One year later, browsing the aisle for infant formula at Target has become a noticeably different experience than before.
Between the demands of the formula shortage and the results of Operation Fly Formula, the options and availability of formulas vary from day to day.
One of the new formulas that you may have seen on the shelves of your local Target store is Kendamil, a European formula that has recently begun to be imported into the US.
What is Kendamil? Is it safe for my child?
Is Kendamil FDA approved? Kendamil does meet the FDA requirements regarding nutrients and quality and is considered perfectly safe and healthy for babies. While laws and regulations concerning food apply to baby formula, the FDA does not grant approval for any infant formulas before they can be marketed.
I did a bunch of research on baby formula before our twins were born. I knew I wanted to breastfeed but wanted to have a high-quality supplement.
After countless hours of research, I decided on Kendamil’s infant formula and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Here’s some of what I discovered.
Kendamil Formula – What To Know
While Kendamil is relatively new to Target shelves, it has been around for over 60 years in Europe. Kendamil is the only British-owned formula company and is based out of the English Lake District.
Specializing in high-quality infant milk, organic formula, and goat milk formula, it has spanned across Europe and is even the formula of choice for the royal family.
Is Kendamil Formula Good?
Kendamil formula is used widely in Europe and is quickly growing in popularity in the US. Something about this formula must be good!
Personally, I have never used the formula for my children. However, I have done extensive research, and there seem to be a lot of good things about this formula.
Not only does it contain high-quality ingredients that your growing baby needs, but several reviews also compliment the taste and texture of the milk.
Because of its whole-milk base, Kendamil is creamy and rich with a sweet taste that many little ones love.
Is Kendamil Formula Safe?
In a nutshell, yes, Kendamil is perfectly safe for your baby.
The ingredient list for Kendamil formula is very reassuring for parents as it is stocked full of high-quality, whole, and pure ingredients.
You can rest assured knowing Kendamil is free from preservatives, corn syrups, artificial flavors and colors, gluten, and GMOs.
Because the ingredients are sourced from local farms, Kendamil is created from much purer products than most other formulas on the market.
With an exclusive natural mammal fat source, Kendamil is free from palm and vegetable oils that often contribute to the malabsorption of calcium and fats as well as constipation in infants.
Utilizing a plant-based DHA from marine algae rather than fish oil eliminates a possible allergen that is common in most other infant formulas.
Kendamil offers MFGM, an important protein contained in breast milk, as well as high levels of DHA. Both of these support brain and cognitive development.
Kendamil formula also contains HMO prebiotics that offer many health benefits for your baby’s gut.
Kendamil Formula Ingredients
What’s in the formula that their baby is drinking is the most important thing to parents, and the makers of Kendamil understand that.
They prioritize using very high-quality ingredients with whole milk being the very first ingredient in their formulas.
The remaining ingredients are equally as promising and go beyond British and US requirements to include Omega fatty acids, amino acids, inositol, choline, and naturally occurring MFGM, all of which are important for your little one’s cognitive development.
Additionally, the use of locally sourced ingredients reduces the risk of contamination by pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and heavy metals.
Look here to find out how Kendamil’s ingredients compare to other leading US infant formulas.
Kendamil and FDA Regulations
All formulas marketed in the US, including imports, must meet federal nutrient requirements. Kendamil meets or exceeds all of the USDA nutritional recommendations.
Europe has slightly different nutrient standards than the US, and because Kendamil is a European formula, it does vary slightly from the typical US standards.
For example, Stage 2 and Stage 3 formulas prioritize proteins and fats rather than carbohydrates. This is a European tendency that is different from the US.
Is it better or worse? That is more of a personal preference. Research is constantly changing, but regardless, Kendamil is considered safe and nutritious by FDA regulations.
Kendamil Formula Options
Kendamil offers a variety of infant formulas. Stages for infant formula (1-3) are more prevalent in Europe than in the US, so Kendamil has formula options for all 3 stages.
