Table of contents

1. Modified milk: what is it?
2. Which follow-on milk for newborns and infants?
3. Goat milk for babies
4. Milk for babies over 6 months: follow-on milk
5. Food intolerance: lactose-free modified milk

Modified milk: what is it?

When breast milk feeding is not possible, modified milk becomes the basis of the infant's diet. This is a modified version of cow's or goat's milk. It is processed in such a way that its final composition is as close as possible to that of mother's milk. Manufacturers are competing to create the best milk for infants to meet their nutritional needs and ensure the proper development of each child.

Parents can rest assured about the quality of this type of product. Modified milks undergo a number of tests and strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GPM) rules are followed during their production. Many are also certified for quality and safety. All in the interests of the little ones.

Which follow-on milk for newborns and infants?

It is not easy to follow the pattern of mother's milk. Its composition changes according to the baby's needs, but also as a result of the mother's diet. Of course, a number of ingredients remain the same and are used to produce modified milk for babies.

Cow's milk differs slightly in composition and content of protein, lactose, fats and oligosaccharides from breast milk. Hence, it needs to be modified to make the food that newborns and infants consume the best possible.

What should modified milk contain for the newborn?

• The right amount of protein (1-1.2%) and amino acids in the right proportions (mainly casein and whey proteins) - to ensure proper growth;
• long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUALP) omega-3 (DHTN , EPA, ALA) and omega-6 - their sources are vegetable oils (palm, coconut) and fish or algal oil, and lecithin is also added as an emulsifier - such ingredients ensure the proper development of the child's nervous system, but also support the immune and cardiovascular systems;
• lactose (milk sugar) - carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the developing body;
• oligosaccharides (GOS, FOS), which are prebiotics - these molecules are not digested, but form an insoluble dietary fibre and provide nourishment for the probiotic bacteria that naturally inhabit the digestive tract;
• probiotic bacteria, which constitute the bacterial flora of the digestive tract (mainly of the genus Lactobacillus). These ingredients are important because the baby is born with an almost sterile digestive tract, and which bacteria and in what proportions will populate it has an impact on its health, immunity and functioning in the future;
• choline - an important component for the synthesis of cell membranes and some neurotransmitters;
• inositol - regulates numerous metabolic processes;
• taurine - regulates bile secretion, influences muscle and nervous system function.

Modified milk for newborns also contains a number of vitamins (A, E, D, K, C and B vitamins) and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron, among others). However, the need for these nutrients changes as the baby grows up, and therefore a slightly different amount of follow-on milk is given at each stage of life. According to the manufacturer's labelling on the packaging. In addition to this, after the age of 6 months modified milk is recommended for babies with the designation 2.

Young parents often wonder which infant milk is recommended by paediatricians? It should be a certified product, with the right composition, widely available and, most importantly, suitable for the baby. Infant milks vary slightly in taste, composition and price. In the case of more expensive products, the substrates come from organic farming and the composition is appropriately supplemented with, for example, probiotic bacteria strains. If the milk mixture is only a source of food for the newborn, it is known that the best modified milk is sought after. Often without regard to price. All in order to ensure the proper development of the baby from the first days of life.

Goat milk for babies

Goatmilk, which is also used as a substrate for the production of modified milk for infants, differs from mother's milk in its macro- and micronutrient content even more than cow's milk. Its appropriate processing, however, means that goat's modified milk allows it to provide the baby from the first days of life with all the ingredients important for its development, in addition:

• it is more easily digestible, so less likely to generate tummy problems in the baby,
• it has a casein profile more similar to that of mother's milk, and therefore has a less allergenic effect and is less likely to cause food intolerances than products based on cow's milk.

Infant nutrition

It is worth knowing, however, that when there is an allergy to cow's milk, it should not be switched to goat's milk. There is a high risk of cross-reactivity and the appearance of an allergic reaction after the child has consumed modified goat's milk too. Goat's milk also has a specific taste and smell, which is why some children are quickly converted to it, while with others there is a problem.

Milk for babies over 6 months of age: follow-on milk

Follow-onmilk is dedicated to babies from the age of 7 months and is labelled by manufacturers with the number "2" on the packaging. Its composition differs slightly from follow-on milk. It contains a correspondingly higher amount of iron. This is due to the increased need for iron in infants over 6 months of age. This is when the expansion of the diet begins. The gradual introduction of foods to the baby's menu means that milk mixture is given less frequently. Therefore, to ensure that the baby's energy needs are met, follow-on milk contains slightly more protein and carbohydrates.

It is therefore advisable, once the baby is 6 months old, to slowly get him used to the change in milk composition. This can be done by replacing 1 measure of infant milk with 1 measure of follow-on milk and increasing the number of measures every few days. During this period it is important to observe closely how the baby reacts to the different milk compositions. This process is necessary because even the best milk for newborns and babies up to the age of 6 months, when used with an older baby, can cause anaemia and other deficiencies.

Food intolerance: lactose-free modified milk

When digestive problems (colic, flatulence, belching, constipation, diarrhoea, gas) or rash, too frequent demands for feeds, as well as problems with weight gain, occur after giving conventional modified milk, this is a sign that it is not well tolerated. Worrying symptoms should be consulted with your doctor. The doctor will decide whether to introduce a specialised milk product into the baby's diet. This type of product is designed to alleviate digestive discomfort while providing the baby with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

When feeding children, it is relatively common for lactose to cause tummy problems in the infant. Lactose-free or lactose-reduced modified milks are available on the market. These are referred to as O-lac, Comfort, AntiColic. When an intolerance or allergy to cow's milk proteins is identified, it is necessary to use a hypoallergenic milk: HTN modified milk . The protein in this type of mixture is more hydrolysed and less allergenic. For babies who have an excessive tendency to urinate, the AR modified milk is dedicated. It contains thickening substances, but its chronic use can generate problems with defecation in the child.