What’s in a Good Baby Formula?
One of the most crucial aspects of your little one’s development is making sure they get all the proper nutrients they need. It’s what every mom wants for their child, and some formulas might have ingredients that are proven to be unhealthy. Baby formulas might all look the same, but their ingredients say otherwise. If you’re on the lookout for a new formula but don’t know how to distinguish what’s good for your baby, here are just a few ingredients that you should be watching out for:
Lactose-Based Formulas
Mainly manufactured in Europe, lactose-based baby formulas are the closest you can get to breast milk. Lactose has a much lower glycemic index than processed refined sugars, aids in the absorption of calcium, helps the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and more. Lactose is also mainly known for being in cow’s milk, and lactose-based baby formulas may label themselves as such on packaging.
Processed Refined Sugars
Formulas manufactured in the United States are chock full of unhealthy sugars that your baby doesn’t need, like corn syrup, brown rice syrup and more. These formulas have repeatedly been linked to obesity, and are banned in the EU. Processed and refined sugars in your baby formula are definitely something you don’t want your little one to be taking in their developing body - so it’s best to go with a European formula like the ones we have.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics are crucial in your baby’s health, as they promote healthy bacteria in the gut, maintain a healthy immune system and may even help with digestive issues. They won't get digested by your baby, but they will aid the growth of probiotics, helping your baby's microbiome to be more similar to that of a baby on breast milk. To see whether your formula contains prebiotics, check the ingredients list for Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) or Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Probiotics
Over time, babies' bodies build up gut-healthy bacteria that will help them build a barrier in their GI tract, gain a stronger immune system, prevent eczema, reduce colic and prevent infections. Around 30% of this probiotic bacteria comes naturally from breast milk. Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium are probiotics that are commonly found on ingredient lists.
Preservatives
Many formulas in the United States contain synthetic preservatives like ascorbic palmitate and beta carotene. These preservatives can be toxic, and something to avoid in your baby’s formula.
Nutrients
Banned in Europe, synthetic nutrients include lutein, lycopene, taurine, L-carnitine, and L-methionine. Many of these nutrients are toxic, and are commonly found in formulas made in the United States. Yummy Ganics does not carry formulas with any synthetic preservatives or nutrients, as we only want the best for your baby.
Palm Oil
Used in both the United States and in Europe, Palm Oil is a better alternative in formulas than soy oil. It may cause digestive issues and gassiness in babies. This is commonly added to formula to help replicate the high palmitic acid content of breastmilk.
Soy Oil
Soy oil is the main alternative to palm oil. While it doesn't cause any digestive issues, the high content of estrogen in soy products has been found to be linked to severe menstrual cramps later in life. Given this, palm oil is generally considered the better alternative between the two.
Shop the Best for Your Little One
Now that you have the perfect guide on what to look for and to avoid in your baby’s formula, what next? Yummy Ganics carries only the highest quality organic European baby formulas, such as HiPP, Holle, Lebenswert and more! Visit us online now to order the best formula for your baby now!