamako”, “Kabrita”. The proteins contained in them do not irritate the child’s stomach and are easier to digest due to their special structure. But they can potentially cause allergies.
Low- and lactose-free baby food is only necessary if the child has a partial or complete deficiency of lactase, an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of milk sugar.
Such mixtures include “Nutrilon lactose-free”, “Similac Izomil”, “Humana LP”. You should not switch to these products without a doctor's prescription. Lactose is required by the child's body for the formation of healthy microflora in the intestines and the absorption of vitamins.
The difference between a hypoallergenic mixture and a regular one
Hypoallergenic formulas are specialized food for babies in the first year of life, the purpose of which is to treat food allergies or prevent them.
The basis of this nutrition is plant or animal protein that has undergone hydrolysis, that is, splitting.
During the hydrolysis process, amino acids and peptides are formed, which are necessary for the child’s body and are better absorbed compared to protein that has not been split.
There are a number of requirements for modern hypoallergenic mixtures; they must:
- Contain the least amount of possible allergens;
- Well tolerated. Hypoallergenic baby food undergoes thorough testing, and only those that do not cause allergies in 90% of tested children are allowed to be sold under this name;
- Satisfy the child's body's needs for essential nutrients that are necessary for its overall development.
Hypoallergenic baby formulas, in addition to the base, also contain other additives that improve the taste of the food and bring its composition closer to breast milk.
The ideal ratio of carbohydrate-fat composition, bifidobacteria, vitamin-mineral complex, albumin improves digestion, strengthens the immune system and promotes the physical and mental development of the newborn.
Medical nutrition
Therapeutic hypoallergenic mixtures are intended for children with moderate and severe forms of allergies. They are produced on the basis of fully or highly hydrolyzed proteins and are divided into two types: whey and casein.
Whey hydrolysates contain a complex of peptides obtained by breaking down whey proteins. They have high biological value.
Examples of whey mixtures:
- lactose-free – “Alfare”, “Nutrilak Pepti SCT”;
- with a reduced lactose content - “Frisopep with nucleotides”, “Nutrilon pepti allergy”.
The products "Alfare", "Nutrilak" and "Nutrilon" contain added fats that are easily digestible. The Frisopep and Nutrilon mixtures contain prebiotics and nucleotides.
The protein equivalent in casein mixtures is the peptides of split casein. They are used for severe forms of allergy to cow's milk proteins. This group includes “Nutramigen lipil”, “Pregestimil lipil”, “Frisopep AS”, “Nutrilon amino acids”.
Which mixture is better - whey or casein? Due to the minimal size of the peptides, casein hydrolysates are considered the least allergenic product. But compared to whey, they are characterized by lower biological value and bitter taste.
They do not contain prebiotics or lactose, but do contain starch and glucose. For allergies to all types of proteins, Nutrilon Amino Acids is prescribed. The proteins in it are replaced with a set of amino acids. It is also lactose free.
Recommendations for choosing a hypoallergenic mixture
Only a doctor should select a hypoallergenic mixture, and this rule must always be followed.
If parents themselves change the brand of food, this may cause the allergic reaction to worsen.
Other recommendations for changing the diet of a child with allergies include:
- Selecting a formula appropriate for the child's age.
- Study the composition of the product, since allergic reactions can also occur to other components.
- The transition to hypoallergenic mixtures is carried out gradually. First, before the next feeding, a small amount of hydrolyzate is introduced, then the baby is fed with the usual formula. Gradually, the volume of hydrolyzate increases, and so one feeding is replaced, and then all the others.
You should not stock up on a hypoallergenic mixture for future use, as there may be an intolerance reaction to it.
All changes in the child’s well-being should be recorded.
Treatment with hypoallergenic mixtures usually takes several weeks, then they switch to preventive formulations, and after strengthening the body, to normal nutrition.
Dry mixes
Dry products make up 90% of the entire range of infant formula on the Russian market. This is a powder that is sold in a foil bag placed in a paper package or a tin can. To prepare a liquid solution, the powder must be diluted with boiled water.
The advantages of dry mixtures are:
- convenient storage;
- easy dosing;
- a wide range of;
- comfortable transportation.
