Research-backed
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There is an array of baby formulas available in the market. How do we choose one when the market is flooded with similar products? The key to finding out the best formula for your baby comes with the products themselves. Each product comes labeled with a list of the ingredients that it contains. So the next time you go shopping, pay close attention to this list. It will give you the answers you need.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
A parent leaves no stone unturned to make sure the baby gets the best. So why make an exception when it comes to formulas? A perfect formula for optimum growth of the baby should contain three most essential ingredients: calcium, prebiotics, and protein. Let’s have a look at why these are important.
1. Calcium
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Your baby is growing fast. Your role as a parent is to ensure that your baby’s diet contains those nutrients that will aid your baby’s growth. One such vital nutrient is calcium. From the formation of teeth to the strengthening of bones, calcium plays a significant role in the growth of your young one. In addition to this, calcium helps in neural and muscular function and also plays a role in activating important growth enzymes.
2. Prebiotics
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New studies have unearthed the benefits of prebiotics in infant care. According to a study, prebiotics have the ability to replicate some benefits of breastmilk in instant formulas (1). Before we delve into the benefits of giving prebiotics to your baby, let us tell you a little bit about what prebiotics are and what they do.
Prebiotics 101
As you may know, the human intestine has a range of essential microorganisms. These are crucial for our health. Prebiotics are non-digestible food particles that boost the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
Prebiotics have an interesting correlation with our overall health, especially that of babies. They help in strengthening the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, can wave off many diseases. Prebiotics occur naturally in foods like wheat, honey, milk, tomatoes, peas, and so on. However, the concentration of prebiotics in these products is so low that it may not have a significant effect.
The benefits of having prebiotics in the formula are several. For example, it boosts immunity, promotes softer stool, reduces instances of cold, cough and fever, reduces the need for antibiotics, and reduces constipation and Diarrhea The gut lining of babies is delicate, and that is why we give extreme care while choosing what to feed them. Keeping your baby healthy and well-nourished, and being selective at the same time is an arduous task.
3. Protein
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Proteins are known as the building blocks of the body because they are a crucial element in growth and development. As an infant, your baby’s body is undergoing rapid change. To facilitate the right kind of growth, ensure that your baby’s diet includes adequate amounts of protein. Protein is also crucial in the development of the baby’s immune system. There is an increased risk of your child being prone to diseases if there is a lack of protein in the body. Also, proteins energize the body along with carbohydrates. For a happy, energetic baby, make sure that the instant formula you chose supplies protein sufficiently.
Ensuring that your baby is receiving proper nutrition and care is vital. It is equally important to make sure that the products that you use promise optimum growth. Be careful while choosing the brand because we know you do not want to compromise on your baby’s health. Research well and make sure you choose a credible brand. Do not hesitate to dig deeper and find the best options available to you.
