Baby formula and baby milk are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences.
Baby formula is a manufactured food with the intention to mimic the composition of human breast milk and provide a balanced combination of essential nutrients to babies who are not breastfed.
They contain an appropriate quantity of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and specific nutrients such as DHA ( acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are necessary for the development of brain and vision in babies.
Types of Baby Formula
While the most common baby formula is made from cow’s milk protein, there are other kinds of baby formula.
- Cow’s Milk Formula: Though it is made from cow’s milk, it has been altered to mimic human breastmilk, with the best nutrients for the baby and ease to digest.
- Soy Formula: This is made from a plant-based protein for babies who have a milk allergy. It is a vegan option.
- Protein Hydrolysate Formula: This is made with cow’s protein, but it is broken down into smaller components, making it easier to digest for babies allergic to milk and soy.
Baby Milk
Milk powders are diary products that undergo the process of dehydration and pasteurization to form powder with an increased shelf life and portability. Milk powders are key ingredients in the production of dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, cheese, and milk-based beverages.
Baby milk must not be offered to babies younger than one year because they cannot digest milk very easily. Offering milk to babies below one year will stress their immature kidneys and eventually lead to illnesses.
Milk doesn’t have the right amount of nutrients babies below one year need. It may eventually cause iron-deficiency anemia in some babies. Babies below one year can, however, eat other diary foods such as yogurt or cheese when they start consuming solids at about 6 months of age since they don’t each much of it. Baby milk is suitable for children above 1 year.