Best Formula Milk for Baby ( 0-6 Months ) in India
We all are aware Breast milk is best for the baby. The World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life 1. But there are situations where you may have to consider giving formula milk powders instead of breast milk. While choosing the formula milk powder for the baby, we want the best for our child. There are so many options of formula milk for babies in the age group 0 – 6 months in the market. People you know may have differing perspectives and experiences with formula milk. Making the right decision may become tough. In this post, you will find the list of the Best Formula Milk for Baby (0 – 6 ) Months available in India.
Table of Contents
What is Formula Milk?
Formula milk for babies is a nutritional product that is designed to mimic the ingredients of breast milk and offer the necessary nutrition to the baby. The ingredients vary according to the brand and country, but typical baby formula milk is made of processed skimmed cow’s milk with additional emulsifiers and stabilizers. They also include essential fats, carbs, and vitamins. The formula milk available today are lab tested and is government approved, so it may be given to the infant without concern.
Why Some Give Formula Milk to Babies?
Some mothers may experience low breast milk. Some mothers wish to establish it as a habit for their child so that the infant can continue to drink formula milk even when they are not present. Women are now working, and they cannot be available for breastfeeding all of the time. There is a single answer to all of these issues. It is Formula Milk.
Composition of Formula Milk Powder
Most of the formula milk powders have Cow milk or soymilk as the base. Then supplemental ingredients are added to it. These supplement ingredients including vitamins, minerals, iron, nucleotides, and compositions of fat blends are added to mimic human breast milk. The fatty acids of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA) present in breast milk are also added in most formulas. Probiotics are also added for better digestion. 2.
Formula milk powders only act as a supplement to breast milk. It cannot match the complexity of breast milk. Always talk to your doctor before starting formula milk powder.
Things To Consider Before Buying Formula Milk Powder for Baby (0-6 Months)
When it comes to formula milk for baby (0 – 6 months), it is critical to meet the appropriate quality standards as well as the baby’s nutritional needs. Below are the most crucial factors to consider while purchasing baby formula milk powder.
Age
Choose the one that is appropriate for your baby’s age. Formula milk comes in different packaging for different age groups.
Works Different for Each Baby
In the beginning, you may have to perform some trial and error with various brands. You will have to see which formula milk powder is ideal for your kid. A particular formula may cause gas and colic in one baby but it may work perfectly fine for another baby. You might also experience that a particular formula is causing constipation in your baby, but it might not be so for another baby.
The Base of the Formula
Most of the Baby formula milk powder includes cow milk lactose as a base. If your child is lactose intolerant, your doctor may recommend one with a soy milk base. If your baby is both lactose and soy milk intolerant, Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula as a base is also available in the market.
There are Specialized Formulas too specially designed for premature babies or babies who have low birth weight or for those babies who have special medical conditions. Before choosing a formula milk for your baby, always consult with your doctor.
Easy Availability
Choose formula milk powder that is easily available in the market. Babies get used to the taste and it gets difficult for them to adjust to other formulas.
Best Formula Milk for Baby ( 0-6 Months ) in India
There are various well-known brands for formula milk for babies 0 – 6 months available in the market. They differ in the way they are prepared, the composition, and the age of the baby for whom they are meant. Below, we have shortlisted the best baby formula milk powders available in India. Follow the advice of your baby’s pediatrician when selecting a formula. These are some useful suggestions for selecting the best formula milk from various manufacturers.
1. Similac Advance Infant Formula
Similac Brand is owned by a well-known company, Abbott Pharmaceuticals.
Similac Advance infant formula is available in a variety of formulations depending on the age and needs of the child.
- Similac Neosure is for premature babies who are born before 37 weeks / low birth weight infants during the hospital stay and after discharge. It has more fat and carbohydrates, which helps preterm babies gain weight faster.
- Similac Advance Infant Formula is for babies under 6 months.
- Similac Advance Follow-up Formula (Stage 2) is for babies 6 -1 2 months
- Similac Advance Follow-up Formula (Stage 3 ) is for babies12-24 months.
They have designed milk powders to support the normal growth and development of the baby. The milk powder contains neuro-nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (Precursors of DHA & ARA), Choline, Iron, Taurine, Iodine, Folic Acid, and Zinc that are known to support a baby’s brain development. It also contains levels and blends of nucleotides that are known to support a baby’s developing immune system.
