Premature babies always need supplemental nutrition to grow normally and healthily. Therefore, mothers need to choose infant formula that promotes weight gain and height development. Let’s explore AVAKids’ top 10 best formulas for premature and low-weight babies in this article!
Characteristics of Premature Infants
Premature babies are those born before 37 weeks of gestation (from the first day of the last menstrual period). Based on the time of birth, premature births can be categorized into four groups:
- Late preterm: 34 to 36 weeks and 6 days.
- Moderate preterm: 32 to under 34 weeks.
- Very preterm: 28 to 32 weeks.
- Extremely preterm: Under 28 weeks.
Due to early birth, premature babies often lack sufficient nutrient reserves from the final weeks of pregnancy. This leads to serious health risks involving the cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems. Therefore, mothers need to pay special attention to their baby’s nutrition for normal development.
Premature babies are often prone to health problems
Characteristics of Formula for Premature and Low-Weight Infants
Infant formulas for premature babies are specially designed with unique advantages such as:
- High nutritional content, containing a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, etc.
- Rich in antibodies to boost immunity.
- Easy to digest and absorb.
- Similar taste and smell to breast milk.
Many formulas for premature babies are available on the market with various outstanding features, making it easy for mothers to find one for their baby. Mothers should consider their baby’s health condition and consult a doctor to choose the most suitable formula to help their baby quickly catch up with normal growth.
Criteria for Selecting Formula for Premature, Low-Weight, and Underdeveloped Infants
Mothers should choose formulas from trustworthy sources and manufacturers. Opt for formulas produced in areas with clean environments, advanced manufacturing technologies, and internationally recognized certifications to ensure purity.
Formula for premature babies needs to provide essential nutrients that are often lacking, such as DHA and ARA, which are crucial for brain development. Furthermore, from 15 days old, premature babies are prone to anemia, so the formula should contain sufficient iron and microminerals.
Additionally, infant formula for premature babies needs to be both nutrient-rich and easily digestible for their immature digestive systems. Therefore, mothers should choose formulas containing Maltodextrin instead of Lactose to reduce colic and reflux in premature babies.
Mothers should pay attention to the origin and ingredients of infant formula
Top 10 Formulas for Premature, Low-Weight Infants on the Market Today
1. Pre Nan
*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 5, 2024, and are subject to change!
- Brand: Nestlé (Switzerland).
- Manufactured in: Netherlands.
Nan is a product from Nestlé Nan, part of Nestlé – the world’s largest food and beverage company headquartered in Switzerland. Nan is manufactured in the Netherlands and is specifically designed for low-weight and premature babies.
The formula also includes DHA and ARA to support brain development, combined with Taurine and Choline, essential nutrients for brain and vision development, supporting the baby’s overall development. Furthermore, the formula has a mild, pleasant aroma that makes it easy for babies to drink.
2. Similac Neosure IQ
*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 5, 2024, and are subject to change!
- Brand: Abbott (USA).
- Manufactured in: USA.
Founded in 1888, Abbott has been a pioneer in nutrition and healthcare, aiming to improve the quality of life. Abbott’s nutritional products for children are among the most trusted brands worldwide.
This Similac formula has a composition similar to breast milk. Similac Neosure contains essential nutrients such as DHA, AA, Omega-3, and Omega-6, which support brain development. In addition, the formula contains Immutify Ingredients found in breast milk, along with vitamins and minerals to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
3. Abbott PediaSure BA
*Note: Promotional prices are updated as of November 5, 2024, and are subject to change!
- Brand: Abbott (USA).
- Manufactured in: Singapore.
Abbott is a familiar brand to consumers, originating from Abbott Nutrition in the USA. Famous Abbott brands such as Ensure, PediaSure, Similac, and Grow are widely used in many countries.
PediaSure contains 37 nutrients that stimulate appetite, promote better eating, and weight gain. In addition, soluble fiber, DHA, taurine, and beneficial microorganisms in the formula help improve the immune system, brain development, and cognitive function.
Specifically, Abbott PediaSure BA is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D2, providing arginine and natural vitamin K2 for bone development and promoting height growth. The vanilla flavor is delicious, suitable for picky eaters and supports better growth.
4. Nutifood GrowPLUS+
- Brand: Nutifood (Vietnam).
- Manufactured in: Sweden/Singapore.
Nutifood is a well-known and popular milk brand in Vietnam. This brand specializes in distributing milk products for all ages, aiming to provide quality and affordable milk to Vietnamese consumers.
Nutifood GrowPLUS+ is a formula specifically researched for Vietnamese children. The product combines FDI formula and colostrum imported from the USA to improve immunity and digestion.
Key nutrients include DHA, lutein, and iodine to optimize height, brain, and vision development, and promote healthy weight gain. The vanilla flavor is incredibly delicious, easy to drink, not cloying, and stimulates the child’s appetite.
5. Colos Gain 0+
- Brand: ColosBaby (Vietnam).
- Manufactured in: Vietnam.
ColosBaby, also known as ColosBaby Gain, belongs to VitaDairy Vietnam JSC. Established in 2005, the company aims to research and develop nutritional products that meet international standards and are suitable for Vietnamese children.
Colos Gain 0+ contains natural colostrum IgG combined with 2′-FL HMO, zinc, and selenium to enhance the baby’s immune system. Furthermore, Colosbaby formula for newborns provides high energy, easily digestible MCT and whey protein to provide sufficient nutrients for weight gain and height, brain development.