Each is available in their classic, organic, or goat milk options.
Kendamil Organic Formula
All of the ingredients in the Organic formula are identical to those in the Classic formula; however, the origin of these ingredients is what is different between the two.
The organic ingredients are all sourced from entirely organic farms. Everything about organic farms is different from regular farms — the land, the feed, and the way the animals are treated.
The organic formula is available for infants in Stages 1, 2, and 3.
Kendamil Stage 1
The Stage 1 formula is designed with infants from birth to the age of 12 months in mind. It contains all of the nutrients that infants in that age group need to thrive.
Kendamil Stage 2
Stage 2 is an optional formula for infants beginning at the age of 6 months.
It is perfectly healthy for them to continue on Stage 1 formula; however, Stage 2 has a slightly different whey-to-casein protein ratio that is designed to reflect the changes in breast milk composition.
Stage 2 contains higher lactose and less fat and is geared toward helping little ones prepare for weaning.
Kendamil Stage 3
Stage 3 formula is for infants starting at the age of 12 months. Its starch, nutrient, and energy content are different to cater to the needs and demands of highly energetic toddlers.
This formula is great for filling in the gaps in a new solid food diet.
Kendamil Goat Formula
Kendamil has a dairy-free option for babies who have a dairy allergy or sensitivity.
Their goat milk formula is made of full cream A2 whole goat milk, goat (not cow) whey powder, and plant-based DHA to maintain a vegetarian ingredients list.
The goat milk formula does still have lactose in it, so, therefore, it is not suitable for a baby with lactose intolerance.
Are Any Baby Formulas FDA Approved?
What many people do not know is that the FDA does not approve any infant formulas before they are marketed.
They do review them, however, as all infant formulas must meet the minimum nutrition requirements and comply with FDA regulations in order to be marketed on shelves.
FDA Infant Formula Regulations
The FDA has a list of requirements relating to nutrient content, quantity, and quality control that all infant formula manufacturers are familiar with. All infant formulas that are marketed must comply with these regulations.
After the processing of a new formula but before marketing, the manufacturers or distributors of the formula must submit a written verification to the FDA that demonstrates that the formula complies with all of the requirements.
A summary of the test results of nutrients in the formula is also required. You can find more information about these regulations on the FDA website.
How To Choose Baby Formula
Since all babies have different needs and sensitivities, there is no “perfect” or “one-size-fits-all” baby formula out there.
Unfortunately, it is usually a game of trial and error to find the one that works for your baby. There are some things to do and consider, however, to make your search easier.
- Talk with your baby’s pediatrician and ask for recommendations specific to your baby’s needs.
- Do your own research about the ingredients and processing of baby formulas.
Related Questions:
When To Switch to Stage 2 Formula?
Stage 2 formula is simply an option. Your baby will be perfectly fine on Stage 1 formula for the entire first year of his life.
If you do wish to switch based on your little one’s needs or if your pediatrician recommends more nutrients for your baby, it is generally recommended to switch around 6 months.
What’s the Difference Between Stage 2 and Stage 3 Formula?
Stage 3 formula is more commonly known as “toddler formula” as it is designed to meet the increasing demands of energetic toddlers that are on a primarily solid food diet.
Stage 3 formulas often contain higher energy, nutrient, and starch contents suitable for a more developed digestive system.
Conclusion
Parents in this day and age are fortunate to have an abundance of high-quality infant formulas available to meet their baby’s needs.
Kendamil formula is an excellent choice for a nutrient-rich formula with the highest-quality ingredients. Because of this, it is quickly becoming just as well-loved in the US as it is in Europe.
I’m so happy we found Kendamil formula for our boys. They’ve taken really well to it and have had zero issues (I supplement breastmilk with Kendamil).
Choosing the right formula for your baby isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Do your own research so you’re confident with the choice you make.
Mom of three (including identical twin boys), wife, and owner of Parents Wonder. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way.