There are many reasons why parents may choose to raise their child with the assistance of a dairy formula and we’re not here to debate whether these are right or wrong. We strongly believe that fed is best and that all families should do what is best for them in their own personal situation. Having said that, there are some things that should be considered when selecting the right dairy formula for your infant or toddler.
The biggest thing that should be taken into consideration when selecting a dairy formula for your little one is whether your preferred type is easily accessible. Once you’ve started bubs on a specific dairy formula, it is advisable that you continue feeding with the same food unless it does not agree with your little one. This means that being able to duck down to the local shops when you’re running low (rather than having to order from a speciality store that’s far away) is an important factor that needs to be considered. Online brands that offer speedy shipping could also be a suitable choice as long as you plan ahead and manage your supply but anything that may be difficult to get your hands on will just cause unnecessary stress and should be avoided.
Some parents care about whether their chosen dairy formula is organic, some parents don’t. Either option is fine and if you don’t have access to, or cannot afford, an organic dairy formula, standard varieties are still perfectly safe and acceptable. Having said that, if you have the means to go organic, there are studies that support this being the better option for your little one’s health and many doctors will recommend that you do so.
Possibly the most important consideration on this list is whether your chosen dairy formula fits your little one’s dietary requirements. No matter how many benefits a specific brand can offer, if it doesn’t fit with what your little one needs, it’s best to make a different choice. Your child health practitioner will advise you if there are any specific requirements (such as allergies, intolerances or deficiencies that your baby may be experiencing) that you will need to keep in mind when making your selection and we strongly suggest following this advice.
Lactoferrin has been shown to provide a multitude of benefits for growing little ones so if you have the means and ability to select a dairy formula that contains a good quantity of this ingredient, we strongly suggest doing so. This is particularly true in current times as Lactoferrin has the ability to help your little one grow a strong immune system.
Finally, it is always a good idea to look into whether your chosen dairy formula can provide any specific benefits that other brands may not be able to match. For example, is it enriched with vitamins and minerals that your little one could do with a boost of? Does it feature a good amount of prebiotics and probiotics? Is it designed to be gentle on the stomachs of little ones who often experience discomfort? The specific benefits that you look for will depend on your baby’s needs but anything that can be helpful is always a good idea.
Selecting the right food for your little one is a very personal choice and at the end of the day, as long as your baby is healthy, that’s all that really matters. Considering these factors when selecting a dairy formula will help you achieve that outcome so we hope this list has been helpful to you.
