10 Best Baby Formulas in the Philippines 2021 (Bonakid, NAN, Earth's Best, and More)

We already know that breastfeeding is the best way to feed and nurture a growing infant. Yet formula feeding is also a good alternative for various causes. In the case of working moms, they turn to mixed feeding- or giving their little one breast milk and formula milk alternately. Below are the advantages of using formula milk for babies.

The father or your partner can share the responsibility of feeding the baby and create a bond in the process. Also, other household members can feed the infant so the baby can get used to having them around. As the baby grows, they begin to recognize the touch, smell, or warmth of the different people around them and will establish familiarity.

The amount of formula being fed to the baby is vital to their fast growth. It also gives you peace of mind that your child has gotten the right quantity of milk for the day. With bottle-feeding, you can easily measure the volume of formula and your baby is guaranteed that the exact amount is consumed as recommended according to their age group.

Formulas aren't as easily digested as breast milk, so babies fed with formula don't need to be fed as often, at least in the first few months. You can feed your baby according to their infant age and the pediatrician's recommended feeding schedule. Conveniently, all you need to do is prepare the formula in batches beforehand and keep track of the feeding time.

Formula-fed babies won't be affected by the food the mother consumes or the medicines she takes. Mothers who breastfeed may need to avoid certain foods that their baby can't tolerate. A swig of alcohol can be passed to the infant through breast milk and we don't want that. 

Also, moms who take medication- even for the simplest illnesses like fever, headache, and cough, and most especially antibiotics, could share the chemicals with their breast-fed babies. As a general rule, breastfeeding moms must always consult their OB-Gyn before taking any medication. 

For new moms, choosing a baby formula brings anxiety and struggle. No need to worry, we're here to provide the essential points to consider in picking the right formula for your baby. Check out the following sections below.

There is a variety of formulas available for babies. Cow's milk is the most common, but you can opt to use a soy or hydrolyzed type as the need arises. Below are the choices to satisfy your baby's specific requirements.

About 80% of formulas sold commercially are cow's milk-based. As the name implies, the main ingredient is cow's milk that is modified to make it safer and easily digestible by newborns. It is fairly cheaper and economical, but some infants may be allergic to this type.

If your baby is allergic to the typical cow's milk-based formula, his pediatrician might recommend an HW variant. These refer to hydrolyzed whey milk formulas that are hypoallergenic and best for babies with sensitive skin.

It also contains pre-digested proteins that are good for babies with sensitive digestive systems. The hydrolyzation process divides the proteins into tinier particles so babies can quickly digest the formula with lesser discomfort.

Families living a vegan lifestyle opt to use soy milk as baby formula. It contains plant proteins that are already broken down to be easily digested. This may be the right choice for babies that are lactose-intolerant or allergic to cow's milk. Most of the time, soy is genetically modified so it's very important to look for a non-GMO and organic label on the product.

Meanwhile, lactose-free products are considered as a "gentler" milk-based formula. They are reduced- having no traces of lactose. Babies with an intense allergic reaction to lactose may need to switch to this type of milk base. Corn syrup is used in place of lactose to supply the needed protein. Unfortunately, fewer bands offer this type of baby formula, which is quite expensive than usual.

This type of formula is often prescribed by doctors to premature or babies with certain illnesses. The added nutrients, specially designed enzymes, and hydrolyzed proteins could assist in properly developing their tiny or weak bodies. Although some babies in this condition might be able to cope with common milk bases, a metabolic formula should be provided in rare cases.

Meanwhile, babies who are diagnosed with G6PD deficiency- a genetic disease that is detected via a newborn screening test, also require a special milk formula. Generally, they're not allowed to take soy milk and cow's milk-based formulas. Check with your baby's pediatrician to know which options are recommended for your little one. 

Baby formula manufacturers have already developed some options on how parents can prepare and serve the formula milk to babies. There are three kinds that you might want to take a look at - powdered, ready-to-use, and liquid concentrate.

This is by far the most commonly used and budget-friendly among formula serving methods. You can purchase it at any local supermarket or online store. They are available in biodegradable boxes and reusable cans. You don't need to refrigerate it and it has a longer shelf life than liquid types. 

Making the formula is as easy as scooping the powder at its recommended quantity per feeding. The packaging comes with instructions regarding the number of scoops to add per ounce of water. Just make sure that everything is dissolved before feeding it to your baby.

