Another Alternative to Breast Milk Substitute for Newborns

A variety of breast milk substitutes for newborns can be the right and healthy choice to fulfill your little one's nutrition. This of course needs to be adjusted to the conditions and allergies experienced.

Breast milk is the best food for newborns up to 2 years of age. However, certain conditions prevent the mother from giving breast milk to her baby. If this happens, some substitutes for breast milk for newborns can be an alternative to fulfill your little one's nutrition.

Choice of breast milk substitute for newborns



Every mother definitely wants to give the best for her baby, including breastfeeding. Breast milk is indeed the best food for babies because it contains a variety of nutrients needed for growth and development.

However, not all mothers are able to produce and provide breast milk for their babies. This can be caused by various factors, including certain health conditions.

As an alternative, here are some options for replacing breast milk for newborns that you can discuss further with your doctor according to the baby's condition.

1. Special formula milk for newborns

Special formula milk for newborns or infant formula can be the first choice of intake that you give to your baby. This type of milk usually comes from cow's milk which has been formulated and contains whey and casein proteins.

The content of infant formula has certainly been adapted to the digestive conditions of newborns. In this case, the whey protein contained in it is considered more easily digested by newborns compared to other types of formula milk.

2. Formula milk from goat's milk

Formula milk from goat's milk can be an alternative to breast milk for newborns. Goat milk for babies has been adjusted to the same nutritional standards as formula milk derived from cow's milk.

Cow's milk and goat's milk can both cause allergies in babies. That is why formula milk derived from goats is not a substitute for cow's milk.

Formula milk from goat's milk may also not be suitable for babies who are allergic to cow's milk protein. That's why, if your child has lactose intolerance to cow's milk, consult a pediatrician to choose the most appropriate breast milk substitute.

3. Hunger baby formula

Hungrier baby formula is milk specially formulated for babies who have excessive needs or hunger.

This type of milk usually contains more casein than whey, making it more difficult to digest. So, your baby will feel full for longer.

4. Anti-reflux formula

In contrast to formula milk in general, anti-reflux formula is thickened with the aim of preventing reflux (spit up) in infants.

In the Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical, and Experimental Journal, this thick type of formula is able to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GER), aka spitting up in babies without causing side effects.

In addition to its different concentration from other milk, how to make and store this type of milk also needs to be careful. Consulting a doctor before using anti-reflux formula in infants is the right and safe way.

5. Comfort formula

Comfort formula is milk that is specially formulated to be easily digested. This milk contains partially broken down cow's milk protein which makes it easier to digest and prevents digestive problems, such as constipation and colic.

However, some of this type of formula is not suitable for babies who have a history of cow's milk allergy.

6. Lactose-free formula

Lactose-free formula is milk specially formulated for babies who are lactose intolerant. Babies with lactose intolerance cannot absorb lactose properly. This causes the baby to experience diarrhea, colic pain, gas, and bloating.

In this case, lactose is a natural sugar found in almost all milk and dairy products. Usually, for babies who have lactose intolerance, soy milk for babies can be used as an alternative to breast milk.



7. Hypoallergenic formula milk

Hypoallergenic formula milk is milk specially formulated for babies who have problems digesting cow's milk. In this condition, babies usually experience certain allergies if they drink formula milk from cows.

In hypoallergenic formula milk, it contains protein with elemental formulas that have been previously digested thereby minimizing the risk of allergies.

Hypoallergenic formula milk can be given to newborns under the supervision of a doctor.Air tajin

Starch water can be an alternative to breast milk besides formula milk for newborns. Starch water is a thick white liquid that comes from boiling rice, not raw rice washing water. Starch water is known to have a variety of nutrients that are good for health, including for newborns.

In The BMJ Journal it is known that starch water has been used as a traditional medicine to treat digestive problems including diarrhea in infants and children. In fact, WHO claims, the electrolyte content in starch water is better for dealing with dehydration due to diarrhea than ORS.

Types of milk that newborns should avoid

Not all types of milk are suitable for newborns. Apart from not necessarily meeting their needs, the digestion of newborn babies is also very sensitive so they need milk with a special formula to prevent health problems in babies.

Here are some types of milk that should not be given to newborns:

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Evaporated milk

• Fresh milk, both goat's and cow's milk that has not gone through the pasteurization process

• Soybean juice

• Almond juice

Notes from SehatQ

Breast milk is the best food for newborns. However, certain conditions may make a mother need an alternative to breast milk to meet her needs.

No need to worry, various substitutes for breast milk for newborns can be the right and healthy choice to fulfill your little one's nutrition.

Consult with your doctor regarding formula milk or breast milk substitutes other than formula milk for newborns that are suitable for your baby's condition. This is to prevent allergies or health problems in the future.