What is milk shake powder and should I buy it? How to use it?

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Baby formula thickener is a type of cereal added to formula or breast milk to provide extra nutrition. However, it’s still a relatively new concept for many parents. Join AVAKids as we explore what baby formula thickener is and whether or not you should use it

What is Baby Formula Thickener?

Many parents hearing the term “baby formula thickener” might think it’s a type of cow’s milk for babies. In reality, it’s a mixture of cereal and milk. Cereal is recommended as one of the best first foods for babies.

Baby formula thickener is a nutrient-rich product designed for a baby’s early development, and it comes in pre-portioned packets. When using it, you add it to your baby’s bottle to help them get used to solid foods.

As babies reach 6 months and begin transitioning to thicker foods, introducing thick foods directly can be difficult for them to adapt to. Baby formula thickener can help them get accustomed to semi-solid foods.

Baby formula thickener is a supplement added to baby's milk

Baby formula thickener is a supplement added to baby’s milk

Benefits of Baby Formula Thickener

Helps Baby Feel Fuller Longer and Sleep More Soundly

Baby formula thickener is added to a baby’s milk to help them feel full for longer, preventing them from getting hungry in the middle of the night. Instead of using regular oatmeal, you can use baby formula thickener to help your baby digest and absorb nutrients better while sleeping.

Furthermore, since babies’ central nervous systems are not fully developed, it’s normal for them not to sleep through the night. Adding baby formula thickener can help prevent them from feeling hungry even if they wake up, reducing nighttime fussiness.

Quaker Old Fashioned Oats 420g (for children 3 years and older)

Quaker Old Fashioned Oats 420g (for children 3 years and older)

Helps Baby Get Used to Solids Earlier

Babies from 4-6 months old can suck and swallow liquids like milk and thin baby food very well. However, thicker foods can be challenging for them to suck, and they might just hold the food in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking or nasal reflux.

Adding baby formula thickener to milk or formula can help babies gradually adapt to solid foods and support jaw and teeth development.

Nestlé Cerelac Baby Cereal with Fish and Green Vegetables 200g (from 8 months)

Nestlé Cerelac Baby Cereal with Fish and Green Vegetables 200g (from 8 months)

Helps Reduce Spitting Up and Reflux

Babies who frequently experience reflux due to overly thin milk can spit up, reducing nutrient absorption. Baby formula thickener increases the thickness of the milk without making it difficult to drink, helping to reduce spitting up and improve the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Baby formula thickener helps reduce reflux and discomfort

Baby formula thickener helps reduce reflux and discomfort

How to Prepare Baby Formula Thickener

Preparing for Drinking

Each box of baby formula thickener comes with specific instructions. Here’s a common method for preparing it for drinking:

**Step 1:** Sterilize the bottle using a sterilizer to eliminate bacteria from all baby feeding equipment.

Philips Avent SCF293.00 Bottle Sterilizer

Philips Avent SCF293.00 Bottle Sterilizer

Step 2: Wash your hands with hand soap before preparing the formula thickener. After washing, add breast milk or formula to the bottle.

Safeguard Pure White Hand Soap 450ml

Safeguard Pure White Hand Soap 450ml

Step 3: Add the baby formula thickener according to the manufacturer’s recommended ratio. For example, with Nestlé baby formula thickener, you would add about 3 scoops of powder to 210ml of milk for a 6-month-old baby and gradually increase the amount as the baby grows.

Prepare baby formula thickener according to the manufacturer's instructions

Prepare baby formula thickener according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Step 4: Shake the bottle well or stir until the powder is completely dissolved, and give it to your baby immediately after preparation.

Meiji Infant Formula 800g (0 - 12 months)

Meiji Infant Formula 800g (0 – 12 months)

Preparing for Solid Food

When using baby formula thickener for solid food, you can save time on cooking porridge or cereal. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare about 180-210ml of fresh milk and a small bowl according to your baby’s usual feeding portion.

TH true MILK Fresh Milk Unsweetened 220ml

TH true MILK Fresh Milk Unsweetened 220ml

Step 2: Add 5-6 scoops of baby formula thickener to the bowl of fresh milk and stir until you achieve a porridge-like consistency.

