The most significant concern of a nursing mother is the health of her baby. Breastfeeding has been the best way to provide a newly born baby with the necessary nutrients for healthy development. However, innovations in technology have led to the development of new infant feeding methods to combine with breastfeeding. The most effective alternative to breastfeeding is the use of infant milk formula. Milk Formula has been a complete lifesaver and a solution to the number one concern of nursing mothers – all-round the clock breastfeeding! When I had my first baby, there were certain medications I had to take. They were quite strong, and I was scared of breastfeeding my baby to avoid intoxicating her. My husband and I consulted a doctor who was a close friend of ours. She guided us on alternative feeding methods for our daughter. We were doubtful in the beginning, but when we gave it a trial, it thus became one of the best decision we made as new parents. I could take my medication and still provide my baby with the right nutrients she needed for a healthy start in life. It was the miracle my family needed, and it came right in time. In this review, I will be discussing some top-notch products recommended by trusted medical personnel during my crisis. I am 100% certain that you will find one that suits you perfectly.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Formula Milk To Combine With Breastfeeding UK
1. Similac First Infant Milk (Stage 1, from Birth)
The Similac First Infant Milk Formula is unique because it is made by one of the finest brands in the market. Since 1925, this brand has released products made by an adroit team of scientists, nutritionists, dietitians and researchers. You can depend on this product to give your baby a very nutritious and decent start in life. It is made with the excellent and fresh milk produced by carefully picked Irish cows in Cootehill, Ireland. Also, it is 100% palm oil-free. This product provides all the necessary nutrients for babies with dietary needs. If you are looking for a milk formula that is easy to prepare with no residue or bubbles, Similac First Infant Milk is the right one for you. To preserve this product, store it closed and ensure to keep it far away from the reach of children.
Features
- 900g
- 60 scoop serving
- 270/65kJ
- 3.5g fat
- 100% palm oil-free
Read More: Best Formula Milk for Breastfed Babies UK
2. Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk, Stage 1, 2-Pack – British Made, Organic Whole Milk Formula
A unique feature of the Kendamil brand of milk formula is that it is tasty as compared with other products that have an artificial taste. It meets the global standard for infant milk formula products. Kendamil Organic is the only British made infant milk formula. It is made with high-quality milk from British grass-fed cows on purely organic farms. Also, there is no trace of palm oil, fish oil or soya in this product, and it is 100% safe for your baby. You need not worry about side-effects such as constipation or tummy ache. I firmly guarantee that your baby will love it and her poop will be normal. A few weeks back, I recommended this product to a colleague at work, and she completely loved it. This product is made with adequate British organic cream nutrients. The preparation technique for this product is easy and fast. To prepare this milk formula, boil fresh water and leave to cool. When cool, add the right amount of Kendamil Organic Milk Formula to the water and shake to dissolve. You can preserve this formula for up to two hours after you have prepared it, after which I strongly advise that you pour it out. This is a very healthy product for your baby. It is an excellent product for a healthy start for your baby.
Features
- EU Organic certified
- 100% British
- Full cream
- 2177 kJ
- HMO, soya, oils and GMO-free
3. Kendamil First Infant Milk, Stage 1 from Birth – British Made, Whole Milk Formula – Vegetarian with Omega 3 DHA, Omega 6 ARA and Prebiotics
Kendamil First Infant Milk, Stage 1 from Birth – Vegetarian is another excellent formula from the Kendamil brand. A lot of modifications have been made to this product to make it fit for vegetarians. Unlike the organic formula, this product is made with quality ingredients derived from pure plant-based oceanic algae. It also contains no fish oils, palm oil or genetically modified organisms. This product is made from the finest and freshest milk produced by British cows that are fed with a 100% natural substance. If you prefer vegetarian-friendly infant milk to the regular ones, this is a superb choice.
Features
- 2160 kJ energy
- 900g
- Full cream milk formula
- Plant-based ingredients
- Suitable for vegetarians
4. SMA Pro First Infant Milk From Birth
Sma Pro First Instant Milk is a highly effective breastmilk substitute for nursing mothers. It is manufactured by Nestle, which is one of the top most-patronized brands in the market. I have recommended this product to a few friends because of the quality of materials used in its production. It contains Omega 3 and 6 LCPs, and specific vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. Also, it contains calcium which is very important for the healthy growth and development of your baby’s bones and immune system. This fab product is packed with a design that allows you to travel with it conveniently. It is an excellent choice for travelling moms. You do not need to worry about adverse side effects because this product is very infant-friendly. This is undoubtedly one of the very few healthy milk formulas in the market. It is also very affordable and easy to prepare.
