ARTICLE SUMMARY:
- Choosing powdered milk and the bottle for your baby is an important step for all parents.
- For mothers who cannot or do not wish to breastfeed fully, formula is a good substitute for breast milk. It is designed according to strict, regulated specifications. It imitates natural breast milk, except that it is made from cow’s milk. Discover our favorite brand! Petits Culottés Formula.
- Not all powdered milks are perfect. Today, pediatric experts advise against certain components, just as with certain types of bottles.
- Follow our advice to make the best choice for quality and health, and according to your baby’s age and needs.
The Complementarity of Powdered Formula and a Quality Bottle
It is important to consult an expert when choosing your formula. The same goes for the quality of the bottle. Finding the best powdered milk means nothing without a healthy bottle! Because that alone will not guarantee better health for your baby.
So, these two elements make a complementary team. To choose the best bottle for your little one, follow this link.
But What About Breast Milk?
Breast milk remains the best milk for infants.
- It strengthens babies’ immune systems thanks to the antibodies it contains.
- It provides all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth.
- Breastfeeding also allows you to save money, even if that’s not the main goal! 😉
If you do not plan to breastfeed directly, know that you can also decide to pump your milk using an electric or manual breast pump and then feed your child from a bottle.
You can absolutely choose to breastfeed and give powdered milk occasionally. However, if you skip a breastfeeding session, be sure to pump your milk to avoid discomfort… Your breasts will experience a milk surge when it’s feeding time, and you may be uncomfortable.
The more often you give powdered milk and skip breastfeeds, the weaker your supply becomes. Weaning often starts this way. Choose your substitute formula before considering weaning.
Pumped milk can be stored and offered to baby later, for example, by your partner if you need to be absent. What should you watch out for when giving your baby powdered milk?
1. The Amount of Prepared Formula
On one hand, when transitioning to a formula containing other carbohydrates, such as starch, it is important to avoid overfeeding the child. If your baby refuses to finish the bottle, there is no need to force them to drink. In most cases, your child knows when to stop eating just like you do.
Also, the daily recommended amount of beverage per day advised by doctors should not be exceeded. Refer to your child’s age and the number of scoops stated on the formula can.
2. The Temperature of the Formula in the Bottle
Formula should be warmed up (preferably in a water bath). Be careful of burning risks—always check the temperature on the inside of your wrist before giving the bottle to your baby!
The maximum temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
3. Baby’s Possible Special “Diets”
Finally, most powdered formulas contain CMP. In other words, cow’s milk protein. Some infants are intolerant to it. It is essential to watch for symptoms of this intolerance and to adapt the feeding accordingly. A healthcare professional will know how to guide you to a specific, suitable formula for your baby.
Some Reliable Formula Brands for Your Baby
Our little tip: to never run out and ease your mental load: opt for a baby formula subscription! You’ll receive monthly delivery straight from the dairy to your doorstep.
- Galia
- Guigoz
- Modilac
- Babybio
- Blédinat (Blédilait)
Why Choose Organic Formula?
There is no shortage of leading industrial formula brands. Most have developed an organic range.
Slightly more expensive, it is nevertheless preferable to feed your baby with products from organic farming—it guarantees no trace of antibiotics will be in your little one’s milk.
It is also best to avoid giving formula in a plastic bottle, which leads to your child’s ingesting millions of microplastic particles per day!
Elhée favorite: Lait Petits Culottés!
This French brand has developed a unique baby formula blend based on a high content of organic skimmed milk (at least 90% organic dairy ingredients, the highest on the market).
Toxicological analyses are systematically performed on every batch, and reports are available on their website (they are also the only ones who do this!).
Made in France in Vendée; you can only purchase their formula on their website, by subscription! Thanks to their 100% short supply chain system, the price is €16.95 per box of organic formula.
Here are some other brands of organic baby formulas made in France:
- Juneo
- Popote
- France Bébé
- Biostime
The Different Powders by Age
First-stage Formula
In terms of composition, first-stage formula is the closest to breast milk. Opting for this type of milk ensures you meet your child’s nutritional needs during the first six months of life.
Second-stage Formula
Your baby has passed the 6-month milestone! Now they are ready to drink iron-fortified formula. Recognizable by the number 2 on most labels, this is the formula you’ll use until your baby’s first birthday.
Third-stage Formula
Third-stage formula is almost like “big kid” milk! It can be offered to your baby up to 3 years old without issue, and as soon as they’re 1 year old. Look for the number 3 on the can to spot it. This milk is suitable for your child’s snacks and breakfasts.
Note that some parents choose to skip third-stage formula and switch directly to sterilized cow’s milk.
Which Milk to Put in the Bottle After Age 3?
Once your child is over 3 years old, you can offer sterilized reduced-fat cow’s milk in cartons or bottles. Avoid whole milk, as it can be too rich for your child.
Sterilized cow’s milk can be consumed cold or warm, depending on your child’s preference.
This transition might not go smoothly! Offer milk in a cup or glass, or still in their bottle (preferably silicone to limit plastic particles), which will comfort your child.
Also offer dairy products such as yogurt or cheese to maintain calcium intake in this case.
Is Giving Raw Cow’s Milk to Baby in a Bottle a Good Idea?
If you can get milk directly from a farmer, don’t forget to boil it for at least 40 minutes before giving it to your baby and keep it refrigerated for no more than 12 hours.
Otherwise, diseases such as listeria or salmonellosis can be transmitted. So, be vigilant! Milk should always be heated for a certain time over 212°F (100°C).
If you are not confident with the process, it is better to give regular store-bought milk in cartons.
Main Rules for Giving Powdered Formula to Your Baby
Starter or first-stage formula, as well as follow-on formulas, are made from cow’s milk. It is essential for every parent to be aware of possible lactose intolerance—the famous cow’s milk protein.
- Choose a hypoallergenic (HA) infant formula if your baby needs it.
- If your baby doesn’t finish their bottles, discard the leftovers. Leftover formula should not be given the next day, as bacteria multiply very quickly.
- Prefer organic formula
- Use the appropriate type of formula for your child’s age
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