Sensitive baby formula is a type of formula that is specially designed for babies who have intolerance or allergy to regular formulas. Some babies may have difficulty digesting or absorbing the ingredients in commercial formulas, such as dairy, soy, corn, or synthetic additives. This can cause various symptoms, such as gas, fussiness, spit-up, rash, diarrhea, or even more serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
If your baby shows any of these signs, you should consult your pediatrician and find out the cause of the problem. Sometimes, switching to a different brand or type of formula may help. However, if your baby is still not happy or thriving on any of the available formulas, you may want to try making your own sensitive baby formula at home.
Making your own sensitive baby formula is not as hard as it sounds. In fact, it can be quite easy, affordable, and rewarding. You can use natural and wholesome ingredients that provide optimal nutrition and digestibility for your baby. You can also customize the formula according to your baby’s needs and preferences. You can control the quality and source of the ingredients and avoid any potential contamination or spoilage. You can also save money and reduce waste by making your own formula.
By the end of this article, you will be able to make your own sensitive baby formula that is natural, wholesome, and suitable for your baby. You will also be able to improve your baby’s health, happiness, and well-being. So, let’s get started!
Why You Should Consider Making Your Own Sensitive Baby Formula
You may be wondering why you should bother making your own sensitive baby formula when there are so many commercial options available. After all, aren’t they regulated and tested for safety and quality? Well, the truth is, not all formulas are created equal. In fact, some of them may contain ingredients or substances that are harmful or unsuitable for sensitive babies. Here are some of the drawbacks and risks of commercial formulas, especially for sensitive babies:
Artificial ingredients, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, etc. Many commercial formulas contain synthetic or processed ingredients that are not natural or beneficial for your baby. For example, some formulas may contain palm oil, corn syrup, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, carrageenan, etc. These ingredients may interfere with your baby’s digestion, absorption, or metabolism. They may also cause inflammation, allergies, or other health issues.
Soy-based formulas that contain plant estrogens and phytic acid. Some parents may choose soy-based formulas for their babies who are allergic to dairy. However, soy-based formulas are not ideal for sensitive babies either. Soy contains plant estrogens that may disrupt your baby’s hormonal balance and development. Soy also contains phytic acid that may block the absorption of minerals, such as calcium, iron, zinc, etc. Soy-based formulas may also be contaminated with GMOs or pesticides.
Dairy-based formulas that contain casein, a hard-to-digest protein. Some parents may choose dairy-based formulas for their babies who are not allergic to dairy. However, dairy-based formulas are not ideal for sensitive babies either. Dairy contains casein, a type of protein that is hard to digest and may cause constipation, bloating, or gas. Casein may also trigger an immune response in some babies, leading to inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune diseases.
Potential contamination with heavy metals, pesticides, GMOs, etc. Some commercial formulas may be contaminated with harmful substances that are not listed on the label. For example, a recent study found that 95% of baby foods and formulas tested contained one or more toxic heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium. These heavy metals may damage your baby’s brain, nervous system, or organs. Some formulas may also contain traces of pesticides, GMOs, or other chemicals that may affect your baby’s health and development.
Making your own sensitive baby formula has many benefits and advantages, such as:
Control over the quality and source of the ingredients. When you make your own sensitive baby formula, you can choose the best and freshest ingredients for your baby. You can avoid any artificial or synthetic ingredients that may harm your baby. You can also ensure that the ingredients are organic, grass-fed, free-range, or wild-caught, depending on the type of ingredient. You can also check the expiration date and the storage conditions of the ingredients to prevent spoilage or contamination.
Customization according to the baby’s needs and preferences. When you make your own sensitive baby formula, you can adjust the ingredients and amounts according to your baby’s needs and preferences. You can tailor the formula to suit your baby’s age, weight, growth, and development. You can also modify the formula to address any specific issues or concerns, such as allergies, intolerances, reflux, colic, etc. You can also experiment with different flavors, textures, or temperatures to make the formula more appealing and enjoyable for your baby.