How to understand that the mixture is suitable
Introducing infant formula into the diet is stressful for the child’s body, and it is important to choose which formula is best suited. If the product is not digested, symptoms may appear in the first days, or may not appear until a few days later.
When a new formula is introduced, the child experiences symptoms of intolerance to the product, which are explained by a lack of enzymes to break down all components of the mixture. In this situation, you should reduce the serving size and wait until digestion improves.
Signs by which you can determine that the mixture is not absorbed by the body:
- Allergic reaction. Manifests itself as diathesis on the cheeks. In this case, the rash spreads over the skin, itching, peeling, and ulcers occur. It is necessary to take into account all the foods that the child has consumed over the past few days. With mixed feeding, the mother's diet is taken into account. Perhaps such a reaction manifested itself to an unfamiliar product or the child’s body is getting used to a new mixture. If symptoms do not disappear after two weeks, you should consult your pediatrician for advice.
- Colic. They also arise for other reasons. For example, when a child swallows air while eating due to violations of feeding rules or an uncomfortable bottle.
- Change in stool character. Occurs when an unknown product is administered too quickly. But if there are more than 3 stools a day, with impurities, or constipation is observed for several days, then you need to contact your pediatrician.
- Spitting up is normal for babies. But copious amounts, after every meal, are a symptom of digestive system pathology. This means that the usual mixture is not suitable. In this case, the pediatrician prescribes antireflux mixtures to prevent frequent regurgitation.
- If the child does not gain body weight, then the mixture is not completely absorbed. The doctor prescribes tests that help determine the factor interfering with the digestion of food.
- The child independently reacts to a product that he did not like. He refuses food, closes his mouth, and spits out the mixture. At the same time, the baby becomes lethargic, sleeps poorly and cries a lot. You need to try a new mixture.
Specialized mixtures
Among the formulas for newborns there are specialized products. It is intended for children born prematurely or for children who have various pathologies.
Which formula is best for babies in terms of therapeutic and preventive nutrition is determined based on the problems that need to be solved:
- Formulas for children with low body weight. Included in the diet of children born prematurely or having low weight. They are characterized by a large amount of easily digestible protein and increased calorie content. These are mixtures of Friso, Bellakt-pre.
- Antireflux mixtures are added to the diet of children suffering from frequent regurgitation. Thickeners are added to prevent this process. These are mixtures of Semper-lemolak 0–6, Nutrilak - AR, Bellakt-AR.
- Hypoallergenic mixtures . This product is intended for children suffering from cow's milk protein intolerance. The protein is presented in the form of: highly hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed milk protein, or a mixture of amino acids. These are mixtures of NAN G. A. 1, Humana G. A. 1.
- Low-lactose formulas are produced for children who suffer from lactose intolerance. These are mixtures of Nutrilak low-lactose, BelLakt - NL with a low amount of lactose and NAN lactose-free.
- Food enriched with probiotics and bifidobacteria. Experts advise using this product for children suffering from dysbacteriosis and enterocolitis.
Goat milk based formulas
Infant formulas made from goat milk are included in children's diets, and which is better - cow or goat milk - is determined by the child's reaction. Formulas are produced using whole milk or whey.
Products made with goat's milk have a number of advantages that set them apart from a number of mixtures made with cow's milk.
- Protein has a special fraction. When interacting with the body's gastric juice, it turns into a tender clot. This helps the body absorb food easily and quickly.
- It is recommended to be used for feeding children who are allergic to cow's milk protein.
- The mixture has a light creamy taste.
Children's products made using whole goat milk are represented by the casein-dominant mixture "Nanny" . Milk fat contains large amounts of palmitic acid, polyunsaturated and medium chain fatty acids.
Milk does not contain all fatty acids, so marine fish fat is added to the mixture during production.
This mixture has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, rarely causes allergies in children, ensures normal intestinal functioning and prevents the occurrence of colic.
Cabrita, Mamako, MD Mil SP are produced using goat whey. It provides a proportional ratio of whey proteins and casein, as in breast milk. The introduction of plant components ensures a balanced fat content in the mixture.
Mixtures made from goat milk are enriched with vitamins and minerals, nucleotides, and prebiotics.
