We already know that the WHO recommends exclusive breast milk up to 6 months. It's the best there is for baby we know but not in all cases you can breastfeed and you have to throw out artificial milk. Here there are many doubts because as well as for breastfeeding there is a lot of information, for artificial feeding there is not so much. That's why today we want to tell you everything you need to know about artificial lactation.
What are they prepared with?
The milk for artificial lactation, whether in powder or liquid form, is prepared with adapted cow's milk so that they have all the necessary nutrients for babies from the first day, although it does not have the antibodies that breast milk has.
El number of shots and quantities they will depend a lot on the specific needs of each baby. Smaller babies will take smaller feedings every so often, and as they grow older they will take more amounts and at longer intervals. And then there are babies more greedy than others, ask the pediatrician what is the appropriate amount and then you can adjust it according to the baby's needs.
With artificial milk that special bond is also created between mom and baby. Your love will be present even if you don't breastfeed. In addition, the father can also generate that bond that he cannot do with the breast.
What is the best artificial milk?
Well, the best does not have to be the most expensive nor the worst the cheapest. All formulations have the same energy intake and macronutrients, and then each tries to get as close as possible to breast milk. That is where the different ones between them would reside. All go through exhaustive controls before going on sale. All go through exhaustive controls before going on sale to ensure the health of the babies.
But at first you may have to try several until you find the one that your baby is comfortable with. Many moms have to give away or donuts almost brand new jars because their babies reject them. In those cases it would be necessary try another brand until we find the right one in our case.
There are 3 types of milk:
- Start formula: for babies up to 6 months.
- Continuation formula: for babies from 6 months to 18 months.
- Growth formula: up to 3 years.
What is the best bottle?
We talk in more detail about this topic in the article "How to choose the best bottle and nipple". You will find all the information you need to choose which is the best for your baby. To know how to clean them correctly, do not get lost "Tips for washing bottles".
Most parents are afraid of colic, which tends to increase with formula. This is because artificial milk is denser and their digestion is more difficult, which leads to more likely to colic in babies. Although there are babies who also have colic with breastfeeding. If you have to go from breastfeeding to artificial breastfeeding, don't miss the article "How to go from breast to bottle."
Are the feedings with artificial milk longer?
Yes, they tend to be longer. This is due to the fact that when they are digested they take longer to be satisfied, so their intakes are usually longer and of more quantity than in breastfeeding. This is fine to have more control over your baby's feeding. With the chest it is more difficult to know how much you have taken, on the other hand With the bottle you will know exactly how much milk has been drunk in each feeding.
If not consumed immediately can be stored in the refrigerator, but not more than 24 hours.
Because remember ... although breastfeeding will always be recommended, the necessary conditions are not always in place to be able to do so. If so, do not feel guilty, as your baby will be well fed and cared for.