Cost-effectiveness and sustainability. When you make your own sensitive baby formula, you can save money and reduce waste. Commercial formulas can be quite expensive, especially if you buy the specialty or hypoallergenic ones. Making your own formula can be much cheaper, especially if you buy the ingredients in bulk or on sale. You can also reuse or recycle the containers and bottles, instead of throwing them away. You can also reduce your environmental impact by choosing ingredients that are local, seasonal, or sustainable.
Nutritional value and digestibility. When you make your own sensitive baby formula, you can provide optimal nutrition and digestibility for your baby. You can use natural and wholesome ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds. You can also use ingredients that are easy to digest and absorb, such as broth, liver, whey, or gelatin. You can also avoid ingredients that are hard to digest or absorb, such as dairy, soy, corn, or palm oil. You can also ensure that the formula is fresh and not heated or processed, which may destroy some nutrients or create harmful byproducts.
As you can see, making your own sensitive baby formula has many benefits and advantages over commercial formulas, especially for sensitive babies. By making your own formula, you can improve your baby’s health, happiness, and well-being.
What You Need to Make Sensitive Baby Formula
To make your own sensitive baby formula, you will need some ingredients and equipment that are easy to find and use. Here is a list of the essential items you will need:
Ingredients
Homemade broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable). Broth is the base of the sensitive baby formula. It provides minerals, electrolytes, and hydration for your baby. It also adds flavor and texture to the formula. You can make your own broth at home using bones, water, vinegar, and salt. You can also add some vegetables, herbs, or spices for extra nutrition and taste. You will need about 2 cups of broth for each batch of formula. See [this recipe] for how to make broth at home.
Organic grass-fed liver. Liver is the main source of protein, iron, vitamin A, and cholesterol for your baby. It is also rich in other nutrients, such as B vitamins, folate, copper, zinc, etc. Liver is easy to digest and absorb for your baby. You can use chicken, beef, or lamb liver for the formula. You will need about 2 ounces of liver for each batch of formula. See [this video] for how to prepare liver for the formula.
Lactose or dextrose. Lactose or dextrose is the main source of carbohydrates and energy for your baby. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from corn or rice. Both lactose and dextrose are easily metabolized by your baby. You can use either one for the formula, depending on your baby’s tolerance and preference. You will need about 4 tablespoons of lactose or dextrose for each batch of formula. See [this article] for the difference between lactose and dextrose and how to choose the best one for your baby.
Whey or gelatin. Whey or gelatin is the source of amino acids and enzymes for your baby. Whey is the liquid part of milk that remains after the curdling process. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal bones, skin, or cartilage. Both whey and gelatin help with the digestion and absorption of the formula. They also add thickness and creaminess to the formula. You can use either one for the formula, depending on your baby’s tolerance and preference. You will need about 2 tablespoons of whey or gelatin for each batch of formula. See [this article] for the difference between whey and gelatin and how to choose the best one for your baby.
Coconut oil. Coconut oil is the source of medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid for your baby. Medium-chain fatty acids are easily digested and used by your baby for energy and brain development. Lauric acid is a powerful antimicrobial and antiviral agent that helps protect your baby from infections and diseases. Coconut oil also adds flavor and smoothness to the formula. You will need about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil for each batch of formula. See [this article] for the benefits of coconut oil and how to use it for the formula.
Cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is the source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D for your baby. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your baby’s brain, eye, and nerve development. Vitamin D is essential for your baby’s bone, immune, and hormonal health. Cod liver oil also adds a fishy taste to the formula, which may help your baby get used to the taste of fish later on. You will need about 1/4 teaspoon of cod liver oil for each batch of formula. See [this article] for the benefits of cod liver oil and how to use it for the formula.
Acerola powder. Acerola powder is the source of vitamin C and antioxidants for your baby. Vitamin C is essential for your baby’s immune system, collagen production, and wound healing. Antioxidants are essential for your baby’s cellular protection, inflammation reduction, and detoxification. Acerola powder also adds a fruity taste to the formula, which may help your baby get used to the taste of fruits later on. You will need about 1/4 teaspoon of acerola powder for each batch of formula. See [this article] for the benefits of acerola powder and how to use it for the formula.
