After going through labour and delivery, nursing is the next phase for new moms. Regarding customs and cultural norms, the majority of them do not discontinue nursing until a medical issue arises. But as a result of rapidly changing times, a commitment to one’s job or profession, and a desire to regain their pre-pregnancy weight, moms are increasingly choosing powdered milk instead of nursing or breastfeeding.
It may also be required to record how much milk each newborn consumes due to a variety of medical issues, and powdered milk facilitates accurate measuring.
There are endless brands selling milk powder for kids but is it safe to feed the baby powder milk? Are there any side effects of baby milk powder? These questions are cryptic and unanswered.
Let us deeply examine the advantages and disadvantages of milk powder on a child’s health.
What is Powdered Milk?
Mother’s milk is vital to a baby’s growth and development. However, there are some situations where breastfeeding is challenging, therefore a woman may opt to give the baby an infant formula milk or also known as milk powder for kids instead. Artificial milk powders for newborns are created by vapourising liquid cow milk. It is specifically designed to meet the baby’s nutritional requirements.
For one reason or another, a lot of women choose formula milk nowadays. But very few of them are aware of the benefits and potential milk powder side effects. Here we have emphasised all the facts related to powdered milk in this post.
Pros of powdered milk
Packed with nutrients
Powdered milk or formula milk has all the nutrients necessary for the child’s growth and development. Additionally, it protects the infant against infections and anemia. Some powdered milk is fortified with vitamins, iron, and calcium, which in the case of breast milk depends on the mother’s nutritional consumption.
No effect from the mother’s diet
Typically, the diet of the nursing mother determines the baby’s nutrition as well. In the case of powdered milk, the mother may eat anything without any stress on the child’s health.
Can be fed anytime, anywhere
While breastfeeding becomes challenging and inconvenient in public places, powdered milk feeding becomes comfortable.
Reduced risk of contagious diseases
Breastfeeding increases the likelihood that an illness will be transmitted from mother to child. Giving the infants powdered milk lowers the danger and ensures their health.
Reduce nipple discomfort
Pain and soreness in the nipples are fairly prevalent during nursing. Additionally freed from this issue are the moms.
Cons of Powdered milk
Powdered milk, popularly known as baby milk formula, is a suitable alternative to breast milk when it is not available or produced enough. However, it’s important that you should know the potential side effects. Milk powder side effects include:
Difficult to digest
Because it is powdered and created artificially, it could be difficult for the infant to digest. It can require additional time to absorb. Sometimes the infant throws up right away after consuming powdered milk.
Lacks in antibodies
For a healthy baby, it is important to have a mother’s milk. Mother’s milk has antibodies that strengthens the child’s immune system and keeps diseases at bay to safeguard him/her. A lack of antibodies in powder milk can weaken the baby’s immune system. Another disadvantage of milk powder is that it may lose some natural nutrients during the drying process.
Expensive and difficult to choose among available brands
Powdered milk must be purchased, while breast milk is free. Powdered milk comes under different labels for different ages, so picking them might be challenging. Additional costs are also incurred for the costs associated with bottles and nipples. For consistent milk feeding, it is an expensive proposition and requires good quality products and plenty of supplies must be acquired.
Final thoughts
For infants, breast milk is like liquid gold. The infant should be breastfed for at least six months, according to doctors. Given that breast milk is the only meal a child may consume during the first few months of life, it includes all the essential components that a newborns needs to meet their nutritional demands.
Mother’s milk aids in the development of the baby’s muscles, but occasionally newborns are unable to digest it or the mother is unable to feed the child. The infant is fed formula milk or powder milk in these situations.
Although powdered milk is beneficial, it cannot replace a mother’s breast milk. Also, keep in mind that attempting to totally replace or substitute breast milk can be highly dangerous to both the mother and the child.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What kind of milk is best for toddlers?
Ans. Breast milk is the best type of milk for toddlers.
Q. What Age Should toddlers stop drinking milk?
Ans. It is advised to continue giving milk to the toddler along with other solid or semi solid foods diet that once you introduce solid foods from around 6 months.
Q. Do toddlers really need milk?
Ans. Yes, a toddler really needs milk to fulfill the nutritional requirements for healthy growth.
Q. Can toddlers drink water instead of milk?
Ans. Water is not a substitute for milk. An infant’s primary diet is mother’s milk or formula milk water may not be even required for the infant. The two primary drinks for a toddler are water and milk.
If your baby is under 6 months old, they only need to drink breast milk or formula milk. From 6 months of age, you can give your baby small amounts of water, if needed, in addition to their breast milk or formula milk.
Q. Is powdered milk healthy?
Ans. There is no doubt that powdered milk can be nutritious and convenient at the same time, however, it cannot be compared to fresh milk in-terms of effectiveness. Though it offers similar amounts of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals as fresh milk but the process of making powdered milk can lead to the oxidation of cholesterol, which may be a concern for many individuals.
Q. Is powder milk good for babies?
Ans. Yes, powdered milk (infant formula) is generally considered safe and a suitable alternative to breast milk when breastfeeding is not possible or chosen by the mother.
Q. Can we give powdered milk to newborn babies?
Ans. Powder milk or baby formula is generally safe for newborn babies. As it is specifically designed to mimic breast milk. Baby formula is carefully formulated to meet the nutritional needs of infants and is a safe alternative to breast milk when needed. However, it is advised to read the label carefully, before feeding your child.
