What is the Best Infant Milk Formula for Your Baby?

After your baby was born the first thing that you do is to feed him. We all know that all babies do need milk. We all know also that all of us were nourished by milk when we were still babies and sustained by food as we grow.  Milk is very much essential for the growth of the babies and infants. It is their only source of food, nutrients and water. It facilitates their growth and maintains their well-being. A woman has her own milk to produce through her mammary glands that can be offered for her offspring. This milk that is produced is packed with essential nutrients and antibodies which are needed most by the baby.

As the Department of Health’s advocacy to nurse new born babies with breastmilk. Their slogan as quoted below would be:

Breastmilk is the best for babies up to 2 years of age and beyond.

And also their important reminder is:

There is no substitute for breatmilk.

These slogan and reminder must be mandated to appear and seen in every infant formula milk product.

The government and pediatricians are aware that the best milk for babies is their mothers’ milk. Not just because of the nutrients that it brings but also the bond and love between the mother and baby are established. Moreover, colostrum – the milk coming from the mother has contained antibodies that only the milk produced by mothers can be found and cannot be found in the any milk formula. These antibodies are much needed by the infant, because they boost the first immune system of the baby against opportunistic and infectious organisms that can bring disease. Thus, infant formulated milk products are discouraged to use in public hospitals and government – owned birthing place facilities. Breastfeeding is also a good way of family planning, because when the mother breastfeeds, there is a little chance for conception to happen due to hormonal changes.

However, there are factors why mothers are not able to nurse their babies with breastmilk. The following maybe:

1. Mammary gland cannot produce enough milk for the infant.

2. Mother has work/occupation.

3. Mother is taking medications.

4. Mother has contagious disease.

5. Mother has breast problem.

6. Mother does not want to breast feed at all.

So when these factors are probable infant milk formula are needed. But what can be substituted to breastmilk that it is so much comparable to it? What must be needed and contents of an infant milk formula to be chosen?

Infant milk formula must contain macromolecules that can give energy and sustain muscle and cell growth, vitamins and minerals and other essential nutrients which are all significant for their growth. Some milk products are added with brain development nutrients and probiotics for good digestion. Some are lactose-free, which is specialized for infants who are lactose intolerant. Serving and nutritional facts should be available in every pack to provide you with information about the milk and how to prepare it.

Leading brands of infant milk formula in the Philippines are the following with their contents, indication, dosage, packing and price, manufacturer and variants. 

1. Bonna 

Contents: Reduced minerals whey, blend of vegetable oils (soybean, palm, palm kernel), nonfat milk powd, lactose, soy lecithin, taurine, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, nucleotides [cytidine-5'-monophosphate (CMP), diNa uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP), diNa inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP), diNa guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP)], L-carnitine, lutein (suspended in safflower oil). Minerals: CaCl₂, K citrate, Na phosphate, Mg phosphate, K hydroxide, Na citrate, Ca hydroxide, KCl, K bicarbonate, Fe sulfate, Zn sulfate, Mg chloride, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, K iodide, Na selenite. Vit: Ascorbic acid, α-tocopheryl acetate, inositol, choline chloride, niacinamide, vit A palmitate, pantothenic acid, thiamine HCl, pyridoxine HCl, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, carotenes, folic acid, phytonadione, biotin, cyanocobalamin. Per 100 g powd Protein 12 g (60% whey 7.1 g, 40% casein 4.7 g), carbohydrate 57 g, fat 28 g (linoleic acid 5,512 mg, linolenic acid 449 mg). Vit: Vit A 1,969 IU, carotenes 165 mcg, vit D 335 IU, vit E 8.7 IU, vit K 53 mcg, vit B₁ 787 mcg, vit B₂ 1,181 mcg, vit B₆ 472 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.6 mcg, niacin 3,937 mcg, folic acid 63 mcg, pantothenic acid 2,362 mcg, biotin 16 mcg, vit C 71 mg, choline 79 mg, inositol 26 mg. Minerals: Ca 362 mg, P 262 mg, Mg 50 mg, Fe 6.3 mg, Zn 4.7 mg, manganese 39 mcg, copper 441 mcg, iodine 79 mcg, Na 126 mg, K 551 mg, Cl 341 mg, selenium 11 mcg. Nucleotides 20 mg (CMP 10 mg, UMP 3.9 mg, AMP 3.1 mg, GMP 1.6 mg, IMP 1.6 mg), taurine 37 mg, L-carnitine 7.9 mg, lutein 20 mcg. Energy: 529 kCal

