It’s not a secret that breastmilk is the best food for infants because it has a balanced proportion of the required micronutrients and macronutrients. Moreover, it’s 100% natural and creates an invisible emotional connection between a mother and a child. Unfortunately, not all moms can breastfeed. Some parents search for donated or surrogate breast milk, which is costly and inconvenient. Luckily, parents have many options to replace mom’s breast milk. What are they?

Goat’s Milk Formula

Goat’s milk is the best variant for a sensitive baby’s stomach. Regarding the research of pediatricians and reviews of happy parents, this milk type is easy to digest. Moreover, it is the main component of most hypoallergenic and anti-reflux formulas. For example, 6-month-old babies have to adjust to a new food, but their prior food remains baby formula. HiPP goat milk formula stage 2 is a perfect combination of skim milk with proteins, fish oil as an Omega-3 source, lactose as the main source of carbs, vitamins, and other essential micronutrients.

Note! HiPP goat milk formula stage 2 and other goat formulas are unavailable at US stores. American companies deal only with cow’s and herbal milk formulas because of a lack of raw materials. Only EU countries produce goat’s baby food, so others can order it only at online shops such as Organic’sBest. 

Cow’s Milk Formula

It is the world’s second most popular baby food, and one can find them in different countries. Most farmers grow cows, so the only difference in cow’s milk formulas will be their organic or nonorganic ingredients. European companies create products for different ages to guarantee the required amount of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Tip. European formulas contain DHA and lactose-derived carbs, while American formulas usually don’t add Omega-3, Omega-6, and lactose. HiPP, Holle, Lebenswert, Löwenzahn, and Kendamil are the most famous European companies of organic baby food formulas.

Coconut Milk

This baby food alternative is a perfect variant for dairy-intolerant babies because its primary component is a humble coconut. Unlike cow’s and goat’s milk, coconut milk formula doesn’t have enough protein and calcium. However, it is rich in lauric acid, equivalent to high fatty acids in breast milk. This substance helps the immune system resist viruses, fungi, and bacterial infections. If parents select a coconut baby formula for their babies, they should add protein and calcium to make it nourishing and valuable.

Hemp Milk Baby Formula

It’s necessary to mix hemp seeds and water to get hemp milk. Such a product is absolutely legal and doesn’t provoke hallucinations or high effects. Hemp baby formula is packed with the required vitamins, minerals, proteins, omega 3-6-9 complex, and healthy fats. Unlike coconut, this formula has calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, so there is no need to add them separately. Such a formula is usually without sugar, gluten, and soy. So, it’s 100% organic and safe for kids, especially those with lactose intolerance.

Homemade Formula

Many parents tried to create baby formula at home when the traditional baby formula disappeared in US stores because of the pandemic. Experts don’t recommend doing that without a pediatrician’s supervision because parents risk adding too much or too little of some ingredients. A perfect formula prevails in whey protein and lactose-based carbs. Moreover, it also has vitamins and minerals to help kids digest food faster and without health risks. There are many recipes on the Internet, but one should select the right one to suit the baby’s needs. Moreover, everything must be sterile, and a portion must be adequate.

To conclude, breast milk is the best food for babies, but the five available alternatives are also excellent solutions. One should just consider a baby’s requirements and health condition to make the right choice.