6. Similac Special Care 24K
- Brand: Abbott (USA).
- Manufactured in: USA.
- Price: Approximately 645,000 VND/48 x 59ml tubes (updated March 2023).
Similac Special Care 24K is a ready-to-feed formula for premature infants manufactured by Abbott. It comes in special 59ml tubes, ready to drink and suitable for babies weighing 600-800g at birth until they reach 3.6kg.
This formula for premature babies is recommended by experts. It contains iron, folic acid, lutein, vitamin E, DHA, ARA, Omega 3 and 6 to compensate for nutrient deficiencies in premature babies, while supporting brain and vision development. In addition, the formula provides nucleotides to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
Similac Special Care 24K 60 x 59ml tubes
7. Morinaga E – Akachan
- Brand: Morinaga (Japan).
- Manufactured in: Japan.
- Price: Approximately 800,000 VND/800g (updated March 2023).
Morinaga infant formula is produced by Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., established in 1917. The company’s message is a commitment to satisfying customer needs by producing products that meet safety, deliciousness, and nutritional requirements.
Morinaga formula is also known as “vegetable milk” by mothers due to its cooling properties and suitability for many babies. Besides its cooling properties, E-Akachan contains complete nutrition suitable for premature babies, including components similar to breast milk.
The formula provides DHA, ARA, fats, proteins, IgA, IgM, and especially IgG, a valuable natural antibody essential for premature babies. In addition, it contains vitamins, minerals, three types of oligosaccharides, and easily digestible protein to support healthy development.
Morinaga E-Akachan 800g can
8. Enfalac Premature Formula
- Brand: Mead Johnson (USA).
- Manufactured in: USA.
- Price: Approximately 255,000 VND/400g (updated March 2023).
Enfa formula belongs to Mead Johnson, one of the first companies in the USA to focus on scientific research into nutrition for infants and young children, with a mission to nourish the best possible start for children worldwide.
The formula provides protein with a 60% whey ratio to support digestion, enhancing DHA, ARA, Omega 3&6, Choline, and essential vitamins for brain and physical development. In addition, the formula provides soluble fiber FOS to enhance digestion.
Enfalac Premature Formula 400g can
9. Pre France Lait
- Brand: Regilait (France).
- Manufactured in: France.
- Price: Approximately 385,000 VND/370g (updated March 2023).
France Lait is known as the only imported formula from France, manufactured by the renowned dairy company Regilait, well-received and highly regarded in many countries. It’s suitable for newborns and is a high-energy formula; 100ml of France Lait provides 75kcal.
The formula contains a 60% whey protein ratio and a high level of MCTs for easy absorption and rapid weight gain. Besides DHA, ARA, Choline, and Taurine, the formula adds AGPI-LC, playing an important role in perfecting nerve connections and improving information transmission.
Pre France Lait 370g can
10. Frisolac Gold Premature
- Brand: Friesland Campina (Netherlands).
- Manufactured in: Netherlands.
- Price: Approximately 170,000 VND/400g (updated March 2023).
Friso formula is a brand of Friesland Campina, Netherlands, established in 1871. Friso has launched premium nutritional products with unique formulas, balancing essential nutrients to meet the nutritional needs of children at each developmental stage.
Besides high levels of whey and casein proteins, partially hydrolyzed for easy digestion, the formula also adds DHA, ARA, iodine, calcium, vitamin D, lactose, GOS, and inositol… to improve the immature digestive system, develop the brain, strengthen the immune system, and support overall development.
Frisolac Gold Premature 400g can
Things Mothers Need to Remember About Nutrition for Premature and Low-Weight Infants
Mothers should start feeding their babies early to prevent hypoglycemia. For premature babies under 32 weeks old or weighing under 1.5kg, mothers should pay attention to their digestive health.
The energy and nutritional needs of premature babies are inversely proportional to their weight. Typically, the target energy requirement for premature babies is 110-130 kcal/kg/day, possibly up to 150-160 kcal/day to achieve a weight gain target of approximately 15g/kg/day.
Once the baby is stable, mothers should continue to maintain their nutritional regimen and feed the baby day and night. If breast milk alone is insufficient or the baby is not gaining weight as required, specialized formulas for premature, low-weight infants can be combined.
Mothers need to pay special attention to the nutrition of premature babies
Precautions When Using Formula for Premature, Low-Weight Infants
If the mother has breast milk, prioritize breast milk because it is the best source of nutrition for infants. If breast milk is not readily available, formula can be used as a partial or complete substitute.
Mothers should divide the baby’s meals into several small feedings. Premature babies should be fed frequently, approximately 8-12 times a day, to ensure they are not hungry and receive sufficient nutrients.
If the baby cannot breastfeed, mothers should consult a doctor. Mothers may need to spoon-feed or provide nutrition intravenously or via a nasogastric tube; babies under 32 weeks old may require feeding via a nasogastric tube.
Additionally, mothers need to pay special attention to the specific nutritional needs of their babies to help them adapt quickly to their environment, complete the development of their bodily functions, and catch up on growth quickly.
Feedings should be divided into several small meals to ensure the baby receives enough nutrients
Using infant formula for premature babies helps them quickly catch up with normal growth and develop comprehensively. For any questions, please visit avakids.com or contact our hotline at 1900.866.874 for free consultation.