Features
- Contains fish and soy
- Halal certified
- 800g
- 190 scoop serving
- 280 kJ energy
5. SMA Lactose-Free Formula
This product is one of the unique ones produced by Nestle for children with special dietary needs. It contains fish oil and soya to help improve the health of children who are lactose intolerant. This unique milk formula is an excellent choice for mothers whose babies experience health problems such as frequent diarrhoea, colic or stomach ache. It is, however, not fit for babies with galactosaemia( difficulty of the body to produce galactose). Also, this product is made with excellent milk extracted from healthy cows that are fed with only pure organic materials. Due to the milk quality used in production, it is reputed as one of the best in the market. Extra care should be taken when preparing this milk formula. Ensure all things used in preparing it are clean and free from germs, especially your hands. It is suitable for mothers with a low budget.
Features
- Contains vegetable oils
- 281 kJ energy
- 400g
- No lactose
- Halal and Vegetarian friendly
6. SMA Soy Infant Formula, From Birth
This is another fabulous product from the Nestle brand. This soy formula is specially made for cow milk intolerant babies. It is made with soya, which is a rich source of protein. Also, it is the only formula made purely of soya in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This creamy infant formula is free from lactose and cow milk. When this formula was introduced into the infant formula market, mothers were incredibly thankful. You do not have to worry about getting enough protein into your baby’s body, neither do you have to worry about a good breast milk alternative for your cow milk intolerant child. To further assist in improving your baby’s health, this product is boosted with Omega 3.
Features
- Made with soya
- 281 kJ energy
- Zero milk
- No sucrose
- 800g
7. SMA PRO First Infant Milk, Ready-to-Feed
Unlike the other products I have reviewed, this one comes with unique features. The trusted Nutwell brand produces this product. An expert team makes SMA PRO Ready-to-Feed First Infant Milk, made up of nutritionists, dieticians and scientists using the finest ingredients. It is the perfect choice for travelling mothers. A pack of this product contains 32 70ml bottles of liquid and ready-to-feed milk formula. You need not go through the hurdles that come with preparing milk formula for your baby. All you have to do is appropriately shake the milk formula for a few seconds and pour it into a sterilized feeding bottle. This stress reducing product contains the essential Omega 3 and 6 long chain polyunsaturates which assists in improving the health of your baby. It is very safe, and it provides your baby with the essential nutrients needed for sound development. Also, it is strongly recommended that you dispose of any remaining milk one hour after opening. You can consider it the best substitute for breast milk.
Features
- Ready-to-feed liquid milk formula
- 70ml bottles x 32
- Contains Omega 3 and 6LCPs
- For bottle-feeding or combination feed
- Shake-and-pour serving
8. Cow & Gate First Infant Milk – Ready to Feed
This product is very similar to SMA PRO Ready-to-Feed First Infant Milk. It is produced by a very trusted Cow & Gate brand. It is a superb substitute for breast milk and a great combination with breast milk. It comes in a pack of 24 sealed 70ml bottles. A unique feature of this product is its near-perfect design. Mothers find it very easy to open and carry about. If you are looking to serve time and energy while feeding your baby, I strongly recommend this product. It provides your baby with the necessary dietary needs needed for healthy development. Also, it is strongly advised that you dispose of any remaining milk two hours after opening. It is an excellent substitute for breast milk.
Features
- Ready-to-feed
- Whey-based formula
- Contains nucleotides, oligosaccharides and LCPs
- UHT sterilized
- 70ml x 24 bottles
9. Aptamil ProfuturaFirst Infant Milk
Aptamil is a trendy milk formula brand. It is one of the most recommended milk formulas by doctors. This rich box of milk formula is the result of about 40 years of study by the Aptamil expert team. It contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), galactooligosaccharides and nucleotides amidst other essential and rich nutrients. One pack of this product consists of 24 sealed bottles. It is very healthy and easy to use. Travelling mothers will find this infant milk formula very useful and convenient.
Features
- Dairy-based
- Ready-to-feed
- Contains vegetable oils
- Contains DHA and GOS/FOS
- 70ml x 32 bottles
10. Aptamil First Milk from Birth
This is a large size ready to feed liquid milk formula made with fine quality ingredients. Considering its large size, it is very economical and can be used several times after it has been opened. A carton of this product contains 12 sealed 200ml bottles. Buying a carton of this product saves more money than buying a pack of 70ml bottles. It can be preserved by storing in a refrigerator and warmed to the appropriate temperature when needed for use. This is another fantastic product for travelling mothers. All you need to do is take this milk formula with you and feed your baby when necessary. You will experience no hassles whatsoever when using this product. It is very safe, healthy and easy to use.
Features
- Ready-to-feed formula
- Milk-based
- Suitable for vegetarians
- 200ml x 12 bottles
Formula Milk To Combine With Breastfeeding Product Guide
Now that you know what product you should look out for in the market, you must know what to look out for when purchasing a milk formula. Different babies and mothers require different needs, and as such, you must understand how to match your needs with the product at hand. And, you also need to consider the health of your baby above all other factors. That said, below are the things you should look out for when shopping.
