Which baby formulas are better or rating of baby formulas

Update date: 04/02/2021 16:16:04 20467 Share:

Author of the article: Elena Viktorovna

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Formula milk is a balanced diet that can be used either in addition to breast milk or completely replace it. We decided to select the best premium products that combine only useful ingredients to maintain your baby's health!

How to choose formula milk

It is difficult to decide when choosing a breast milk replacement, since all products are tested and are of high quality. Here are the main criteria to focus on:

1. It must be marked “adapted”, this is the main point.
2. Instructions for use - it says at what age you can feed your baby and in what portions.
3. You need to start with regular formulas for newborns. If, after using them, problems with stool, bloating or difficulty sleeping appear, then you should contact your pediatrician. He will tell you what to replace the product with.
4. It is advisable to choose a product with a high content of vitamins and useful elements. If you have palm oil, then the mixture is also suitable for use, no need to worry.
5. Place of implementation. If possible, it is better to purchase the mixture; you also need to pay attention to ensuring that the product is constantly supplied to the store.
6. There is no need to change the formula frequently and quickly, as this can lead to gastrointestinal problems in the baby. You can remove the previous product from the diet only if it is not tolerated by the child or worsens his condition.

As for lactose-free formulas or breast milk substitutes for premature babies, they can only be purchased as prescribed by a doctor. If your baby has no problems digesting lactose, you should not remove this important element from his diet. But if you need the intervention of medicinal types of mixtures in the diet, then you should not delay it!

Tips for parents

Don't neglect your baby's health. Be sure to consult with a specialist which infant formula is best for your child. Consider the recommendations on how to properly “switch” to a new formula or combine it with your milk. The transition phase usually takes about a week. According to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Milk and Dairy Products,” the best formulas for children over six months are considered to contain at least 35% whey protein. This ratio is most similar in content to human milk. At least it can't replace it. Only a mother can transfer to her child the antibodies, hormones, and biological substances necessary for full development. If your baby is about to turn one year old, then check out the ratings of infant formulas from 12 months.

Rating of the best milk formulas for newborns

The best milk formulas for newborns up to six months

Until six months, the baby should have a special diet, very close to mother’s milk. If breastfeeding is not available, formula milk is used. But you need to be prepared for the fact that some may cause your baby to become constipated, especially in the first days of feeding.

Kabrita 1 GOLD

Rating: 4.9

The rating opens with a product with an innovative complex of fats, the technology of which is patented by the manufacturer. Thanks to this composition, calcium absorption is accelerated for the formation of the skeleton, which is very important in the first months of birth. The basis is goat's milk, rich in vitamins that a newborn needs.

We believe that the product is ideal for use by children with a good metabolism, as it may cause constipation. If the baby does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the mixture will be an ideal option because it combines both probiotics and prebiotics. The presence of nucleotides in the composition promotes proper growth and development, as with breastfeeding.

The mixture dissolves quickly and leaves no lumps. There is a delicate creamy smell of goat milk. Most children use Kabrita 1 GOLD with pleasure, but not everyone likes the smell.

Advantages

1. the presence of a special complex of fats;
2. price and quality correlate with each other.

Flaws

1. Goat's milk can cause constipation if the baby's gastrointestinal tract is not functioning properly.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 Premium

Rating: 4.8

Compared to the previous mixture of the best rating, this one is much easier to digest due to the content of vegetable fats. The composition contains prebiotics of a new formula that make digestion comfortable.

The complex in the product is very balanced; in addition to the presence of vegetable oils, there is also fish oil to support immunity. The mixture dissolves quickly and leaves no lumps. There is not much foam, but it should be present, since it contains protein.

Mothers also point out a small feature in the packaging itself - there is a limiter inside in order to remove the top layer (slide) from the spoon. We recommend giving your baby more water while feeding Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 Premium to avoid problems with constipation.

Do not worry about the presence of palm oil in the composition, since this substance has already been processed. It produces 6 fatty acids necessary for the development of the child, also found in mother’s milk. This allows the formula to be as close as possible to breastfeeding.

Advantages

1. very balanced complex, contains vitamin D;
2. the price corresponds to the quality;
3. the presence of softly digestible vegetable oils.

Flaws

1. may cause constipation.

NAN (Nestl) 1 Optipro

Rating: 4.7

Another balanced representative of the rating is a mixture that is ideal for babies with gastrointestinal problems. The composition contains an optimal combination of prebiotics and probiotics, and is also free of palm oil. Compared to Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 Premium or Kabrita 1 GOLD, this mixture contains a huge range of vitamins to maintain the baby’s health and develop his intelligence. These substances not only support immunity and health, but also vision.

