Top 8 Baby Milk Powders In India – 2024
Give your baby the best start with formulas perfect for their growth and development.
Ritika Dass is a senior clinical nutritionist with more than 8 years of experience in analyzing the nutritional needs of individuals at various stages of life. She customizes therapeutic diet plans according to the age, gender, and clinical condition of her clients.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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In today’s fast-paced world, baby milk powders are a convenient and effective way to ensure your baby gets the right nutrition.
They are definitely not a replacement to mother’s milk but could be a healthy addition. Given that babies have a lot of growing to do, proper nourishment is non-negotiable. Studies show malnutrition in the first two years of life can stunt physical and mental growth in the later years (1).
This is not something you would want for your child. Hence, adequate nutrition is important.
But there are too many milk powders flooding the market. How do you pick the right one? In this post, we have listed out the top 9 baby milk powders available in India.
In This Article
What Are The Top 8 Baby Milk Powders Available In India?
1.Best Infant Formula:Aptamil Gold 1 Infant Formula Powder
Aptamil Gold 1 is the best infant formula for newborns to support their growth and development. The formula is enriched with the right mix of key nutrients like protein, milk fat, and lactose in levels similar to breast milk. It is powered by human milk oligosaccharides (2′-FL) & prebiotics (GOS and FOS) that keep the gut healthy and strengthen immunity. It also contains high levels of DHA, an important nutrient required for the brain development of the baby. The other key nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamins, etc. make this infant formula a balanced supplement for overall growth. The formula is available in 3 variants based on the needs of babies in different age groups: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months.
Pros
- Whey predominant formula
- Contains prebiotic HMOs (scGOS; lcFOS with HMO 2FL)
- Highest concentration of DHA
- Contains the goodness of milk fat and 100% lactose
- Easily digestible and well tolerated
Cons
- Not freely available in all stores
2.Best Essential B Vitamins:Nestle Lactogen 1 Infant Formula Powder
Nestle Lactogen is a spray dried infant formula that contains essential probiotics. It is primarily made of whey protein, which are milk proteins that are easier to digest.
Nestle boasts over 150 years of experience in infant nutrition. The milk formula also contains the essential B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
Pros
- Easy to digest
- Ideally priced
Cons
- Can cause constipation
3.Best For Brain Development:Enfamil A+ Stage 2 Follow-Up Formula
Enfamil is intended for babies from 6 months to 12 months of age. The brand is promoted by Mead Johnson Nutrition, representing over 100 years of global expertise in child nutrition.
It is replete with DHA, the essential fatty acid ideal for brain development. It also is rich in choline and iron.
Pros
- Keeps the baby full for long
- Provides energy
Cons
- Can cause gas in a few babies
- Possible issues with packaging
4.Best For Immune Function:Farex 1 Infant Formula
The Farex 1 Infant Formula is predominantly made of whey protein, making it easier for your baby to digest. It also contains nucleotides and zinc that boost immune function. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the formula promote brain development.
The infant formula is made of 100% lactose, and this helps feed the beneficial bacteria thriving in the baby’s gut.
Pros
- Causes less gas, compared to other brands
- Helps in the baby’s weight gain
- Fewer instances of the baby throwing up
Cons
- Forms lumps after mixing
- Babies may spit it out due to the taste.
5.Best Omega-6 Fatty Acids:Dexolac Nutricia Stage 2
Dexolac infant formula milk powder is replete with iron that helps combat anemia (which can be common during the time). It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, choline, and iodine that promote the infants’ brain development.
The calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D support the baby’s bone strength and development. The infant formula also contains nucleotides and folic acid.
Pros
- Helps regularize motion (stool) in babies
- Helps improve immunity in kids
Cons
- Sticky
- Does not dissolve fast
6.Best Amino-Acid Based Milk:Neocate LCP Infant Formula Powder
Neocate LCP Infant Formula Powder is specially designed for infants who are allergic to cow’s milk. The product is suitable for infants below 12 years of age. It is an amino-acid based milk formula.
This milk powder contains LCPs (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) and nucleotides. The product is also suitable for babies with multiple food protein allergies or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Pros
- Lactose-free
- Aids weight gain
- Good for babies with food protein allergies
Cons
- Very expensive
7.Best Nutrient-Rich:Similac Advance Infant Formula Stage 1
Similac Advance Infant Formula contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, iron, iodine, choline, taurine, folic acid, and zinc – all of which help promote brain health. The calcium and vitamin D in the formula promote bone health of the infant.
The brand has been involved with science-based child nutrition for over 85 years. This infant formula is ideal for babies up to 6 months of age.
Pros
- Has almost all nutrients similar to breast milk
- Fast digesting
- Reduces spit-ups
Cons
- Unappealing taste
8.Best Medium-Chain Triglycerides:Nusobee Soya Infant Formula
Nusobee Soya Infant Formula contains medium-chain triglycerides and maltodextrins that support easy digestion. This formula works especially well for infants with lactose intolerance and diarrhea.
It also contains sodium, potassium, and chloride – all of which help replenish electrolytes. The calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D in the formula promote bone health.
Pros
- Works well for infants who are lactose intolerant
Cons
- Unappealing taste
Milk powders are an effective way to ensure your baby gets the right nutrients. Of course, they can never match the goodness of mother’s milk. Hence, if you have to use them, do so only on top of regular breast milk. Also, go for infant milk formula only after consulting your doctor.
These are the best baby formula powders available on the Indian market. But before you go ahead and buy one for your little one, consider the points listed in the next section.
Things To Consider Before Buying Baby Milk In India
- Age
Formula milk for babies comes in different age brackets. Pick the one that is right for your baby’s age.
- Allergies And Other Medical Conditions
Baby formula milk powder generally includes cow milk lactose as a base. If your child is lactose intolerant or has any stomach infection, your pediatrician might suggest one with a soy milk base. Consult a doctor before picking formula milk for your baby and always check the milk base used.
- Ingredients
Check the ingredient list carefully. Avoid any product that contains talc or any other preservative. Also ensure that the formula is enriched with DHA or iron-fortified. Such formulas imitate the nutrition value of mother’s milk.
Which of the formulas from the list would you pick? Why? Do share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment in the box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the nutritional benefits of baby milk powders?
Baby milk powders are formulated to provide adequate nourishment to babies, which they may not get from breastmilk alone in case the mothers are not available all the time or are unable to receive enough nutrition themselves. These formulas are enriched with calcium, iron, essential vitamins, and proteins to ensure good health and growth of babies.
Are there any specific instructions on how to prepare and use baby milk powders?
Each milk powder brand has proper preparation instructions on its packaging. Some general instructions to follow are:
• Wash your hands before beginning the process.
• Sterilize the feeding utensils in boiling water for at least 10 minutes.
• Boil drinking water for the formula for about 5 minutes and then let it cool till it is lukewarm.
• Check the instructions on the package for the correct amount of scoops required for the formula.
Are there any tips or advice on how to choose the right baby milk powder based on a baby’s specific needs or conditions?
For babies with specific needs and conditions, it is best to take a few recommendations from a pediatrician. Out of those, choose a standard brand that is affordable and easily available in stores near you.
References
- “The importance of infant and young child feeding and recommended practices” Infant and Young Child Feeding, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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