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Types of Baby Milk

The milk consumed by a baby can have long-term effects on his health. There are a number of choices that provide differently for a baby. Breast milk is best. If mother's milk is not available, there is the surrogate option. There are different options for formula, too. You can chose from fortified cow's milk or a soy-based formula.

  1. Breast Milk

    • Breast milk is preferred because it is designed to address a baby's every need. In addition to antibodies that protect him against viruses and bacteria, breast milk provides just the right amount of water, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals.

    Mother's Milk

    • A baby's mother is usually the source of breast milk. Although breast milk can be pumped and bottle-fed to a baby, the physical intimacy of breastfeeding is healthy for the relationship of a mother and baby. Breastfeeding has positive effects on the mother, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among other things breastfeeding can decrease the risk of breast cancer.

    Surrogate Milk

    • Sometimes a mother is unable to produce the milk her baby needs. Sometimes the milk can contain something harmful to the baby, like medication. Whatever the reason, a baby can still be fed breast milk through a surrogate source. Either a wet nurse, or pumped milk distributed though a milk bank can provide a baby with the benefits of breast milk.

    Formula

    • Formula is only recommended when breast milk is unavailable, but is frequently used for convenience. Formula provides protein from cow's milk, soy or another source. It is fortified with ingredients that are essential for a baby's health. However, formula still lacks many of the benefits of breast milk, like antibodies. The uniform taste of formula also does little to prepare the baby to later eat a variety of foods.

    Cow's Milk Formula

    • Cow's milk formula is the most popular alternative to breast milk. Cow's milk is fortified with the nutrients a baby needs to grow and develop.

    Soy Milk Formula

    • Soy-based formulas use soy protein instead of animal protein. Like cow's milk, it is fortified with the same vitamins and minerals. Soy-based formula is as nutritious as cow's milk formula, but is used as an alternative when a baby is sensitive or allergic to the protein, or lactose, in cow's milk. Some babies may also be allergic to soy protein.

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