Calorific Value
The amount of energy a formula offers determine how active your baby will be after feeding on it. This is important, as you must make sure the formula you select does not make your baby too excited and active. As a fact, it must give a balanced supply of energy to your infant, so the proper activities required for growth and development are met. As such, if your baby is naturally hyperactive, purchase a formula with a calorific value below 500kJ/Cal. Babies that barely display high levels of activity work well with formulas of 700kJ/Cal or more, as this will supply enough energy to get them active and alert.
Ingredients
Baby formulas combine a wide range of different ingredients. The most common products use cow’s milk as the main base, with additional ingredients like soya milk, protein powders, and vegetable oils. The oils may be derived from sunflower seeds, fish, nuts, rapeseeds or other nutritional plant sources. These are necessary for the development of infants and are added so the formula can be the best supportive diet option for babies. So, in addition to these ingredients, ensure to look out for essential minerals like DHA, Omega 3, Calcium lactate, long-chain polyunsaturates and many others. Also ensure it is packed with vitamins, as all diet options for infants should be.
Method of Administration
Baby formulas come in two forms; powder and liquid. The powder formulas need to be mixed in hot water to dissolve, and each product comes with its directions for preparation. Generally, though, most baby powder formulas are prepared the same way. The liquid formulas, on the other hand, are the ready-to-feed types. These come in sterilized plastic containers and are sealed airtight. Once needed, all you have to do is peel off the foil and pour in a bottle. Some even come with attachable teats for extra convenience. Liquid formulas are great for quick feeding and mothers who move around a lot appreciate their ease of transport and discretion. However, most formulas have to be consumed by infants within 2 hours after opening the seal. Anything beyond that and you stand a chance of feeding your baby with germs. The powder formulas are the most reliable types, as they can sit on your countertops for months after the first use. However, they usually take time to prepare, so if you happen to be in a hurry, you might find them irksome. It is best to choose a formula that works for you. Powder formulas are great for home-based moms. If you move around a lot, having an 800g tin and a vacuum flask containing hot water is a good compromise. But if this still feels like a lot of work, go for the value-pack ready-to-feed bottles. A standard pack of 24 bottles, of 70ml each, is a good choice for this.
Pack Size
This is important for two reasons; you need to ensure there is a constant supply of formula at home, so you never have to rush out the last minute because you ran out. And, you also need enough to fully satisfy the need, especially if your baby is a heavy eater, or you have multiples. Generally, most powder baby formulas come in the sizes ranging from 400 to 900g per container. The ready mix, however, may feature from 12 to 32 bottles of sizes ranging from 70ml to 200ml. So knowing your baby’s eating requirements will help you decide what quantity is best for you. Usually, a 900g powder formula will last a long time before replacement, and some mothers find a way to get discounts from multiple purchases. Ready formulas with up to 32 bottles per pack are also quite handy for busy mothers with a heavy-gulper.
Special Needs of Baby
If your baby has special needs, you must consider this before buying a formula. There are specially-made formulas in the market that address problems in infants such as lactose intolerance, cow milk intolerance and diarrhoea. When confused about which product to use for a baby with dietary needs, please consult your doctor for recommendations. Babies are very delicate and should be handled with extreme caution; hence you should not take any chances when managing your baby’s health. Also, some formulas have been made so they can be suitable for vegetarians. Others are also Halal certified, and some still are made with purely organic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can you use milk formula at night?
Nursing mothers highly commend infant milk formulas because it saves them from the stress that comes with those long nights. It is very safe to use fresh milk formula at night. If you are using ready-to-feed milk, preserve it by storing it in the refrigerator and warming when needed. Otherwise, prepare fresh milk for your baby at night and pour out what is left after 2 hours at most.
Is it safe to combine infant milk formula with breastfeeding?
Using the right milk formula for your baby poses no health risk. Infant milk is highly recommended by doctors when there is a need. Sometimes it could be a decision by the mother not to breastfeed, but most times it is due to a strong medication or ill health of the mother.
How long can an infant milk formula be preserved?
This depends on the time of milk formula in a question. If you are using ready-to-feed milk, preserve in the refrigerator and warm when needed to the appropriate temperature when needed. Otherwise, prepare fresh milk for your baby when it is time to feed and throw away leftovers after 2 hours.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding your child is very important. However, infant milk formulas are life savers when they need to be. I have no regrets bottle-feeding my baby. She grew as healthy as any normal baby should. Because the milk formula I was using produced excellent results, I was a bit hesitant to go back to strict breastfeeding after my medication. I combined milk formulas with breastfeeding until my baby was weaned. Please note that getting advice from your doctor or medical personnel is very important before starting with milk formula. For my best recommendations, I will choose the SMA Pro Ready-To-Feed liquid milk formula because it is highly nutritious and handy. Although it costs quite a lot, it is perfect and worth its price. The Similac First Infant Milk is another excellent product, very affordable, easy to prepare and up to standard. It is suitable for vegetarians too and so worth every penny. SMA Lactose-Free Formula is a brilliant product from a trusted brand. Although it is not as popular as those mentioned above, it is a great product, and it will serve you just fine if your baby has lactose intolerance.
