The WHO, World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. But this does not mean giving up breastfeeding, but rather supplement feeding with formula milk. It is at this time that you should follow the pediatrician's recommendations to choose the formula milk for babies over 6 months that best suits yours.
These formula milk will allow and facilitate the proper development and growth of the baby, they are the so-called continuation milks. We tell you what some experts think, if they are recommended or not, how you should choose them and the three best brands according to the list prepared by the OCU.
How to choose formula for babies over 6 months
From 6 months it is recommended mixed lactation, that is to say, continue with the maternal and include the continuation or stage 2 formula milks. As part of a rich and varied diet, it is the moment in which some solid foods will be gradually introduced, following the pediatrician's instructions. But You should continue to drink at least 500 ml of milk daily.
An EU-funded study from the EARNEST project suggests that the lower amount of protein contained in breast milk, compared to formula milks, would explain why babies who are fed breast milk grow more slowly than those who are fed adapted formulas. These findings highlight the importance of promoting breastfeeding as well as the need to continue improving the composition of adapted formulas.
Formula milk can continue to be used in a complementary way up to 3 years, and some specialists recommend it to cow's milk, that we usually use adults. On the other hand, others recommend avoiding it due to the excess caloric intake, the presence of sugars and the high level of vitamins that are not necessary to maintain a correct diet.
Are all follow-on milks the same?
Keep in mind that the sugar in formula milk, as in breast milk, comes from lactose. But certain growth milks may contain added sugar to nuance the flavor of nutrients such as iron or DHA. It is very important that it clearly indicates its composition and that it does not contain palm oil.
It is essential that formula milk for babies over 6 months include all vitamins and nutrients that the little one requires. At each stage of life the baby needs specific needs for proteins, lipids, iron and vitamin D. All the milks that are available to you on the market have been formulated and tested to do so.
An alternative to formula based on cow's milk is Capricare, a goat milk formula. This follow-on milk, based on whole goat's milk and with a more natural production process, is adapted and enriched to provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that complement a varied and balanced diet from the year onwards.
OCU's Top 3 Follow-Up Formula Milks
The first option that the Consumer Organization recommends as formula milks from 6 months is Hipp Combiotik2 Milk Continued, with a new organic milk formula since March 2020, prebiotics (GOS) and vitamins A, C and D for the baby's immune system.
Below is recommended Nutribén Continuation 2 - Pro Alpha, with a-linolenic acid that contributes to brain and nervous system development, as well as vitamins and minerals such as iron. The third in the ranking is Almirón 2 Continuation milk. This milk contains GOS / FOS, vitamins C and D, Omega-3 and Omega-6, and nucleotides.
La list of best products of continuation milks is published by the OCU and can serve as a reference and help you when buying these products. But don't forget that the most important thing is consult with the pediatrician that since childhood is treating and carrying your baby. He or she will know your medical history and characteristics.