A background of Infant Milk Powder

At Hug-Me we believe that Breast Milk is the best nutrition for Baby.

Infant formula is a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder (mixed with water) or liquid (with or without additional water). The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk"

A 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) report found that infant formula prepared in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards was a safe complementary food and a suitable breast milk substitute.

Besides breast milk, infant formula is the only other milk product which the medical community considers nutritionally acceptable for infants under the age of one year (as opposed to cow's milk, for instance). Supplementing with solid food in addition to breast milk or formula begins during weaning, and most babies begin supplementing about the time their first teeth appear, usually around the age of six months.

Although cow's milk is the basis of almost all infant formula, plain cow's milk is unsuited for infants because of its high casein content and low whey content, which may put a strain on an infant's immature kidneys, and untreated cow's milk is not recommended before the age of 12 months. The infant intestine is not properly equipped to digest non-human milk, and this may often result in diarrhea, intestinal bleeding and malnutrition. To reduce the negative effect on the infant's digestive system, cow's milk used for formula undergoes processing to be made into infant formula. This includes steps to make protein more easily digestible and alter the whey-to-casein protein balance to one closer to human milk, the addition of several essential ingredients, the partial or total replacement of dairy fat with fats of vegetable or marine origin, etc.

The nutrient content of infant formulae for sale in New Zealand is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Primary Industries. The following is included in all Hug-Me formulas.

•Protein

•Fat

•Linoleic acid

•Linolenic acid

•ARA (AA)

•DHA

•GOS

•FOS

•Cholene

•L-Carnitine

•Nucleotides

•Taurine

•Inositol

•Vitamins: A, C, D3, E, K1, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), B3, B6, B12, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, Biotin

•Minerals: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, chloride, manganese

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for growing infants, as they account for 35 to 42% of their daily energy intake. In most cow's milk-based formulas, lactose is the main source of carbohydrates present, but lactose is not present in cow's milk-based lactose-free formulas nor specialized non-milk protein formulas or hydrolyzed protein formulas for infants with milk protein sensitivity. Lactose is also not present in soy-based formulas. Therefore, those formulas without lactose will use other sources of carbohydrates, such as sucrose and glucose, dextrins, and natural and modified starches. Lactose is not only a good source of energy, it also aids in the absorption of the minerals magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron.

Nucleotides
Nucleotides are compounds found naturally in human breast milk. They are involved in critical metabolic processes, such as energy metabolism and enzymatic reactions. Also, as the building blocks of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), they are essential for normal body functions. Compared to human breast milk, cow's milk has lower levels of the nucleotides uridine, inosine, and cytidine. Therefore, Hug-Me has added nucleotides to their infant formulas.

Soy-based formulas
In Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere, public concerns have been raised over the continued sale and marketing of soy-based formulae potentially containing high levels of phytoestrogens, linked to abnormal child development including damage to babies' thyroid glands. For this reason Hug-Me has decided not to produce a soy-based formula.

Also check our FAQs for more information.

Some of the above information is from Wikipedia

Hug-Me For New Borns

At Hug-Me we believe that Breast Milk is the best nutrition for Baby.

However, for those mothers who are unable to breastfeed Hug-Me Infant Formula Powder is a safe and nutritious alternative. Our Infant Formula is specifically designed to meet the needs of infants at each stage of development.

Give your baby a head start in life with the specially designed Hug-Me Stage 1 Infant Milk Powder. Did you know that up to 90 percent of South Asians may be lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance, which is due to the inability to digest milk sugars, is a common disorder caused by a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the digestive system. Lactose intolerance is three times more common in South Asians than in other populations. Our unique infant formula has been scientifically formulated by our team of food scientists to try to approximate the composition of breast milk for bottle fed babies.

Produced at a New Zealand Government Certified state of the art facility in New Zealand, Hug-Me Stage 1 Infant Formula Powder has all the required essential nutrients to facilitate the healthy growth of your baby.

Key advantages:
•Enriched with Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
•Contains Prebiotics
•Prevailing Whey to Casein ratio for gentle digestion
•Rich in Nucleotides

Hug-Me Infant Milk Powder is formulated with beneficial Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids such as Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA. These are naturally occurring in the breast milk of mothers and support a variety of vital functions.
Omega-3 is a structural component of the brain and eye. It is widely thought to improve cognitive and visual function. Omega-6 has been added to primarily maintain a favourable Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio. Omega 6 also performs a vital role in the central nervous system and other important biological functions.

Hug-Me Stage 1 Infant Formula contains the prebiotics Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).
They assist in supporting the proliferation of friendly bacteria such as bifido bacteria in the digestive system of infants. This promotes softer and regular bowel motions. It may also support long term immune health and reduce infection.
Another unique characteristic of Hug-Me Infant Milk Powder is its dominant whey to casein ratio to replicate the composition of natural breast milk. This assists to transition the infant to cow’s milk as they progress through the different stages.

