Infant formulas

Not all children have the privilege of getting their mother's breastmilk! There are few women who have a contraindication to breastfeeding or who simply do not have breastmilk (less than 5%). It is more often the case that you are compelled to temporarily or permanently stop breastfeeding and give your baby formula due to illness, admission to hospital or other emergency.

If formula is your personal choice, we would like to remind you once again that breastmilk ensures optimal child growth and development and is the foundation of good health for life! Breastmilk is always available, hygienically safe, at appropriate temperature, at no cost. In the first six months of life, it is the only food and fluid that a child needs.

Why does an infant need formula and not cow's milk?

Most infant formulas are made from cow's milk, which has been modified to suit the baby's needs; the quantity and quality of basic ingredients, such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates, are adjusted as much as possible to the composition of breastmilk; vitamins, minerals, some fats and numerous other ingredients are added, so that the milk formula meets infant needs .

Some formulas also contain other additives, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics, with the aim of reflecting the composition of human milk as closely as possible. It is not certain that these ingredients will have the same effect as those from breastmilk.

If your infant does not get your milk, feed him/her formula made from cow's milk during the first year of life. Until the age of 12 months, do not give the child cow's milk as a main food (a small amount can be added when preparing non-milk meals). The same recommendation applies to sheep's or goat's milk.

Powdered milk, skim milk or sweetened condensed milk are not recommended infant foods! Do not feed your baby milk substitutes, such as soy, rice, almond or coconut milk.

If you are considering feeding your infant some other milk, instead of breastmilk or infant formula, consult a pediatrician!

Types of formulas

Infant formulas must meet strict international and national quality standards. They are of similar quality and nutritional value and are suitable for most children. Some brands may be more expensive than others, but that doesn't necessarily mean your baby needs them. If a newborn is fed a specific formula in the maternity hospital, it does not automatically mean that this formula is the best.

First formulas (1) are recommended for feeding a child up to 6 months of age. In the second half of the first year, manufacturers recommend formula 2, which supports further child growth. Although there are differences in composition between formulas 1 and 2, just as breastmilk changes as the baby grows, switching to "two" is not necessary as soon as the baby is 6 months old, especially until you use up your supply of first formula.

Formula manufacturers also offer parents formulas for children over 12 months of age (known as follow-up formulas or formulas 3).  A child older than one year does not need formula.

Specialized formulas

• Instead of cow's milk proteins, hypoallergenic formulas have hydrolyzed proteins - broken down into smaller parts; the intention is to reduce the risk of developing allergy to cow's milk with this modification. Experts' opinions on these formulas are divided. While some believe that there is no evidence that being fed HA formula has a preventive effect on the occurrence of allergies in children, others recommend that, where formula is necessary, the first one to be given the child should be hypoallergenic.
• Children with a proven allergy to cow's milk proteins are fed a completely hydrolyzed formula, on the recommendation and under the supervision of a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology.
• There are other specialized formulas for feeding preterm babies and those with specific diseases and disorders; the diet of these children must always be on the recommendation and under the supervision of a physician.
• There are numerous other modifications of milk formulas, for children with various transient, functional problems such as vomiting, colic or constipation.

The type of formula that your baby should drink is determined by a pediatrician. It is not recommended to change the type of formula yourself. Changing the formula can also cause some problems for the baby (colic, constipation, flatulence, vomiting) or a disruption in the baby's feeding routine due to the changed taste of the milk. If the doctor changes the type of formula, read the instructions carefully, because the size of the scoops and the way of preparing different formulas may differ.