There has been some good news for parents and parents-to-be in Singapore. Minister Koh Poh Koon had recently announced that there may be a greater availability of formula milk in Singapore by the end of this year. This will be done by streamlining the import process and removing unnecessary barriers. He also said that all formula milk brands imported into Singapore fulfil minimum nutritional requirements and it is perfectly all right to choose a cheaper brand. To make good his word, a taskforce will be set up to put in place measures to address the rising prices of formula milk in Singapore.
Although breast milk is still the ideal choice for babies, it may not be an available option for certain babies. Some mothers are unable to supply sufficient breast milk and if the baby is not drinking sufficient milk, he or she could get dehydrated. Breastfeeding is also more taxing for mum, and if she is unable to get sufficient rest, or she gets stressed over the need to produce enough milk, she could be more susceptible to post-natal blues. Moreover, depending on the mother’s diet, a small percentage of babies can be allergic to cow’s milk proteins and other food proteins in breast milk. In such cases, the baby may cry a lot after feeding for a long time and keep waking up with signs of discomfort. More serious symptoms include rash, hives, eczema, cold-like symptoms, constipation and diarrhoea. Fortunately, formula milk is and adequate supplement or substitute in Singapore.
With so many brands out there promising different benefits, one can be utterly spoilt for choice. But once new regulations by the AVA take effect, formula milk manufacturers will be prohibited to use nutrition and health claims to promote their products. This may be upsetting for parents who have no qualms spending more on premium formula milk if it does what it promises.
But special ingredients: Are they really important?
Since all reputable formula milk companies are essentially selling the same thing, the only way to beat the competition, apart from brand awareness, is to have value-added ingredients inside the milk to set it apart from others. How necessary are they and do they justify the higher prices?
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics are naturally found in breast milk, and they help prevent a variety of diseases, hence many manufacturers are trying to replicate it in formula milk. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep the infant’s digestive system healthy, while prebiotics create a conducive environment for these bacteria to grow. However, the effectiveness varies widely by the strains of bacteria used. The type of strain used is generally not required to be disclosed by the manufacturers, so the true effectiveness of the probiotics in a particular infant formula may not be known.
Gold Infant Formula
These are the ones that promise a good beginning for your infants, usually in terms of brain development / intelligence. They usually have long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids added to them. These are also present in breast milk. However, there has been no scientific evidence to prove whether these added fats work in the same way or can be absorbed as effectively as those in breast milk.
Formula for special needs
Some examples include:
- AR/Thickened Formula: For babies who have a regurgitation problem (frequently vomiting up their feed)
- HA (Hypo-allergic) Partially Hydrolysed Infant Formula: For babies with high risk of allergies, excluding those with allergies to cow’s milk
- Extensively Hydrolysed Formula (EHF) or Amino Acid Formula (AAF): For babies who are allergic to cow’s milk
- Soy formula: Originally for lactose-intolerant babies, but research has indicated that soy formula actually has no recognised benefits, and even has some substances that may be harmful to the baby’s development. It could be helpful for babies with galactosemia or who cannot consume dairy-based products for cultural or religious reasons.
- Lactose-free formula: For lactose-intolerant babies
Babies with health problems may need more than the standard formula milk. While some special needs formula milk may be available for purchase even without a prescription, it is still advisable to get advice from the paediatrician.
Organic formula
Organic formula is made from ingredients that have been farmed organically. But as with most organic products, just because it was grown organically does not mean that no chemicals have been involved in the manufacturing process.
Another thing you may be pleased to note is that you don’t actually have to buy different stages of formula as your baby grows up. The starter formula for babies under six months is adequate for babies from the time of birth until 12 months of age. Just ask your paediatrician if you don’t believe this! Moreover, when they are over one, they would not require formula milk to obtain the necessary nutrition. In fact, weaning them from formula milk early is encouraged to prevent them from becoming fussy eaters as they grow up.
Sources:
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby/choosing-baby-formula-5-facts-to-help-decide/
http://kellymom.com/health/baby-health/food-sensitivity/
https://babygooroo.com/articles/should-i-choose-an-infant-formula-with-prebiotics
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-formula-milk-options-to-be-made-available-koh-poh-koon-8827050
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/children-over-one-do-not-need-formula-milk-experts-say-8877580
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