The smell is pleasant, which is a big plus. The child not only drinks the entire bottle with pleasure, but is also well satisfied until the next meal. During cooking, the powder does not foam and does not leave lumps.

We would also like to note that the baby first needs to get used to the mixture. It will take several days, after which all the unpleasant consequences of taking it will go away.

Advantages

1. balanced complex of vitamins;
2. easy to find in any store;
3. no palm oil.

Flaws

1. high price;

Helpful Tips:

Which artificial nutrition is suitable for a newborn baby is decided on a strictly individual basis, based on the degree of adaptation, the characteristics of the baby’s body, as well as the composition and price of the baby product.

Some rules for using infant formula should be taken into account: prepared milk cannot be stored or reused. Improper storage and preparation of the mixture with unboiled water can also lead to unpleasant consequences. You should also boil the bottle every 3 days.

Did our Top 10 Best Baby Formulas rating help you with choosing baby formula?

The best lactose-free formulas for children

Unlike formulas up to six months, lactose-free ones have a higher price and a richer composition of vitamins.

Similac (Abbott) Alimentum

Rating: 4.9

The best safe formula for feeding infants, as it is suitable for children up to six months. It not only helps strengthen the immune system, but also softens the stool, enveloping the intestinal cells. We included this powder in the rating because pediatricians recommend it to parents whose children have gastrointestinal problems. At first, the baby may have loose stools until the body adapts to the new product.

It contains symbiotics, which are a combination of prebiotics and bifidobacteria. They are found in mother's breast milk, so they are very important for the baby to consume. Omega-3 fats are present for the development of intelligence, palm oil is absent.

The mixture mixes well and without lumps. Unlike previous products, you do not need to dose it with a spoon, as special sachets are available. The smell is pleasant, milky, children like it. The mixture foams well, which indicates a high protein content. There are also a lot of carbohydrates, so carefully monitor your child's weight gain.

Advantages

1. balanced composition to maintain the health and development of the baby’s intelligence;
2. presence of symbiotics;
3. helps fight gastrointestinal problems and normalize stool.

Flaws

1. The child is gaining weight quickly, so it is worth monitoring the baby’s weight.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Lactose-free

Rating: 4.8

This mixture is as close as possible to the composition of mother’s breast milk, unlike the previously presented participants in the rating. It is light and foams a little. It doesn't leave any lumps, which is also a plus. There are not many vitamins in the composition, but there is a basic complex for the maintenance and development of the child.

We advise you to carefully switch to formula, especially if your child has allergies. It is important to monitor the baby’s condition by initially giving him half the portion. As for stool, the mixture can normalize it.

The taste of the powder is given by glucose syrup, so the product contains a lot of carbohydrates. The composition contains palm and rapeseed oils, which in combination do not give the best results. We advise you to feed your baby formula only if he is lactose intolerant. In any other situation, choose the usual drug.

Advantages

1. normalizes stool and gastrointestinal tract;
2. convenient measuring spoon.

Flaws

1. medium complex of vitamins, affects the balance of the product;
2. overpriced, does not match the quality;
3. The jar is inconvenient, it is difficult to read the text on it.

Humana SL

Rating: 4.7

A safe product that is suitable not only for lactose intolerance, but also for cow’s milk, as it is made from soy. There is no sugar here, so the baby will not actively gain weight. But there is a large set of vitamins and other useful substances to support the child’s immunity.

The jar is not very conveniently made, because when using a spoon, some of the powder spills out. The instructions are in German, which also causes inconvenience when using. The product is difficult to get in stores, as it is produced using special technology in Germany.

As for the soy mixture, it does not dissolve well and leaves large pieces rather than lumps. They have to be beaten and shaken for a long time to get a homogeneous mass. The product itself is airy and light, the grains are very small. Parents also note the cost-effectiveness, since the consumption is low. Another plus is that there are 2 bags per package, which allows you to store the mixture longer (if opened, use is allowed for 21 days).

In our opinion, this product should only be used if the child has lactose or cow's milk intolerance. In addition to vitamins and amino acids, the composition contains palm oil and some additives.

Advantages

1. low price for a large product package;
2. balanced diet.

Flaws

1. the product is difficult to obtain;
2. Rashes may appear, since soy protein is an allergen.

NAN (Nestl) Lactose-free

Rating: 4.6

In our opinion, the product will be an excellent replacement for breast milk in case of lactase deficiency (there is no enzyme to digest lactose). With it you can forget about problems with stool and colic! The composition contains corn syrup, vegetable oils, as well as trace elements that are very important in the development of a child.

