What formula milk is best for a baby with down syndrome

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Hiya,
Just wondering what formula milk is closest to breastmilk to feed a newborn baby who will have down syndrome, incase breastfeeding doesn't go to plan? Tia

They are all incredibly similar due to laws so probably whatever you're able to get hold of easily!

At my antenatal classes we were told not to worry about specific brands and cheaper ones were absolutely as good due to tight controls. This is for the first level at least.

Hi op,

My baby doesn’t have Down’s syndrome or and luckily was able to BF but I did a ton of research and I think HIPP organic is supposed to be good for babies will additional needs.

@Purplerain1144 Thankyou, wasn't sure whether a certain brand would be better than others.

I just wanted to say it’s a very special Mother who is given a baby with Downs to love. I wish you a lifetime of happiness with your little one. (I’m sorry I don’t know about formula) but I wanted to send you some love. ♥️

@SillyLemonZebra Thankyou so much for your lovely comment, means alot 💜 x

Many congratulations on your pregnancy. I have a son with Down syndrome (he's now 12), it's a bumpy journey but amazing all the same. I did breastfeed my son, he took to it much easier than my other three. But babies with Down syndrome can find breastfeeding really tough (jaw strength and co-ordination being the main issues), so in my experience most of my friends formula feed. Pretty much all formula is equal, so go with one you can get hold of easily. Your baby will likely get tired quicker so little and often is best.
Feel free to ask any questions.

@The4Seasons thankyou so much for your reply 💜

Congratulations on your baby! No advice re feeding but just wanted to wish you lots of joy and happiness with your child xx

My 2 year old has Down syndrome and she ended up with prescription formula but many of my friends just picked the brand that was most readily available in the shops near them. I also exclusively pumped and fed breast milk in the very beginning but she had an ng tube due to her heart condition and prematurity. Congratulations on your baby :) x

We were advised that Aptamil is closest in formulation to breast milk.

I bf my little boy, he was fine. At 10 months we started on formula, but he was intolerant of all the main brands (constantly vomiting, and diarrhoea). Eventually we discovered he had a lactose intolerance, so he went onto a soy based formula (on prescription). He was fine with that. I was told that children with DS can have more intolerances, don't know how true that is, but just something for you to think about.

Hi OP, all formulas need to meet the same nutritional standards and, despite what the manufacturers might like you to believe no one is any more or less like breastmilk than any other. But they do have different ingredients meaning that some will suit some babies better than others. The First Steps Nutritional Trust is a good source of unbiased information but it often seems to come down to trial and error I'm afraid. I've often seen it advised by Mums on here to start off trying a brand they stock in your nearest corner shop then if you ever run out there's somewhere close you can get an emergency tin easily, even if you don't shop there regularly. That seems like sound advise to me!
Good luck with everything.

Actually, my DS is also lactose intolerant (and gluten intolerant), which is also really common with Down syndrome. Something to keep an eye on.

They've used that as a line for a long time and have spent a lot of money trying to convince MWs, HVs and parents over the years. It simply isn't true.

OP all formulas have to stick to strict guidelines and one isn't better than another.

I'd just choose the one that's available in your local shops, you won't want to be doing a 10 mile round trip with a baby when it's icy just to get a particular brand.

Congratulations on your PG too

Congratulations! PADS have great breastfeeding resources for your situation here.

It is my understanding that babys with down syndrome are more likely to have stomach problems and benefit greatly from breast milk.

It's brilliant that you're thinking about your infant-feeding already and I'm sure you can find some information from PADS to help you get off to the best start.

Formulas are all the same in the UK with the exception of allergy formulas (which might be relevant for your family).