What Are the Differences Between Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding? Which One Is Better?

Update Date: 2024-05-22 Source: Network

After the birth of a baby, parents will always provide the best for their child. Due to the young age and imperfect gastrointestinal development of the baby, breastfeeding or formula milk is the only option for feeding. Most people believe that breastfeeding is the best choice, as it not only guarantees the nutrition of the baby, but is also very safe. However, due to certain reasons, some mothers cannot breastfeed and have to rely on formula milk as a substitute. In fact, both breast milk and formula milk have high nutritional value, but each has its own advantages. This article introduces the differences between breast milk and formula milk, let's take a look together.

What are the differences between breast milk and formula milk?

1. Breast milk is more economical and cost-effective than formula milk. Formula milk contains a large number of nutrients, so generally speaking, the price of a can of formula milk still needs to be around a few hundred yuan. And depending on the baby's appetite, a can of formula milk can only last for about a week, which makes it quite expensive. Breast milk, on the other hand, is derived from the nutrients in the mother's body, so breastfeeding is more sustainable, and breast milk is free of charge, which can be fed to the baby for about a year without any issues.

2. Breast milk has higher nutritional value than formula milk. The nutritional components and trace elements in breast milk far exceed the proportion of nutrients contained in formula milk. Overall, babies who are fed with breast milk are healthier than those who are fed with formula milk, as more nutrients are beneficial to the healthy growth of the baby, and such babies will also get sick less frequently. A healthy baby with fewer illnesses will reduce a lot of trouble for parents and also make the baby less suffering, so it is recommended that parents give their babies more breast milk.

Which is better, breastfeeding or formula feeding?

Breastfeeding is generally better than formula feeding. Breast milk is a very natural food for babies, as many of the nutrients in breast milk are very suitable for the baby's digestion. Although the protein content in breast milk is much less than in animal milk, the renal metabolic function of babies who drink breast milk is very strong, and the molecular weight of breast milk is relatively small. The elements that babies are most likely to lack are calcium, iron, and zinc. If these trace elements are lacking in the baby, it can affect their growth and development. However, breast milk contains a lot of immune active substances that can strengthen the baby's constitution and reduce the frequency of illnesses. Babies who are breastfed will not often be picky eaters when they grow up, and their taste buds will also be very good. In fact, many components of formula milk are made to imitate breast milk, but imitation always has its flaws. Therefore, it is recommended that mothers try their best to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is relatively safer and more convenient, and there is no need to constantly adjust the temperature like formula milk. However, mothers who breastfeed must be careful about what they eat, as it can affect the baby.

Which formula milk is closest to breast milk?

1. Contains α-lactalbumin: α-lactalbumin provides the amino acid combination closest to breast milk, improving the bioavailability of protein and reducing the total protein content, thus effectively reducing the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, α-lactalbumin also contains neurotransmitters that regulate sleep, which helps babies sleep and promote brain development.

2. DHA and AA ratio of 1:2: According to research, the average ratio of DHA to AA in the breast milk of Chinese mothers is approximately 1:1.7. This balanced ratio helps in the absorption of both DHA and AA, which is crucial for the intellectual development of babies from 0 to 6 months. Excessive DHA can inhibit the absorption of AA, and the combined effect of DHA and AA is more beneficial for supporting the brain development of babies.

3. Calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 with added vitamin D to promote calcium absorption and prevent rickets in infants. Adequate iron can prevent iron-deficiency anemia in infants. However, if infants consume formula milk with excessively high vitamin A content for a long time, it can cause some skin diseases and even adverse reactions such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.