What are prebiotics? How does my baby get them?

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system—where 70% of your baby's immune system is located. These beneficial bacteria fight off bad bacteria, which contribute to the health of your baby's body, especially since it enables him to develop his own defenses. Emerging science suggests prebiotics may support your baby's developing immune system. Prebiotics are found in breast milk, and infant formula like Enfamil PREMIUM® Infant's dual prebiotic blend.

What does fat have to do with my baby's brain development?

Believe it or not, your baby's brain is more than 60% fat. The polyunsaturated fats from the foods you eat provide your body with fatty acids like DHA and ARA, which help support your baby's brain development during pregnancy and his first year of life. While a daily value for DHA has not been established, panels of experts in lipid nutrition have recommended 200-300 mg/day for pregnant and nursing women.

What are some DHA benefits?

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid. It's very important that your growing baby has enough DHA to help support his brain and eye development and immune system both in the womb and out. Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should be getting 1.3-1.4 g of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and ARA per day to support your baby's needs.

What exactly is a whole protein?

Whole proteins are proteins that aren't broken down yet. Breast milk has whole whey and casein proteins in it. So do most formulas. If you are formula-feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting with a standard cow's milk-based formula.

If your baby has tolerance issues, she may benefit from a formula with decreased lactose and partially broken-down proteins, or extensively broken-down proteins.

Why don't babies drink cow's milk?

No type of cow's milk has the right nutrient levels for infants. Mainly, it's too low in iron and vitamin C, and too high in protein, sodium, potassium and chloride for your baby's developing kidneys.

Why do babies need iron?

Iron is an important nutrient, no matter how old you are. Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, which is the primary transporter of oxygen in the red blood cell. Iron is important for psychomotor and mental development in infants and children.

Does my baby need vitamin supplements?

Babies generally get all the nutrition they need with formula. If your baby is breastfed, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving her a vitamin D supplement, as breast milk typically has very low levels of this nutrient. What's more, infants don't get sun exposure like adults do, to produce vitamin D naturally. Your breastfed baby may also need an iron supplement, if your baby is born premature, or with low birth weight, or has low iron stores at birth.

Nutritional Information