These formulas have water already mixed in so it can already be fed to your baby as is. If you're a bit concerned about the water quality in your area, this might be the best option. You don't have to dissolve anything so hospitals use this serving type to save time and the trouble of mixing formulas. Unfortunately, it should be refrigerated at all times as it has a shorter shelf life.

If you don't like the hassle of mixing powdered formulas, a liquid concentrate is your alternative. Budget-wise, it is the middle ground between ready-to-use formulas and powdered formula milk. 

When it comes to preparation, all you need to do is add equal parts of the liquid concentrate and water then mix it well. Just like ready-to-use formulas, refrigeration is also needed to keep it fresh at all times.

Most standard milk formulas are designed to provide the closest composition of nutrients to a mother's breast milk. As is, these formulas have the right ingredients on their own but many manufacturers add certain nutrients, minerals, or probiotics to enhance their products. Below are some of the additives that could give your baby some benefits as they grow.

Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are essential fatty acids that are naturally found in human breast milk. They are added to promote optimal eye and brain development in babies. Although the chemical structure of DHA and ARA in powdered formulas isn't the same as what is found in breast milk, scientists have already sourced this nutrient by natural and organic means.

Non-milk based formulas are often lactose-free so they lack the natural ingredients found in regular milk. Iron and calcium are added to the formula to make up for the absence of the nutrients provided by lactose. There are low-iron formulas available in the market but they pose a risk of iron deficiency in some infants on prolonged use.

Even babies need prebiotics and probiotics to supplement their developing digestive tracts. These healthy bacteria assist in the proper digestion of proteins and the breakdown of food. They also help eliminate disease-causing bacteria inside the gut. Breast milk naturally has prebiotics and probiotics so if you're using a formula as support to breastfeeding you probably won't be needing it.

Not all formulas are made the same, not only in nutritional additives and manufacturer formulation but also concerning the baby's age. You cannot just feed your baby with any formula you can get your hands on. You may consult a pediatrician to know the right feeding formula but you can refer to the quick guide below about the right type of formula that is age-appropriate.

An infant, aging from birth to six months old, will need about six to ten feedings per day. For bottle-fed babies, Stage 1 formulas or infant formulas are designed to be as close to a mother's milk. It also has lower milk protein content so babies can easily digest it, and lactose is its source of carbohydrate. The mixture is creamy because of the added starch to keep babies full longer.

By the time your baby is at Stage 2, from six months to one year old, semi-solid foods are already introduced into their diet. Stage 2 or follow-up formulas are given to them as a supplement to baby food. The ingredients within the formula are essential for growth and contain more energy to sustain your baby's activity. It is creamier than Stage 1 formulas so it is more satiating to babies at this age.

 
In some cases, some parents find it unnecessary to use Stage 2 formulas up until the baby is 12 months old. In their opinion, there is no meaningful difference in their composition aside from the variation in the percentage of nutrients added.

Once your baby hits the 12-month mark they are already called toddlers. They are more active and needs the extra nutrient to sustain their everyday activities. The starch, proteins, vitamins, and energy are significantly higher to promote weight gain and provide support in case they need the extra nutrients due to a lack of development while they were in the previous stages.

At this stage, many parents already bottle-feed their toddlers with regular milk since they are already getting enough nutrients from solid foods. Also, keeping them healthy can be resolved by dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals that can already be prescribed by their pediatrician. 

Picking a baby formula may be difficult if you're still trying to test your baby's tolerance with it. It's a good thing we've already come up with a list of the recommended brands for you to choose from.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

For first-time parents, preparing a baby formula is one of the primary tasks that must be learned since your newborn will constantly be hungry throughout the day. Here are some simple guidelines shared by Little One Mag to ensure a proper and safe way of using your baby's formula.

Steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize your preparation surface before mixing the formula.
2. Follow all the directions indicated on the brand label.
3. Boil water before mixing. Bottled water is not recommended.
4. Do not try to stretch out your formula as this can lead to malnutrition.
5. Mix as you go. It is better to prepare one day's worth of bottles to make sure that they are only kept for 24 hours.
6. Keep all bottles clean and sterilized.
7. Throw out the contents of unfinished bottles. Never reheat or refrigerate for later.

Keep your babies healthy and happy with some awesome products that you can purchase online. Click on the links below and find out the best merchandise for your little bundles of joy!

Welcoming a new member of the family brings a smile to everyone's faces. As parents, your responsibility is to choose the right baby formula to keep your little sunshine healthy and disease-free. Yes, it may be seem overwhelming, but learning what to look for can greatly help you arrive at the best option and feel confident in your decision.

Author: C. Lacson

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