Whey to Casein Ratio:
Stage 1 (Newborn formula) Whey 60% - Casein 40%
A dominant whey to casein ratio also promotes gentle digestion to better cater to the immature digestive system of infants. Furthermore, nucleotides have also been added to this formulation. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and play a positive role in the development of the digestive and immune system.

Baby Milk Powders from Hug-Me have all undergone stringent testing to meet local and international standards.
Hug-Me Baby Milk Powders meet the criteria of the following authorities:

•New Zealand Food Safety Code

•International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

•China National Dairy Standard – Infant Formulas

•China CIQ Certification

DIRECTIONS:
1. Wash your hands before handling the formula and preparing to sterilize the feeding bottle.
2. To protect the beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, cool down boiled CLEAN tap water to 40~50 Celsius and fill about ½ or 1/3 of the bottle.
3. Read the instructions carefuly on the can and add the right number of scoops to the bottle with the scoop provided, using the special edge of the can to level it off.
4. Close the feeding bottle and shake until all the powder has dissolved.
Make sure to test the temperature by tipping a little milk out of the teat onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel just warm, not hot.

Hug-Me Follow On

At Hug-Me we believe that Breast Milk is the best nutrition for Baby.

However, for those mothers who are unable to breastfeed Hug-Me Follow On Formula Powder is a safe and nutritious alternative. Our Follow On Formula is specifically designed to meet the needs of babies at each stage of development.

Give your baby a head start in life with the specially designed Hug-Me Stage 2 Follow On Powder. Did you know that up to 90 percent of South Asians may be lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerance, which is due to the inability to digest milk sugars, is a common disorder caused by a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the digestive system. Lactose intolerance is three times more common in South Asians than in other populations. Our Follow On Formula has been scientifically formulated by our food scientists to cater to the dietary needs of Asian babies from six to twelve months and compliments the incorporation of solids into your baby’s diet.

Produced at a New Zealand Government Certified state of the art facility in New Zealand, Hug-Me Follow On Formula has all the required essential nutrients to facilitate the growth of your baby.

Key advantages:
•Enriched with Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
•Contains Prebiotics
•Whey to Casein ratio in equilibrium for smooth digestion
•High Nucleotidescontent

Whey to Casein Ratio:
Hug-Me Follow On Formula Whey 50% - Casein 50%

Hug-Me Follow Formula has been formulated to have an equal whey to casein ratio relative to the Stage 1 formula for an easier transition from a breast milk substitute to cow’s milk.

Hug-Me Follow On Formula also contains nucleotides. These are the building blocks of DNA and play a positive role in the development of the digestive and immune system. Hug-Me Follow On Formula is produced with the Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA. These are naturally present in the breast milk of mothers and are essential for a whole range of vital functions. Omega-3 is a structural component of the brain and eyes. It is widely thought to support regular cognitive and visual function. On the other hand, Omega-6 is essential for the regular functioning of the central nervous system and many other important biological functions. Omega-6 also assists in balancing levels of Omega-3 for a beneficial Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio.

Hug-Me Follow On Formula contains the prebiotics Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).
These stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria like bifido bacteria in the digestive system of babies. They may assist with producing softer and more regular bowel motions. Prebiotics may also reduce infection and promote the long term health of the immune system.

Baby Milk Powders from Hug-Me have all undergone stringent testing to meet local and international standards.
Hug-Me Baby Milk Powders meet the criteria of the following authorities:

•New Zealand Food Safety Code

•International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

•China National Dairy Standard – Infant Formulas

•China CIQ Certification

DIRECTIONS:
1. Wash your hands before handling the formula and preparing to sterilize the feeding bottle.
2. To protect the beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, cool down boiled CLEAN tap water to 40~50 Celsius and fill about ½ or 1/3 of the bottle.
3. Read the instructions carefuly on the can and add the right number of scoops to the bottle with the scoop provided, using the special edge of the can to level it off.
4. Close the feeding bottle and shake until all the powder has dissolved.
Make sure to test the temperature by tipping a little milk out of the teat onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel just warm, not hot.

Hug-Me For Toddlers

Please the taste buds of young children while catering to their dietary needs with Hug-Me For Toddlers Formula. It is specially formulated to meet the requirements of an active and growing toddler.

This nutritious milk formula is especially formulated for Asian children and produced at a state of the art Government Certified facility in New Zealand. It delivers many of the essential nutrients required by a growing child to allow them to thrive.

Key advantages:
•Enriched with Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
•Contains Prebiotics
•Prevailing Whey to Casein ratio for gentle digestion
•Rich in Nucleotides

Present in Hug-Me For Toddlers Formula are Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. These can be found naturally in the breast milk of mothers and are essential for a whole range of bodily functions. Omega-3 is a structural component of the brain and eyes. It is thought to improve cognitive and visual function. Omega-6 assists in balancing the levels of Omgea-3 for a healthy Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio. Omega-6 is indispensable for regular central nervous and various other important biological functions.

Also contained in the Hug-Me For Toddlers Formula are the prebiotics Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). They assist to stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria like bifido bacteria in the digestive system of young children. Prebiotics may also reduce infection, promote long term immune health and softer, more regular, bowel motions.