Indication: Infant formula from 0-6 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: Infant ≥6 mth (7.5 kg) 3 level scoops to 180 mL lukewarm water, 4-5 feedings/day; 3-6 mth (6.5 kg) 3 level scoops to 180 mL lukewarm water, 5 feedings/day; 2 wk-3 mth (4.5-5.5 kg) 2 level scoops to 120 mL lukewarm water, 6 feedings/day; 0-2 wk (3.5 kg) 1 level scoop to 60 mL lukewarm water, 9 feedings/day.

Packing and price: As of March 2015

1.2 kg x 1's (P607.75/container)

180 g x 1's (P99.75/container)

360 g x 1's (P199.75/container)

900 g x 1's (P499.75/container)

Manufacturer: Wyeth Nutrition

Other Variants: Bonamil, Bonakid, Bonakid Pre-school

2. Bonamil

Contents: Nonfat milk powd, lactose, blend of vegetable oils (palm, palm kernel, soybean), sucrose, whey protein concentrate, soy lecithin, citric acid, nucleotides (cytidine-5'-monophosphate, diNa uridine-5'-monophosphate, adenosine-5'-monophosphate, diNa inosine-5'-monophosphate, diNa guanosine-5'-monophosphate), ethyl vanillin artificial flavor, lutein (suspended in safflower oil). Minerals: Ca carbonate, Ca hydroxide, Na dihydrogen phosphate, CaCl₂, Na bicarbonate, MgCl₂, Fe sulfate, Zn sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, K iodide. Vit: Ascorbic acid, choline chloride, α-tocopheryl acetate, niacinamide, vit A palmitate, thiamine HCl, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine HCl, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, carotenes, folic acid, phytonadione, biotin, cyanocobalamin. Per 100 g powd Protein 16 g, carbohydrate 59 g, fat 20 g (linoleic acid 3,857 mg, linolenic acid 340 mg). Vit: Vit A 1,786 IU, carotenes 150 mcg, vit D 304 IU, vit E 7.9 IU, vit K 48 mcg, vit B₁ 714 mcg, vit B₂ 1,071 mcg, vit B₆ 429 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.4 mcg, niacin 3,571 mcg, folic acid 57 mcg, pantothenic acid 2,143 mcg, biotin 14 mcg, vit C 64 mg, choline 71 mg. Minerals: Ca 821 mg, P 464 mg, Mg 61 mg, Fe 8.6 mg, Zn 3.6 mg, manganese 71 mcg, copper 286 mcg, iodine 93 mcg, Na 250 mg, K 714 mg, Cl 536 mg. Nucleotides 21 mg, lutein 143 mcg. Energy: 477 kCal

Indication: Milk supplement from 6-12 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: 3 level scoops to 180 mL lukewarm water. Give 4-5 feedings/day.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1.2 kg x 1's (P607.75/container)

180 g x 1's (P99.75/container)

360 g x 1's (P199.75/container)

400 g x 36 × 1's (P180.00/pack)

900 g x 1's (P499.75/container)

Manufacturer: Wyeth Nutrition

Other Variants: Bonna, Bonakid, Bonakid Pre-school

3. Nestogen One Infant Formula

Contents: Per 100 g Fat 26 g, linoleic acid 4,000 mg, α-linolenic acid 500 mg, protein 10.5 g, carbohydrates 55.7 g, total sugars 41.1 g, lactose 39.7 g, sucrose 0 g, Na 135 mg, K 578 mg, Cl 400 mg, Ca 333 mg, phosphorus 185 mg, Mg 50 mg, manganese 76 mcg, selenium 12 mcg, Fe 4.7 mg, copper 0.37 mg, Zn 5.1 mg, iodine 91 mcg, vit A 1,650 IU, vit D 264 IU, vit E 9.8 IU, vit K 45 mcg, vit C 71.5 mg, vit B₁ 0.54 mg, vit B₂ 0.74 mg, niacin 3.8 mg, vit B₆ 0.32 mg, folic acid 74 mcg, pantothenic acid 3.15 mg, vit B₁₂ 1 mcg, biotin 15 mcg, choline 58.9 mg, inositol 41.5 mg, taurine 31.5 mg, l-carnitine 8 mg. Energy: 499 kCal

