Baby's digestive system is not yet fully developed, so mothers put a lot of effort into their child's diet. Especially for babies fed with formula milk, the topic of formula milk becomes the top concern for mothers. Therefore, I have compiled 10 questions that mothers most want to know about formula milk and asked experts to answer them.
1. Is imported formula milk better than domestic formula milk? Are there any differences in nutritional composition?
The difference between imported and domestic formula milk is not very big. Different brands of formula milk have different nutritional compositions, but most of them use breast milk as the standard. The formula milk that is closer to breast milk composition is better. Here are some methods to identify high-quality formula milk:
- Ingredients: In addition to emulsified formula and comprehensive and balanced nutrition, it is important to choose a formula that meets the baby's specific needs. For example, if the baby has a weak constitution, it is important to choose a formula milk that is rich in breast milk active immune substances.
- Brand credibility: Choose a brand that has a long history of sales both domestically and internationally and ensures product quality from research and development, production, sales, and manufacturing.
- Balanced nutrition: Pay attention to the proportion of nutritional composition, rather than pursuing high content.
- Others: Reasonable price, professional service, consultation, etc.
2. When is it better to switch to another brand of formula milk for the baby?
If the baby has already accepted a certain brand of infant formula milk, there is no need to switch formula milk. You can choose a larger size of infant formula milk after 6 months. The principle of switching formula milk is to start with a small amount of the new brand of formula milk mixed with the original formula milk, and observe the baby's digestion. If there are no abnormal reactions, gradually increase the amount of the new formula milk.
3. Is it good for the baby if the formula milk is mixed too concentrated?
The formula milk should be prepared according to the ratio specified in the product instructions. Preparing it too concentrated can increase the burden on the baby's gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, and may lead to symptoms such as chronic dehydration, dry stool, and heatiness.
4. What should I do if the baby is allergic to formula milk?
There are many types of allergies, such as lactose intolerance and protein allergies. Therefore, when the baby shows allergic symptoms, the cause should be identified first. If it is indeed due to protein allergies, you can choose a formula milk with soy protein.
5. If the baby frequently passes gas after consuming formula milk, does it mean they have gastrointestinal discomfort?
Passing gas is a normal physiological phenomenon. It is not considered an abnormal symptom even in cases of gastrointestinal diseases.
6. Can I mix different brands of formula milk together?
It is best to stick to one brand of formula milk to avoid discomfort in the baby's gastrointestinal tract, which may affect their healthy development.
7. What should I do if the baby becomes constipated after switching formula milk?
There are many reasons for baby constipation, such as slowed intestinal peristalsis, diseases, reduced water intake, and especially dry weather. Constipation that occurs after switching formula milk may be a manifestation of the baby's gastrointestinal adaptation process. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much. You can increase the amount of water intake and perform baby massages, especially abdominal massages, to alleviate the condition.
8. Can I still feed the baby with formula milk that has been damp or opened for a month?
Most infant formula milk packaging states that it should be used within one month after opening. If it has been opened for more than a month, it should be discarded. It is worth reminding that the expiration date on the formula milk packaging refers to the date before opening and under appropriate storage conditions. Once it is opened, this date cannot be used anymore.
9. What should I do if the formula milk forms clumps that are hard and cannot be stirred with a spoon?
Normal formula milk should be loose and soft. After opening, formula milk may become lumpy due to moisture entering from the air or from the small amount of water droplets introduced during the preparation process. If the clumps can be easily crushed, the change in the quality of the formula milk is not significant. However, if the clumps are large, hard, and cannot be crushed, it indicates that the quality of the formula milk has deteriorated and should be discarded.
10. Can I use liquids other than boiling water to mix with formula milk, such as rice water, fruit juice, or radish water?
It is best to use warm boiled water to mix with formula milk. Using other liquids to mix with formula milk can alter its properties and affect the comprehensive absorption of nutrients. Some people like to mix rice soup, rice porridge, or rice flour in milk, thinking that it can provide more nutrients to the baby. However, this practice is not scientific.
There have been experiments conducted abroad where milk mixed with rice soup was placed under various temperatures, and the results showed a significant loss of vitamin A. This further proves that vitamin A should not be mixed with starch. Long-term insufficient intake of vitamin A in infants and young children can lead to delayed development and weak immune systems. Therefore, milk, formula milk, rice soup, rice porridge, and rice flour should be consumed separately.
Finally, I hope every baby grows up healthy and happy!
