Patient's question:
My baby is now about to be 1.5 years old. I want to stop breastfeeding because I feel that my milk is not enough for him to drink anymore. However, the first time I tried giving my child formula, he always cried and refused to drink, which made me very anxious. I don’t know what to do. Is the formula not good? How can I get a 1.5-year-old child to like drinking formula?Doctor's answer:
When a child grows up, if the breast milk supply is insufficient or the mother has special circumstances that prevent breastfeeding, it is not suitable to feed the infant with fresh cow's milk or full-fat. First, the protein content in cow's milk is about three times that of breast milk. Such a high protein content can increase the burden on the kidneys, which are still developing, and may even harm kidney function. The high concentration of protein, which is also a hypertonic milk, also affects the gastrointestinal mucosa. In severe cases, it can cause hemorrhagic enteritis. The fatty acids in cow's milk differ significantly from those in breast milk, especially in the lack of linoleic acid, which is essential for infant growth and development. Cow's milk has a higher mineral content, and the calcium-phosphorus ratio is also beneficial for the infant's physiological functions. However, the iron content is not sufficient for infants, which can lead to iron deficiency and affect the physical and intellectual development of the infant. Additionally, the amounts of vitamins A, C, D, and E in cow's milk are also very low, far below the normal needs of infants. Full-fat is a dry powder obtained after special reprocessing of cow's milk. When mixed with water in the prescribed ratio, its properties and nutrient content are similar to fresh cow's milk. Therefore, without fat removal, mixing it in the conventional volume ratio (i.e., 1 part to 4 parts water) is still not suitable for feeding infants under one year of age. According to the opinions of the American Academy of Pediatrics and domestic pediatric nutrition experts, cow's milk is not suitable for feeding infants under 12 months of age. Babies aged 6 to 12 months should not drink cow's milk, and it is certainly even more unsuitable for infants aged 0 to 6 months. Cow's milk, when properly processed, i.e., specially reprocessed infant formula, has its existing components modified to match those of breast milk, aligning with the child's age and physiological condition. Feeding infants with formula milk eliminates the shortcomings of cow's milk, transforming it from "unsuitable" to "suitable." This is the unique advantage of formulated. Parents should choose domestic breast-milk-based or other exported product brands that specialize in formulas for different age stages based on their financial conditions and actual circumstances. There are many varieties of infant, and which one is best for your child, please consult a doctor and seek advice before purchasing. When using it, attention should also be paid to the mixing method and precautions. As the child grows older, it is important to switch to a suitable for their current age stage in a timely manner.