Add about 5-6 scoops of baby formula thickener to your baby's porridge

Add about 5-6 scoops of baby formula thickener to your baby’s porridge

Step 3: Finally, check the temperature of the food before feeding it to your baby.

Check the temperature of the porridge before feeding your baby

Check the temperature of the porridge before feeding your baby

Should Babies Under 6 Months Use Baby Formula Thickener?

Babies under 6 months should not use baby formula thickener as it can pose health risks for the following reasons:

Reduced Breastfeeding and Immunity

Babies under 6 months are recommended to be exclusively breastfed as it’s the best source of nutrition for their development. Introducing baby formula thickener too early can make babies reluctant to breastfeed, depriving them of essential nutrients and potentially leading to reduced immunity and malnutrition.

Babies under 6 months should breastfeed more instead of using baby formula thickener

Babies under 6 months should breastfeed more instead of using baby formula thickener

High Risk of Allergies

Before 6 months, a baby’s immune system is not fully developed, and they lack the enzymes to break down starch. Using baby formula thickener too early can increase the risk of allergies and digestive disorders.

Using baby formula thickener too early increases the risk of allergies

Using baby formula thickener too early increases the risk of allergies

Risk of Choking

Babies between 4-6 months should only consume breast milk or liquids and should not use baby formula thickener. While they can suck and swallow non-breast milk liquids, thicker consistencies can be difficult.

Furthermore, baby bottles have small nipples. Adding baby formula thickener can make it harder for the baby to swallow, potentially leading to choking or nasal reflux.

Wesser TBSWPP260 PPSU Wide Neck Baby Bottle 260ml

Wesser TBSWPP260 PPSU Wide Neck Baby Bottle 260ml

Some of the Best Baby Formula Thickeners Available

1. Nestlé Baby Formula Thickener

Nestlé was founded in 1867 by German pharmacist Henri Nestlé, who combined cow’s milk, flour, and sugar to create a product for infants who couldn’t breastfeed. Nestlé has become a beloved brand with popular products like coffee, fresh milk, yogurt drinks, and Nestle baby cereal.

  • Brand: Nestlé (France)
  • Made in: France
  • Price: Approximately 145,000 – 165,000 VND/400g box (Updated October 2022)

Key Features:

  • Uses CHE technology for better digestion and absorption.
  • Rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals essential for baby’s development.
  • Contains Prebio fiber and DHA to support digestive and nervous system health.
Nestlé Baby Formula Thickener

Nestlé Baby Formula Thickener

2. Bledina Baby Formula Thickener

Bledina is a product of the Danone Group from France, a company specializing in baby and toddler products popular among European mothers. Their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure the highest quality.

  • Brand: Bledina (France)
  • Made in: France
  • Price: Approximately 150,000 VND/250g box (Updated October 2022)

Key Features:

  • Provides 12 vitamins and minerals, including essential micronutrients like zinc, calcium, and iron.
  • Contains added fiber to improve digestion.
  • Made with clean ingredients from wheat and oats, reducing arsenic and gluten content, making it suitable for babies with allergies to these ingredients.
Bledina Baby Formula Thickener

Bledina Baby Formula Thickener

3. Babybio Baby Formula Thickener/Cereal

Babybio is also a French baby formula brand. While not as globally renowned, its products are manufactured with advanced technology and have undergone strict European quality control.

  • Brand: Babybio (France)
  • Made in: France
  • Price: Approximately 209,000 – 240,000 VND/220g can (Updated October 2022)

Key Features:

  • Available in various flavors.
  • Contains quinoa from South America, which has a wheat-like texture but is rich in amino acids and gluten-free, helping to balance protein, sugar, and fiber.
  • Made with organic ingredients.
Babybio Baby Formula Thickener/Cereal

Babybio Baby Formula Thickener/Cereal

We hope the information about baby formula thickener provided by AVAKids is helpful. If you have any questions or need assistance, please visit our website avakids.com or contact our hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) for consultation!