The mixture dissolves quickly and leaves no lumps behind. The consistency is airy and light. Helps in the fight against bloating due to improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is also a big plus. The taste is bitter and unpleasant, but the effect of use makes up for this drawback.

So we advise you to purchase NAN (Nestl) lactose-free formula not only in case of problems with mother's milk, but also in case of abdominal pain. But you should not use the mixture for a long time, otherwise addiction will occur. This is a fairly strong drug, so consult your doctor first. You may have to switch to a low-lactose mixture later.

Advantages

1. helps in the fight against colic, lactase deficiency, as well as improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
2. balanced diet without allergens;
3. availability, easy to find in the store;
4. low price that justifies the quality.

Flaws

1. can be addictive, a rather strong drug, so after a while a switch to a low-lactose mixture is required.

Which formula to choose for your newborn: what to focus on

By and large, all formulas for newborns that are on official sale comply with GOST 30626-98 (“Dry milk products for baby food”), so it’s not entirely appropriate to talk about quality here.

However, when choosing a formula for a newborn, it is necessary to take into account special nuances:

• the product must be labeled “from birth”;
• the product must either be as close as possible to human milk in composition (adapted), or be prepared with goat’s milk;
• do not forget to check the expiration date of the product;
• try to choose a product that is always on sale (in the nearest supermarket, online store, pharmacy);
• carefully monitor the child’s condition when starting to feed him a new product: is there an allergic reaction, is everything okay with his stool, is he eating with pleasure.

The best formulas for premature newborns

Formulas for premature babies must have a large range of macro and microelements so that the child develops normally. Such drugs are primarily aimed at gaining weight in the baby, and only then at other aspects.

SIMILAC (ABBOTT) NEOSHUR

Rating: 4.9

This representative of the rating contains a large number of useful elements, especially nucleotides for maintaining the child’s immunity. For normal calcium absorption, a special mixture of fats without palm oil is used. It also helps in combating constipation.

The mixture contains a reduced amount of lactose, which is very important for lactase deficiency. There are a little more calories than in regular packages - plus weight gain. In our opinion, this formula is excellent for use in premature babies or babies with poor weight gain.

The product is difficult to obtain and is not sold everywhere. The price is higher than the market price, but corresponds to the quality of the product. SIMILAC (ABBOTT) NEOSHUR tastes sweet, which indicates a high carbohydrate content. The smell is pleasant, easily dissolves in the bottle without forming lumps, and foams a little.

Advantages

1. balanced diet;
2. ideal for children with poor weight gain, contains a lot of carbohydrates;
3. reduced lactose content, suitable for children with lactase deficiency.

Flaws

1. can only be found in pharmacies;
2. the price is higher than the market price, but corresponds to the quality of the product.

PRE NAN

Rating: 4.8

A safe, allergen-free formula that is great for baby weight gain. The composition contains nucleotides to strengthen the immune system, and slightly more carbohydrates than normal.

When using this mixture, we advise you to increase the amount of water your baby consumes, otherwise problems with stool may begin. The composition lacks beneficial bacteria, which can cause problems with constipation.

Children with gastrointestinal problems should not buy the powder. In comparison with SIMILAC (ABBOTT) NEOSHUR, PRE NAN has many disadvantages due to the lack of beneficial bacteria. The product does not support normal intestinal microflora, which can lead to gas formation and colic. We included the mixture in the rating because it does not contain allergens and promotes weight gain in infants.

Advantages

1. the child gains weight quickly and well;
2. the price is low;
3. the product is easy to find.

Flaws

1. may cause constipation or other gastrointestinal problems.

Nutrilak Pre

Rating: 4.7

If a child does not eat well, then this option will be the best, since everyone likes the taste of Nutrilac Pre. In addition, the product has a low price and is included in the budget segment. The composition contains not only vitamins and minerals, but also nucleotides to support the baby’s immunity. As for beneficial bacteria, unlike the PRE NAN mixture, they are present in normal quantities.

The mixture is evenly distributed in 2 bags, they are not very convenient to use, the product often spills out. The consistency is powdery, easily dissolves with water and does not form lumps.

We believe that this product can be used to help your baby gain weight. It combines a rich vitamin complex and a high level of carbohydrates. The packaging tells you how to use the product, so there should be no problems with preparation.

Advantages

1. the price corresponds to the quality;
2. balanced vitamin diet.

