The label “best baby formula for newborns” seems ironic if we look into the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO), consider breast milk as the ideal source of nutrition for babies, especially for newborns. It is packed with nutrients and protective agents that are not present in formula milks. However, the tag “best baby formula for newborns” becomes applicable to formulas that suffice the nutritional needs of babies who cannot tolerate breast milk. Some babies are suffering from breast milk intolerance or lactose intolerance and others are even exhibiting allergic reactions to breast milk proteins.
Nowadays, different types of special formulas are widely distributed due to address the abovementioned conditions. In fact, some baby formula milks are known as hypoallergenic formulas, which address the needs of babies with milk allergies. Another type of special formula is the lactose-free milk that is best for babies with lactose intolerance. Indeed, these baby formulas are specially manufactured for babies with special conditions, but these types of milk are also paid in special prices. Both hypoallergenic and lactose-free formulas are usually very expensive compared to the regular formula milk. Hence, a family with a baby of such special conditions mentioned earlier is facing triple jeopardy that includes health, emotional and financial challenge.
Lucky are those who have no contraindications to breastfeeding because breast milk is readily available anytime and it has more advantages compared to formulas. However, still, despite the availability of breast milk and absence of medical conditions that restrict breastfeeding, there are still mothers who opt to formula feed their babies for personal reasons.
Moreover, it is the mother and the baby who can tell and decide what is best for them. Experts may suggest healthier feeding practice such as breastfeeding, but still, it is the mother who does the feeding. Other health practitioners or people in the society might make criticisms about the expenses formula feeding can bring about, yet still, it is the mother who works and pays for every drop of formula milk she feeds her baby. The significant thing is that the mother is doing her best to provide her baby sufficient nutritional supplement in whatever method of feeding she practices.
The best baby formula for newborns is the one which meets the dietary requirement of the baby according to his age, weight , health condition and preference. With due respect to the experts, still they have the authority to suggest or recommend formula milk that would be suitable to a certain baby. But then again, it is the mother or the parents who decides about it. It is important that whatever symptoms the baby is experiencing must come into the pediatrician’s awareness because special conditions need special medical attention. The mother or parents may have the authority to decide for their child but their decision will be highly influenced by the expert’s findings on the baby’s condition. In general, baby formulas find justification of being called the second best source of nutrition for babies base from the matters discussed above.