They have added Calcium, Vitamin D, and Phosphorus that are known to support a baby’s bone development. It also contains a fat blend known to support easy digestion and promote calcium absorption. Moreover, Similac doesn’t have any added sugar in its infant formula. The presence of lactose contributes to its sweetness. It is affordable among all brands.
The packaging comes both in tin and carton form.
2. Nestle NAN Pro
As the name suggests it is a brand of Nestle.
Nestle Nan Pro comes in 4 packaging
- Nestlé NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula Powder Stage 1- for babies under 6 months.
- Nestlé NAN PRO 2 Follow-Up Formula Powder – For babies between 6 -1 2 months
- Nestle Nan Pro 3 for babies between 12-18 months
- Nestle Nan Pro4 for babies between19-24 months
The formula contains DHA which helps in a baby’s normal brain development. The composition also contains calcium along with Vitamin A, C, D, Iron, and Zinc.
The packaging comes both in tin and carton form.
3. Enfamil A + Infant Formula
Enfamil A + is a brand of US company, Mead Johnson Nutrition.
This comes in three packing
- Enfamil A + Stage 1 Infant Formula – For babies under 6 months.
- Enfamil A + Stage 2 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 6 -1 2 months
- Enfamil A + Stage 3 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 12 – 24 months
Their formula contains expert-recommended levels of DHA and ARA which are present in breast milk too. It has additional pro-biotics to support digestion. The formula contains the same ingredients as other milk powder brands.
It is a little expensive compared to Similac.
It comes only in tin form.
4. Farex Infant Formula
Farex is a brand owned by Danone, a multinational food company with top positions in four businesses: Fresh Dairy Products, Early Life Nutrition, Waters, and Medical Nutrition.
This comes in three packing
- Farex 1 Infant Formula – for babies under 6 months.
- Farex -2 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 6 -1 2 months
- Farex -3 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 12 – 24 months
The formula has nucleotides and zinc that helps in brain development and immune functions. It has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help in visual function and brain development. The formula contains 100 percent lactose, which aids in the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Good bacteria help to keep your infant healthy and free of stomach problems and diarrhea.
It is affordable among all brands. The packaging comes both in tin and carton form.
5. Aptamil Infant Formula
Aptamil is a brand of a multinational company, Danone. This brand of formula milk powder is very popular in western countries.
Aptamil contains a unique blend of Prebiotic GOS & FOS, DHA & ARA, Vitamin A, C and D, and Iron. It contains age-appropriate nutrients to support immune health, brain & visual function, gut health, and physical growth of the babies.
This comes in three packing
- Aptamil Stage 1 Infant Formula – For babies under 6 months.
- Aptamil Stage 2 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 6 -1 2 months
- Aptamil Stage 3 Follow Up Formula – For babies between 12 – 24 months
The packaging comes in carton form.
It is a little expensive among all brands.
6. Nutricia Nusobee Infant Formula
Nutricia Nusobeeis is owned by Danone which manufactures Farex and Aptamil. It comes in two variants Nusobee Soya And Nusobee Casein.
Nutricia Nusobee Soya
Nusobee Soya formula works especially well for infants with lactose intolerance. It is also ideal for babies with sensitive stomachs and prone to diarrhea.
Nutricia Nusobee Casein
Nusobee Casein formula works especially well for infants with lactose intolerance and soya intolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Formula Milk for Babies
How long can we store prepared formula milk in the refrigerator?
You can only keep prepared formula milk in the fridge for 24 hours. After that discard it and prepare again.
How long can you keep prepared formula milk at room temperature?
You should consume the formula milk within 1 hour of preparing it at normal room temperature. Bacteria can grow when infant saliva and formula milk come into contact, which is dangerous to infants. You can store the leftover in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
How do you tell if the formula isn’t suitable for your child?
Some babies will tolerate any formula, while others may be allergic to a certain formula. Excessive crying, fussiness, increased gas, watery stools, constipation, and other symptoms may be signs of formula milk not being digested properly by your baby.
I hope you find the list of Best Formula Milk Powder for Babies
(0 – 6 ) months in India useful. Some mothers feel guilty about giving formula milk and not being able to breastfeed their baby. And some of these women are even looked down on by others. But now is the moment to raise awareness about formula milk and, as a woman, to support another woman who is in the same position. It is not the choice of any woman to give her child formula; it is the situation. Formula milk is another option for the baby when breast milk is not possible. So, rather than making the woman feel bad about it, we should support her decision. Please let us know what you think by writing a comment in the box below.
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