Flaws

1. Available only in supermarkets in large cities, it’s difficult to get.

Humana 0-VLB

Rating: 4.6

A good mixture that does not cause digestive problems in newborns. Promotes slight weight gain, thanks to the pleasant taste and smell, kids eat the product with pleasure.

It's easy to prepare, just follow the instructions on the package. The mixture is airy and dissolves quickly without lumps. There are 2 bags in the cardboard box, they are inconvenient to use, so parents are advised to pour the product into another container.

We recommend using this powder for feeding in the first months after the baby is born, and then switching to a higher-calorie option. If your newborn is severely underweight, you should choose another product from our rating. With a slight lag behind Humana's norm, 0-VLB will be a great way to gain a few grams.

Advantages

1. helps normalize stool and gastrointestinal function;
2. rich in vitamins, balanced.

Flaws

1. the price is a little high;
2. There is little weight gain.

The best hypoallergenic formulas for newborns

If parents want to be safe for their baby’s health, they should start feeding with hypoallergenic foods. They do not cause irritation and fight rashes and skin problems. Also, drugs in this line are prescribed to children for the prevention of colic or with high sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Friso Frisolaс Gold PEP AC Allergy

Rating: 4.9

An expensive, highly effective product that is actively used by parents whose children suffer from CMP (cow's milk protein intolerance). A mixture of medicinal type, made on the basis of casein hydrolyzate.

The composition, as in a regular formula, contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements to maintain the baby’s health. As far as the immune system is concerned, nucleotides are present in large quantities. The energy value is slightly less than normal and is not suitable for weight gain.

The packaging is inconvenient, the powder constantly crumbles, and it is difficult to get it out. Dissolution after mixing with warm water occurs quickly, there are no lumps. There is practically no smell either, the taste is slightly sweet.

Advantages

1. ideal complementary foods in the presence of allergies and other gastrointestinal diseases;
2. Helps normalize stool and improve digestion.

Flaws

1. uneconomical use due to packaging;
2. The price is higher than the market price, but corresponds to the quality.

Alfare (Nestle) Alfare

Rating: 4.8

One of the best supplements for feeding babies with allergies. We strongly do not recommend using the drug as part of “self-medication”, only as prescribed by a doctor. The composition contains a balanced complex of vitamins, nucleotides, and prebiotics to maintain the child’s health in the postoperative period, as well as before the upcoming diagnosis.

But there is one big problem - the product is bitter due to the potato starch content, so most kids refuse to eat it. We advise you to at least give the formula a try and then see how your child reacts.

The product dissolves quickly and well in warm water without forming lumps. The mixture can not only stop the manifestations of allergies, but also completely cure them. We advise you not to delay the fight; when the first inflammation and irritation appears, begin treatment. Prevention with this mixture is not worth doing!

Advantages

1. balanced complex of vitamins;
2. high efficiency in the fight against allergies.

Flaws

1. high price;
2. bitter, unpleasant taste.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) Pepti Allergy

Rating: 4.7

Like Alfare (Nestle), this product tastes bitter, which is its main drawback. The base, as in all hypoallergenic mixtures, is hydrolyzed protein. There are also vitamins and other elements that make the product as close as possible to breast milk.

We would also like to note that while using Nutrilon (Nutricia) Pepti, the color and smell of the baby's stool may change. This is normal, there is no need to worry, as the body gets used to it.

The price of the product is high, the consumption is very high - a jar is eaten by children up to six months in 3 days. There is no special section for the measuring spoon; it is located directly inside the mixture. To remove the slide, the manufacturer suggests using a knife.

The product dissolves quickly, there are no lumps. The smell is not the most pleasant, but practically not noticeable. We would like to remind you that hypoallergenic breast milk replacements are used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Advantages

1. a balanced complex for children with allergies;
2. helps both fight allergies and stop their effects;
3. Suitable for regular complementary feeding.

Flaws

1. high price;
2. difficult to find;
3. uneconomical, resulting in high product consumption.

NAN Optipro 1 Hypoallergenic

Rating: 4.6

The product is sold in an iron can containing 400 grams. As with Pepti's Nutrilon (Nutricia), it's a small amount for a big price. Based on the results of use by parents, the product costs 7,000 rubles per month, so you should not buy a “premium product” just because of the price. Use it as directed by your doctor.

As for the composition, in addition to useful macro and microelements, there is partially hydrolyzed protein for the prevention and control of skin rashes. The mixture also has increased osmolality, which puts an increased load on the child’s kidneys. Another disadvantage is the lack of vital prebiotics, which help establish microflora in the intestines.

The mixture is crumbly in consistency, slightly yellow in color. Dissolves instantly, no additional shaking required.

