10 Best Baby Milk Powder in India 2021(Similac, Nestle and More)

Most of the baby formulas discussed below are readily available online on Amazon and Firstcry. Depending upon the preparation, composition, and baby's age, you can choose the best formula for your child’s nourishment.

Every baby is different, with special dietary needs and restrictions, so it is good to understand each formula's nutritional value before giving it to your child. Whether you will be supplementing with formula or planning to use it full-time, there are several things to consider. To help you choose the best formula for your baby, here's our well-researched guide.

The first year of your baby's life is an exciting time, but it can be overwhelming too. There are so many decisions to make, especially when it comes to feeding them. While baby formulas are developed, keeping in mind the nutritional values of breast milk and replicating it as closely as possible, there are still many options available.

The first thing you would want to consider before buying a formula is its base ingredient. Formula milk is usually made from cow's milk that has been treated to suit a baby's health and development needs. Some more alternatives that are equally beneficial are listed below. Check them out!

Parents should not give cow's milk to babies who are less than 12 months old because it has excessive protein load that’s harder to digest. However, baby formulas containing cow's milk protein (whey) are easier to digest than other formula types. To make a formula closest to breastmilk, manufacturers add sugar, milk, vegetable oils, and iron to it.

First infant formula is the only milk formula that your baby needs for the first six months unless suggested otherwise by a pediatrician or a general practitioner (GP). You can even continue with the same formula for up to one year, along with the solid foods introduced at around six months.

Soy milk formula is made from soya beans and recommended by pediatricians to only those who are intolerant to cow's milk. Make sure to consult your GP before using it for your child. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which is found naturally in some plants. 

Since its chemical structure is similar to the female hormone estrogen, it is believed that it might affect a baby's reproductive development. Therefore, you must not rely only on soy-based infant formula for your kids. Also, the glucose present in the soy formula is more likely to harm a baby's teeth.

If your baby is allergic to cow's milk or has metabolic disorders, your GP will prescribe an appropriate milk formula with hydrolyzed proteins. The proteins in such formulas are broken down into smaller proteins, making them more comfortable for the baby to digest.

Milk powder with hypoallergic formula is suitable for a child from birth, but only under medical supervision. It is also known as a comforting formula and is readily available at pharmacies.

If your baby has diarrhea, abdominal pain, wind, and bloating after consuming baby formula, then he/she might be lactose intolerant. It means that they cannot absorb natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Lactose intolerance is rare in babies, but you would still want to consult a pediatrician and ask for a substitute formula. The doctor would substitute the sugar lactose with corn starch. Similac's Isomil Lactose-Free Infant Milk Substitute is a good substitute that is milk-free and soy-based.

Now that you know about the different ingredients, the next thing to consider is preparing baby formula. There are mainly three options: powder, liquid/concentrate, and ready-to-feed. As a new parent, you will be making formulas for over a year, and it is crucial to understand which preparation suits which situation.

Here, we are sharing detailed information, including the pros and cons of each preparation method. So, you can pick whichever suits your purpose

Being the least expensive, this is the most common type of baby formula found in the market. It also has the most extended shelf-life, allowing you to buy and store it in bulk. However, if you have added water to it, then it should be used within 24 hours of mixing if stored in a refrigerator.

The powdered formula is not recommended for premature newborns as the powdered food is not sterile. However, each powdered pack comes with specific mixing instructions, it would be best to mix the powder in warm water, making sure there are no lumps. Transfer the mixture into a feeding bottle and feed the baby.

Liquid concentrated is similar to evaporated milk, where you need not worry about dissolving the powder as it mixes well by simply adding the water. This baby formula is expensive compared to the powdered version because its packaging is heavier, making it difficult to carry around. If you’re someone who travels a lot with the baby, you might want to skip the liquid formula.

A liquid formula should be mixed at a one-to-one ratio with water and consumed within 48 hours of opening the container. If you plan on buying formula online, just be careful about the quantity as you might not be able to judge it correctly, and end up ordering bigger containers which cannot be used in one-go.

Ready-to-feed baby formula is premixed and requires no preparation. You need to open the bottle and feed the baby from single-serve bottles or larger volumes. Since the ready-to-feed formula comes in single-use bottles, it is the most expensive one out of the three.

This premixed formula is ideal for travelling, and late night or early morning feedings. The ready-to-feed formula also has an expiration time of 48 hours of refrigeration after the bottle is cracked open.

Now that you've sorted the ingredients and preparations, you will want to consider additional nutrients and benefits offered in baby formulas. While some formulas address specific needs, others are made to boost the normal development of a child. Some of the common additives that you will find in baby formula are Iron, Prebiotics/Probiotics, and DHA/ARA.

Iron is an important mineral that helps in muscle growth and bone building. People believe iron causes constipation, but its amount in baby formula isn't enough to cause any problem. Prebiotics and Probiotics help in digestion and give relief to babies who have stomach troubles. DHA and ARA are synthesised fatty acids that are important for healthy brain and eye development.

No matter how well-versed you are with the baby formulas and its ingredients, it is always a best practice to consult the pediatrician before starting with a new formula or switching from an existing one. The doctor will give you a better insight into what ingredients will work for your child’s development.

Every child’s need is different when it comes to their nutritional intake. Some might need more iron in their diet, while others might have a calcium deficiency. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor and feed your baby what’s right for them.

When choosing something for your baby, you make sure you pick up only the best products. Be it concerning their food choices or clothing material. So, to help you make that safe and healthy choice, here are some links that might interest you.

When it comes to deciding what baby formula would work for your child, there is no clear answer. What you might pick for your child, their body might neglect it. So, the best advice you can get before choosing a baby formula is from your pediatrician. We might have listed all the top-recommended baby formulas above but make sure you run through the choices with your doctor before feeding anything new to your child.

Author: Srishti Sikka