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Bringing your baby into the world is one of the most amazing things you can ever imagine. Seeing them for the first time and getting to hold them is a feeling like no other. It is incredible how one minute there is just you, and the next you have a whole new life to care for.
This is a fantastic time, but it can be overwhelming. Having a newborn can mean a very steep learning curve with so much to learn in not very much time at all. All this can be made more difficult by a serious lack of sleep and maybe you have other children to care for too.
Have you considered newborn formula to take away some of the stress of feeding times? Let’s take a closer look and find out why you might want to consider it. (See also: Guide to Feeding Newborn Baby)
What Is Newborn Formula?
Formula explicitly designed to support your baby from birth to three months is called newborn formula. These types of formula are modeled after breast milk, and they tend to be very easy to digest, and some even have pro and pre-biotics added to them to further aid with digestion. They are high in nutrients with the aim of supporting cognitive development.
The Correct Nutrition
Newborn formulas are carefully formulated for your newborn baby. They contain the proper balance of nutrients including:
Vitamin D
We need this vitamin to help us to develop strong bones and tendons. You might be thinking that surely it should read calcium. Well that is true, but without vitamin D, no matter how much calcium you give your baby, their body will not be able to utilize it without the right amount of vitamin D. The relationship between vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus is the crucial factor.
Babies need to have vitamin D every day, and the American Academy of Pediatrics states that they need 400 IU daily. When you use a newborn formula, you can calculate how much of this critical vitamin your baby will receive which takes the guesswork out of feeding.
Pre And Probiotics
You might know these as good bacteria. They are found in our digestive systems, which is where around 75% of your babies immune system can be found. This means that by using pre and probiotics, like the ones found in newborn formula, you can support your baby’s immune system as it develops. A healthy immune system means a healthy baby.
DHA
DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid. I know it is a mouthful, but it is a type of omega 3 fatty acid which you have probably heard of. For us adults, we can find it in oily fish like mackerel, herring and in very high levels in cod liver oil. It is also naturally found in human breast milk.
When babies are born prematurely, they are frequently supplemented with DHA. It is essential for cognitive development, and this is why it is included as an ingredient in newborn formulas because the brain of a newborn develops extremely rapidly and this is a crucial time to receive enough DHA.
Other Reasons To Use Newborn Formula
Obviously, nutrition is of paramount importance, but there are other reasons to use a newborn formula. One is so that you can share feeding times. It does not have to only be the mother that gets out of bed several times a night when you are using newborn formula. The responsibility can be shared by both parents.
When you breastfeed, you need to avoid alcohol, certain strong or spicy foods and even some types of medication. This is not a problem with formula. Mum can eat and drink whatever she likes. No more sore nipples, need I say more? Another huge plus to using a newborn formula is that you know exactly how much your baby is drinking every day. The formula takes away the guesswork which gives you great peace of mind.
Consider Your Options
A newborn formula is an excellent option for your baby. Depending on your circumstances and your baby’s needs, it might well be the best option. Why not talk to your doctor about your options and see what will work best for you both?
About The Author:
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, survival tips, making money, health and so on. Her write-ups are a window into her thoughts and knowledge.