Advantages

1. helps fight allergies and skin rashes;
2. improves the baby's stool and digestion.

Flaws

1. the composition is averagely balanced, vital elements are missing;
2. uneconomical, high consumption;
3. high price.

The best fermented milk formulas for newborns

Fermented milk mixtures differ from regular ones in that they contain an increased content of lactic acid bacteria. This helps improve the baby's digestion, which leads to normal stool.

Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 fermented milk

Rating: 4.9

The product enriched with lactic acid bacteria was included in our rating not only because of its reasonable price, but also because of its balanced set of elements. Suitable for use by children with sensitive digestion, so we recommend it if problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

The powder is light yellow in color, very friable and fine. It dissolves quickly in water and leaves no lumps behind. The product is high in fat, so there are streaks left on the jar. The smell is pleasant, delicate, the taste is sweet.

In our opinion, fermented milk formula should not be given to babies on an ongoing basis and no more than two feedings per day. Otherwise, the child’s body will not be able to cope with a large number of lactic acid bacteria, which will lead to pain and colic. The stool will be normal, but problems with it will be replaced by new ones, namely screaming and crying from pain!

Advantages

1. high content of lactic acid bacteria;
2. high fat content of the product;
3. softens stool and improves digestion.

Flaws

1. not suitable for regular use.

Nutrilak Premium fermented milk

Rating: 4.8

One of the best options for baby's first feeding. The composition includes beneficial lactic acid bacteria to improve digestion.

The consistency is lumpy and is not sold in powder form. The dilution is average, there are a lot of lumps left that need to be shaken for a long time, there is not much foam. There is no taste as such, customers feel that Nutrilak Premium fermented milk feels like milk diluted in water.

We also recommend gently shaking this mixture so that it forms less foam. Otherwise, the child will increase gas production, or this will lead to colic. A big plus is the long shelf life of the mixture in its finished form, in contrast to the above-mentioned products in the rating - 2 hours.

Advantages

1. the price corresponds to the quality;
2. a balanced diet with uric acid bacteria.

Flaws

1. the consistency is sticky, dissolves poorly with the formation of lumps.

Criteria for choosing dairy nutrition:

• Compound. The main elements are prebiotics, nucleotides, Omega-3 and Omega-6. Sugar, starch and preservatives in milk powder are undesirable.
• Baby's reaction. It is necessary to monitor the child’s reaction: allergies may develop, increased colic, etc.
• Consultation with a pediatrician and a proven brand. Poor nutrition can worsen a child's well-being.
• The energy value of the mixture is different for each age. The number on the front side of the package indicates the age (stage) at which your baby can use it.

The process of adaptation to a particular food lasts a maximum of 2 weeks for the smallest ones. If the child’s body is accustomed to a certain mixture, it should not be changed without a serious reason.

Reasons for changing artificial nutrition:

• Regurgitation;
• The appearance of diarrhea or vice versa;
• Allergies and rashes;
• Colic;
• Restless sleep immediately after eating.

The best anti-colic mixture

Problems with colic cause discomfort not only for the baby, but also for the parents, since the pain causes the baby to constantly cry and scream. In this case, the best anti-colic mixture with a large number of useful elements will be suitable.

Friso VOM 1

Rating: 4.9

An excellent product that will help reduce the pain of colic and also prevent spitting up. The package has a dispenser ledge so that you can remove the slide from the measuring spoon. The mixture dissolves quickly, but leaves a slight sediment, so watch how much of the product the newborn drank.

The composition is increased, has many vitamins, as well as nucleotides and prebiotics. All this improves the digestion process and also normalizes the baby’s stool. We recommend using the product only after consulting a doctor.

In our opinion, the mixture, like Nutrilon (Nutricia) 1 fermented milk, is not suitable for use on an ongoing basis. Use it no more than 1-2 times a day so as not to cause addiction and, as the problem is solved, quickly transfer the baby to a regular formula.

Advantages

1. fights colic, immediately reduces pain and after 2-3 days completely solves the problem;
2. normalizes stool and gastrointestinal function;
3. Suitable for frequent regurgitation.

Baby formulas, varieties:

• Antireflux. The peculiarity of this group of baby food is the normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Antireflux mixtures eliminate: colic, regurgitation, constipation and vomiting.
• Children born prematurely need to choose a formula labeled “pre”. This indicates the special composition of the mixture, which guarantees rapid organ development and growth.
• Lactose-free additives are intended for children with milk protein intolerance.
• Hypoallergenic. Suitable for children with an allergic reaction; as a rule, this is an individual phenomenon.

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