Indication: An infant formula suitable for infants from 0-6 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: 1 scoop (4.47 g) to 30 mL (1 oz) water.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1.3 kg x 1's (P495.00/container)

135 g x 1's (P59.00/container)

340 g x 1's (P146.00/container)

900 g x 1's (P387.00/container)

Manufacturer: Nestlé

Other Variants: Nestogen Two – Follow up Formula and Nestogen Three

4. Nestogen Two –Follow up Formula

Contents: Per 100 g Fat 21.85 g, linoleic acid 3.4 g, α-linolenic acid 420 mg, protein 14.25 g, carbohydrates 55.34 g, lactose 38.74 g, Na 228 mg, K 645 mg, Cl 370 mg, Ca 550 mg, phosphorus 357 mg, Mg 53 mg, Fe 6.5 mg, manganese 46 mcg, iodine 80 mcg, copper 0.33 mg, Zn 5.3 mg, selenium 10 mcg, vit A 1,667 IU, vit D 332 IU, vit E 7.5 IU, vit K 37 mcg, vit C 90 mg, vit B₁ 0.55 mg, vit B₂ 1.1 mg, niacin 4.8 mg, vit B₆ 0.42 mg, folic acid 90 mcg, pantothenic acid 3.2 mg, vit B₁₂ 0.9 mcg, biotin 19.9 mcg. Energy: 475 kCal

Indication: A follow-up formula suitable for infants from 6-12 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: 1 scoop (4.5 g) to 30 mL (1 oz) water.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1.3 kg x 1's (P495.00/container)

135 g x 1's (P63.00/container)

340 g x 1's (P146.00/container)

900 g x 1's (P387.00/container)

Manufacturer: Nestlé

Other Variants: Nestogen One – Follow up Formula and Nestogen Three

5. Alacta Bibo Trio

Contents: Per 100 g Protein 9.6 g, fat 23 g, linoleic acid 3,800 mg, α-linolenic acid 270 mg, carbohydrate 60 g, vit A 1,590 IU, vit D 270 IU, vit E 9.6 IU, vit K₁ 43 mcg, thiamine 370 mcg, riboflavin 770 mcg, vit B₆ 300 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.68 mcg, niacin 4,700 mcg, folic acid 72 mcg, pantothenic acid 2,400 mcg, biotin 14.4 mcg, vit C 87 mg, Ca 480 mg, P 260 mg, Mg 38 mg, Fe 5.8 mg, Zn 4 mg, manganese 111 mcg, copper 260 mcg, iodine 82 mcg, Na 130 mg, K 520 mg, Cl 300 mg, selenium 13.9 mcg, choline 115 mg, inositol 24 mg, taurine 26 mg, carnitine 7.2 mg, dietary fiber (inulin) 1.49 g. Energy: 480 kCal

Indications: Infant feeding (0-6 mth).

Dosage: Reconstitution: Infant 12 wk onwards 8 level scoops to 240 mL boiled water, 4-5 times daily; 8-12 wk 6 level scoops to 180 mL boiled water, 5 times daily; 4-8 wk 5 level scoops to 150 mL boiled water, 5-6 times daily; 2-4 wk 4 level scoops to 120 mL boiled water, 6 times daily; 0-2 wk 3 level scoops to 90 mL boiled water, 6-7 times daily.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1 kg x 1's (P393.71/container)

150 g x 1's (P74.76/container)

350 g x 1's (P157.48/container)

800 g x 1's (P358.50/container)

Manufacturer: Mead Johnson Nutrition

Other variants: Alactamil Bibo Trio, Alactagrow

6. Alactamil Bibo Trio

Contents: Per 100 g Protein 14.8 g, fat 19.4 g, linoleic acid 2,300 mg, α-linolenic acid 230 mg, carbohydrate 59 g, vit A 1,390 IU, vit D 310 IU, vit E 7.9 IU, vit K₁ 51 mcg, thiamine 550 mcg, riboflavin 1,020 mcg, vit B₆ 420 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.85 mcg, niacin 4,600 mcg, folic acid 92 mcg, pantothenic acid 3,100 mcg, biotin 17.5 mcg, vit C 83 mg, choline 111 mg, taurine 30 mg, Ca 840 mg, P 460 mg, Mg 58 mg, Fe 6.9 mg, Zn 4.2 mg, manganese 120 mcg, copper 300 mcg, iodine 92 mcg, Na 220 mg, K 740 mg, Cl 510 mg, dietary fiber (inulin) 2.2 g. Energy: 460 kCal

Indications: Milk supplements for infants 6-12 mth.