Equipment
Blender. A blender is the tool you will use to blend the broth and liver together until smooth. You can use any type of blender, such as a hand blender, a countertop blender, or a food processor. You will need to blend the mixture for about 2 minutes or until there are no chunks or lumps left.
Bottle. A bottle is the container you will use to store and feed the formula to your baby. You can use any type of bottle, such as a glass bottle, a plastic bottle, or a stainless steel bottle. You will need to sterilize the bottle before each use to prevent bacteria growth. You will also need to use a bottle nipple that is suitable for thicker liquids, such as a Y-cut nipple or a variable-flow nipple.
Measuring cups and spoons. Measuring cups and spoons are the tools you will use to measure the ingredients for the formula. You can use any type of measuring cups and spoons, such as metal, plastic, or silicone. You will need to measure the ingredients accurately and precisely to ensure the correct ratio and balance of the formula. You will also need to level off the ingredients with a knife or a spatula to avoid excess or shortage of the ingredients.
These are the ingredients and equipment you will need to make your own sensitive baby formula. You may already have some of them at home or you can easily find them at your local grocery store, health food store, or online. Once you have gathered all the items, you are ready to make the formula.
How to Make Sensitive Baby Formula
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, you can start making your own sensitive baby formula. The process is simple and easy, and it will only take you about 15 minutes to make a batch of formula that can last for up to 24 hours. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making sensitive baby formula:
Step 1: Simmer the liver in the broth until cooked through, then blend the mixture until smooth.
- Pour 2 cups of broth into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cut 2 ounces of liver into small pieces and add them to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the liver is cooked through.
- Transfer the broth-liver mixture to a blender and blend for about 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula to ensure even blending.
Step 2: Let the broth-liver mixture cool to room temperature, then stir in the lactose or dextrose, whey or gelatin, coconut oil, cod liver oil, and acerola powder.
- Pour the broth-liver mixture into a large mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice water and stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture is cool, stir in 4 tablespoons of lactose or dextrose, 2 tablespoons of whey or gelatin, 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, 1/4 teaspoon of cod liver oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of acerola powder. Mix well until everything is dissolved and incorporated.
Step 3: Transfer the formula to a glass bottle and shake well to combine. Store the formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Using a funnel, pour the formula into a sterilized glass bottle. You may need to use more than one bottle depending on the size and capacity of the bottle. Screw on the cap and shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients.
- Label the bottle with the date and time of preparation and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not keep the formula longer than 24 hours as it may spoil or lose its nutritional value.
Step 4: Warm the formula to the desired temperature before feeding. Discard any leftover formula after one hour of feeding.
- When you are ready to feed your baby, take the bottle out of the refrigerator and warm it to the desired temperature. You can use a bottle warmer, a pot of hot water, or a microwave to warm the formula. However, do not overheat the formula as it may destroy some nutrients or create hot spots. Always test the temperature of the formula on your wrist before feeding your baby.
- Feed your baby with the bottle and the appropriate nipple. You may need to burp your baby more often as the formula may cause more air bubbles. Discard any leftover formula after one hour of feeding as it may harbor bacteria or spoil.
These are the instructions for making your own sensitive baby formula. You can follow these steps to make a fresh batch of formula every day or as needed. You can also adjust the ingredients and amounts according to your baby’s needs and preferences. You can also experiment with different flavors, textures, or temperatures to make the formula more appealing and enjoyable for your baby.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to make your own sensitive baby formula at home using natural and wholesome ingredients. We have also explained why you should consider making your own formula, what ingredients and equipment you need, how to introduce it to your baby, and more.
Making your own sensitive baby formula has many benefits and advantages over commercial formulas, especially for sensitive babies. By making your own formula, you can improve your baby’s health, happiness, and well-being. You can also enjoy the process of making and feeding your baby with your own homemade formula.
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