When it comes to new born babies and their food, and in this case, breast milk vs baby formulas, the debate still rages on. The fact is that breast milk is considered to be both nutritious and essential for all babies and the same argument could be made about baby formulas as well. But there are a few myths associated with baby formulas, which are highly unfair and not based on any scientific data either which is why you would be well advised to flush the same, down the tubes.
Myth #1: Formula Babies do not Bond that Closely with their Mothers
Now, it is a given that women who breast feed their babies, spend a proportionately larger amount of time in close body contact with their babies. But the bond between a mother and a child is not based on the amount of skin-to-skin contact, but one that transcends the same. And furthermore, there is zero proof to back this myth up which is why it deserves to be discarded right away.
Myth #2: Formula is Nutritionally Inferior Compared to Breast Milk
What most people often fail to take into account is the fact that a mother’s breast milk is nutritious, provided her health is perfect. Most mothers often suffer from one deficiency or the other, and this often shows up in their breast milk. Whereas, formulas are designed to resemble breast milk not just in flavor, taste but in its nutritional value as well. These formulas are designed based on regulated baby formula mix, which ensures that the formula is enriched with the right amount of proteins, minerals as well as nutrients and vitamins.
Myth #3: Additives
The fact is that all formulas are strictly regulated, not just in the US but the world over and the same is subject to frequent checks as well. This is to ensure that the baby formula contains the basic nutrients that a baby would require. But other than this, more expensive formulas may contain additional vitamins, brain boosting proteins, which have already been approved by the requisite agencies. To label these as additives would be unfair since they enrich your health.
Myth #4: Formulas cause Babies to become Obese
This particular myth deserves to be thrown out with the trash; formulas do not cause babies to become obese. The fault lies more with the parents. They need to ensure that they do not over feed their baby and that their baby gets a certain amount of work out each day.
Myth #5: Baby Formulas are never Good
This has got to be the silliest myth concerning baby formulas, that you are bound to come across. The fact remains that baby formulas are strictly regulated, and are designed to contain similar nutritional value as breast milk. The only downside to formula mix products is the sheer variety; there are so many products that are currently available that choosing one over the rest could prove to be a tad difficult. And that’s why you need to consult a doctor who can advise you as to what to look out for in a baby formula mix. Just remember that the more expensive variants come with added vitamins which can help boost brain power, etc.
These are some of the common myths associated with baby formulas; formula mixes are almost akin to breast milk except on one account. Breast milk is thought to provide the baby with antibodies so during the initial months you may want to combine both breast milk and formula mix for a few months. And later on, after consulting your doctor, you can change to formula mix permanently.