Are you a mother of newborn babies? If yes, it might be difficult to decide what to feed a baby that small. It is found that babies triple or doubles their weight during their first year. This speed is more than average growth per year for the rest of the baby’s life. Henceforth, the first year, particularly the first six months, is the most critical time for raising a newborn baby.
Experts say that breastfeeding a baby under six months is the best nutrition that can be fed to the child. But, other formulas for making the nutritious mixture can be a great alternative. Let us discuss some formulae alternatives to breastfeeding. But, before that, we should discuss the next section.
Child nutrition: Nutrition and your baby
The nutritions that help a baby grow in the first six months and beyond are collectively called ‘child nutrition’. Some of the critical components of nutrients that are required for the growth and development of the baby are listed below. Please pay close attention to details.
- Calcium: It helps grow strong teeth and bones.
- Fat: It helps in the growth of the brain, keeps the baby immune to skin diseases, and keeps healthy skin.
- Folate: It helps the cells divide fast, therefore the baby grows with the optimum growth speed.
- Iron: Helps in the development of the brain and builds cells. A breastfed baby receives all the iron it requires.
- Protein and Carbohydrates: They help form muscles and keep the baby energized.
- Zinc: It helps cells repair and grow.
Besides minerals, various vitamins are also required in a baby’s growth and development. A newborn baby requires the following vitamins.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- VItamin E
- Vitamin K
Now, we shall discuss the nutrients that were formulated to find an alternative to breastfeeding.
Formulated nutrients for a baby in the first six months
Most infant nutrition formulas are made out of cow’s milk. It is believed that most nutrients are incorporated in cow’s milk to make it as beneficial as possible. Let us discuss the nutrients that are incorporated in cow’s milk to make a fortified drink out of it.
- Carbohydrates, in the form of milk sugar ‘Lactose’.
- Protein
- Vitamins including A, B, C, D, E.
- Minerals including Iron, Zinc, and calcium.
What to avoid during forming formulated nutrients?
The most important thing to avoid for a newborn baby is cow’s milk as an alternative drink. It contains more nutrients than the absorbing capacity of the newborn baby. You also need to avoid soya milk and other homemade formulae. Avoid experimenting on a baby’s diet, as it can cause severe deformities.
Conclusion: Final thoughts
I think most of the nutrients required for a baby’s growth are in the mother’s milk. In case, the baby is not lucky enough to be blessed with a mother, the formulas work as a great alternative. What do you think about the topic? Do comment in the box below.