Dosage: Infant 6 mth onwards 6 level scoops to 180 mL boiled water, 3-6 times daily or 8 level scoops to 240 mL boiled water, 2-4 times daily.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1 kg x 1's (P393.71/container)

150 g x 1's (P74.76/container)

350 g x 1's (P157.48/container)

800 g x 1's (P358.50/container)

Manufacturer: Mead Johnson Nutrition

Other variants: Alacta Bibo Trio, Alactagrow

 

7. S – 26

Contents: Reduced minerals whey, blend of vegetable oils (soybean, palm, palm kernel), nonfat milk powd, lactose, soy lecithin, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from single-cell sources [arachidonic acid (AA), DHA] taurine, nucleotides (cytidine-5'-monophosphate, diNa uridine-5'-monophosphate, adenosine-5'-monophosphate, diNa guanosine-5'-monophosphate, diNa inosine-5'-monophosphate), mixed tocopherols concentrate, ascorbyl palmitate, L-carnitine, lutein (suspended in safflower oil). Minerals: CaCl₂, K bicarbonate, Na citrate, KCl, Na phosphate, KOH, Fe sulfate, Zn sulfate, MgCl₂, Ca hydroxide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, K iodide, Na selenite. Vit: Ascorbic acid, α-tocopheryl acetate, inositol, choline Cl, nicotinamide, vit A palmitate, Ca pantothenate, thiamine HCl, pyridoxine HCl, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, carotenes, folic acid, phytonadione, biotin, cyanocobalamin. Per 100 g powd Protein 12 g (60% whey 7.1 g, 40% casein 4.7 g), carbohydrate 57 g, fat 28 g (AA 97 mg, DHA 56 mg). Vit: Vit A 1,969 IU, carotenes 165 mcg, vit D 335 IU, vit E 8.7 IU, vit K 53 mcg, vit B₁ 787 mcg, vit B₂ 1,181 mcg, vit B₆ 472 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.6 mcg, niacin 3,937 mcg, folic acid 63 mcg, pantothenic acid 2,362 mcg, biotin 16 mcg, vit C 71 mg, choline 79 mg, inositol 26 mg. Minerals: Ca 362 mg, P 262 mg, Mg 50 mg, Fe 6.3 mg, Zn 4.7 mg, manganese 39 mcg, copper 441 mcg, iodine 79 mcg, Na 126 mg, K 551 mg, Cl 341 mg, selenium 11 mcg. Nucleotides 20 mg (CMP 10 mg, UMP 3.9 mg, AMP 3.1 mg, GMP 1.6 mg, IMP 1.6 mg), taurine 37 mg, L-carnitine 7.9 mg, lutein 20 mcg. Energy: 529 kCal

Indications: Infant formula from birth to 6 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: Infant ≥6 mth (7.5 kg) 3 level scoops to 180 mL lukewarm water, 4-5 feedings/day; 3-6 mth (6.5 kg) 3 level scoops to 180 mL lukewarm water, 5 feedings/day; 2 wk-3 mth (4.5-5.5 kg) 2 level scoops to 120 mL lukewarm water, 6 feedings/day; 0-2 wk (3.5 kg) 1 level scoop to 60 mL lukewarm water, 9 feedings/day.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1.6 kg x 1's (P1639.00/container)

180 g x 1's (P217.50/container)

900 g x 1's (P1042.25/container)

Manufacturer: Wyeth Nutrition

Other Variant: S – 26 Gold, S – 26 HA Gold, S – 26 Lactose – Free, S – 26 LF Gold, S – 26 Soy Gold.

