Baby foods are industrially produced milk-based products, adapted to the physiological needs of your child’s body. There is a huge range of baby food products on the market. And though they have a lot in common, they are still distinctly different in terms of composition, consistency, and properties. Whichever product you decide upon you may also consider the preparation of the of the food, and the equipment that you will need for this. You may also wish to look at descaling a tommee tippee to keep it in good working order.
Here’s a list of different types of infant foods based on various characteristics.
Based on a baby’s health indicators
- Formulas for healthy babies;
- Infant foods for children with special nutritional needs;
- Products for therapeutic feeding.
Based on consistency
There are dry, semi-dry, and liquid baby foods. 90% of all formulas on the market are dry powdered versions. While liquid products are ready to use, dry ones have to be mixed with warm water before feeding.
Based on age
- Stage 0 (sometimes, Pre formulas): foods for preemies and low-weight babies.
- Stage 1: for children from birth to 6 months;
- Stage 2: from 6 to 10-12 months (HiPP formula Stage 2 is among the most popular ones in this range);
- Stage 3 (sometimes also Stage 4): for 1-year-olds and toddlers.
Based on composition
1. First milks. These foods are as close to breast milk as possible. They are made based on demineralized whey and intended for newborns. For example, HiPP Dutch Stage 1 formulas are among the leading products on the market.
2. Second milks. Based on the cow’s milk protein, casein and intended for children from 6 months onwards.
Specialized baby food products
- Hypoallergenic formula (normally marked as HA);
- Anti-reflux milks (for babies prone to spit-ups);
- Comfort formula (for infants with sensitive GITs).
Conclusion
Baby food products serve as basic or supplementary food for children from birth to 3 years old. They are all kinds of milk-based formulas made to mimic human milk and supply your little one’s need in vitamins and essential nutrients. Whatever type of baby food you want to choose, be sure to talk to your pediatrician first.