The high casein to whey ratio in Hug-Me For Toddlers Formula completes the transition from breast milk substitutes to cow’s milk. This is illustrated in the table below:

Whey to Casein Ratio:
Hug-Me Toddler Formula Whey 40% - Casein 60%

Hug-Me baby milk formula also contains Nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and play a positive role in the development of the immune and digestive system.

Baby Milk Powders from Hug-Me have all undergone stringent testing to meet local and international standards.
Hug-Me Baby Milk Powders meet the criteria of the following authorities:

•New Zealand Food Safety Code

•International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

•China National Dairy Standard – Infant Formulas

•China CIQ Certification

DIRECTIONS:
1. Wash your hands before handling the formula and preparing to sterilize the feeding bottle or cup.
2. To protect the beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, cool down boiled CLEAN tap water to 40~50 Celsius and fill about ½ or 1/3 of the bottle.
3. Read the instructions carefuly on the can and add the right number of scoops to the bottle with the scoop provided, and level it off.
4. Close the feeding bottle and shake until all the powder has dissolved.
Make sure to test the temperature by tipping a little milk out of the teat onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel just warm, not hot. It can also be fed cold.

FAQs

Your most asked questions answered

As a Mother you want the best for your baby.

What is Infant Formula?
Infant formula is a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder mixed with water.
The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines infant formula as "a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk"

A 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) report found that infant formula prepared in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards was a safe complementary food and a suitable breast milk substitute.

Baby formulas contain energy-providing nutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) as well as water (an essential nutrient) and appropriate vitamins and minerals.
The energy nutrients provide the calories necessary to maintain bodily functions, support activity, and promote growth. They also support desirable immune functions as an outcome of overall nutrition.

Protein provides the building blocks necessary to form and repair tissue. Vitamins and minerals are essential in the metabolism of energy nutrients. Minerals play an important part in bone structure, regulate certain body functions and, together with water, help maintain the body's water balance.

Standard iron-fortified baby formulas are nutritionally complete foods for normal infants. When a physician recommends a formula not fortified with iron, another source of iron should also be recommended.

Hug-Me infant formula currently offer formulas containing docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA or AA), two nutritional fatty acids considered to be "building blocks" for the development of brain and eye tissue. Formulas containing DHA and ARA have been shown to provide visual and mental development similar to the breastfed infant.

Can I warm baby's formula in the microwave?
No. It is designed to feed after preparing by warming in hot water. DON’T use the microwave for infant formula, as it will destroy some substantial nutrients and cause ‘hot spots’ which can scald baby. You could use a bottle warmer.

Can I take a break from breast feeding and use formula instead?
​Many women supplement their breastfeeding with formula now and then, or while they're at work. It's best to wait until your milk supply is established and your baby is comfortable with breastfeeding. A good time to start is when your baby is around six weeks old.

Does my baby need extra vitamins?
No. Commercial infant formulas with iron are manufactured to contain all the nutrients your baby needs.

How do I store Formula?
Storing infant formula and baby food is actually quite easy. Infant formulas are regulated by the New Zealand Government as to shelf life labeling. All containers of infant formula have a clear "best used by" or similar date on the bottom of the container which is generally longer than a child will require such food. Unopened containers of formula should be stored the same way you would keep dry milk, in a dark, cool, dry place and used before the date on the container is reached. Opened containers of dry formula powder should be used within one month of opening and the contents should be kept bone dry, cool and in the dark.

How do I prepare Hug-Me Infant Formula?
Always follow the instructions for preparation, use and storage of formula written on the formula label. Your baby's health depends upon carefully following these instructions. Wash your hands prior to preparing formula. Do not use a microwave oven to warm formula.

How long can I keep baby's formula in the refrigerator?
Baby formula that is prepared from powder and placed in bottles for feeding should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.

How long can a bottle of baby formula remain unrefrigerated?
Baby formula that is removed from refrigeration should be used within two hours or discarded. Baby formula remaining in a bottle one hour after the start of feeding should also be discarded.

My baby sleeps with the bottle in her mouth.
You shouldn't leave your baby unattended or feeding from a "propped" bottle. Propping a bottle is a choking hazard and also can lead to ear infections and baby bottle tooth decay, a serious dental condition that results from formula (as well as breast milk or juice) pooling in a baby's mouth. Always hold your baby during feedings.

What's the difference between Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula?
The primary difference between our Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula is the balance of milk proteins. Both formulas have whey and casein proteins but in different proportions. Our Infant Formula is whey dominant with around 60% whey protein and 40% casein protein. Breast milk also has around 60% whey and 40% casein. It is important that a baby who is formula fed from birth or under 6 months, starts with a whey dominant formula like our Infant Formula. Our Follow-on Formula is around 50% casein protein and 50% whey protein. We change the balance because as casein is slower to digest than whey, it may keep baby feeling full a little longer. Follow-on Formula is suitable for babies from 6 months to 12 months and may be more suitable for babies who are being weaned off breast-milk, or who are starting solid foods.