8. Similar Infant Formula 

Contents: Per 100 g powd Protein 10.6 g, fat 28.1 g (linoleic acid 4.5 g, linolenic acid 0.45 g, arachidonic acid 107 mg, DHA 54 mg), carbohydrate 52.8 g, vit A 1,510 IU (453 mcg-RE), vit D₃ 380 IU (9.5 mcg), vit E 22 IU (14.8 mg α-TE), vit K 54 mcg, vit C 80 mg, vit B₁ 0.66 mg, vit B₂ 1.1 mg, niacin 5 mg, vit B₆ 0.4 mg, folic acid 76 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.5 mcg, biotin 20 mcg, pantothenic acid 3.2 mg, choline 80 mg, Na 144 mg, K 625 mg, Cl 350 mg, Ca 380 mg, P 224 mg, Mg 40 mg, Fe 5.4 mg, Zn 4.5 mg, copper 400 mcg, manganese 100 mcg, selenium 8.6 mcg, iodine 100 mcg, galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) 3.2 g, taurine 29 mg, inositol 32 mg, nucleotides 57.6 mg-NE. Energy 512 kCal (2,146 kJ)

Indications: Infant formula for 0-6 mth

Dosage: Reconstitution: Infant ≥6 mth 3 level scoops to 180 mL water, 4-5 feedings/day; 2-6 mth 3 level scoops to 180 mL water, 5-6 feedings/day; 2 wk-2 mth 2 level scoops to 120 mL water, 6-7 feedings/day; ≤2 wk 1 level scoop to 60 mL water, 8-10 feedings/day.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

400 g x 1's

900 g x 1's

1700 g x 1's

Manufacturer: Abbott

Other variants: Similac Two, Similac Plus Advance, Similac TC, Similar Neosure, Similac LF Plus, Similac HW Plus.

9. Enfalac Infant Formula

Contents: Per 100 g Protein 10 g, fat 26 g, carbohydrate 54 g, mineral ash 2.9 g, linoleic acid 4,100 mg, α-linolenic acid 280 mg, vit A 1,500 IU, vit D 300 IU, vit E 9 IU, vit K₁ 43 mcg, thiamine 400 mcg, riboflavin 900 mcg, vit B₆ 300 mcg, vit B₁₂ 1.5 mcg, niacin 4,000 mcg, folic acid 80 mcg, pantothenic acid 2,800 mcg, biotin 15 mcg, vit C 100 mg, Na 135 mg, K 650 mg, Cl 420 mg, Ca 410 mg, P 250 mg, Mg 45 mg, iodine 75 mcg, Fe 6.3 mg, copper 330 mcg, Zn 4.3 mg, manganese 95 mcg, choline 120 mg, inositol 50 mg, taurine 25 mg, carnitine 7.5 mg, selenium 11.5 mcg, nucleotides 18 mg, galactooligosaccharides 3.2 g. Energy: 500 kCal

Indications: Infant feeding for 0-6 mth.

Dosage: Reconstitution: Infant ≥12 wk 5 scoops to 150 mL cooled, boiled water, 5 times daily; 8-12 wk 5 scoops to 150 mL cooled, boiled water, 5 times daily; 4-8 wk 4 scoops to 120 mL cooled, boiled water, 5-6 times daily; 4 wk 3 scoops to 90 mL cooled, boiled water, 6-7 times daily.

Packing and Price: As of March 2015

1.2 kg x 1's (P1125.10/container)

1.6 kg x 1's (P1442.26/container)

350 g x 1's (P393.09/container)

900 g x 1's (P908.17/container)

Manufacturer: Mead Johnson Nutritional

Other variants:  Enfalac Lactose – Free, Enfalac A+, Enfalac A+ Premature, Enfalac A+ Lactose – Free.

Other Leading Infant Formula:

1. Enfapro Products

2. Isomil Advance

3. Nan Infant Formula Products

4. Lactum Infant Formula Products.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Formula Milk for your Baby

The following are consideration in choosing the best milk for your baby:

1. Pediatrician’s choice or recommendation

2. Health Professional recommendation

3. Milk should be suitable for baby’s age and needs.

4. Affordable and cost-effective

5. Better nutrition and digestion

6. Gives cognitive enhancement and strong body

7. See faster growth and healthy child

It is necessary to know what would be the best milk for your baby, because your child is the most important in every life of parents, therefore, good nutrition must be given to him. But before starting for other infant formulated milk try first to consider you breast milk for your child. This offers no spending at all, very nutritious for your baby and the most important is the bonding and rapport you create between you and your baby.