

That’s because breast milk itself is whey predominant.” Human milk settles into a ratio that’s about 60% whey and 40% casein-though in the first few weeks after birth, human milk can be up to 90% whey. Young generally advises first-time formula users (especially those whose babies have not yet started solids) to try a “formula that at least has some extra whey added.


You should consider these formulas only if your baby has a diagnosed medical need for them. Formulas with extensively hydrolyzed protein are sometimes called “hypoallergenic,” and they’re for babies who are allergic to milk proteins or those who have or are at risk for other medical issues. Extensively hydrolyzed and amino acids: The proteins have been fully broken down into peptides or amino acids.Formulas with this type of protein are often labeled “gentle” or “tender,” and they are marketed as being easier to digest. Partially hydrolyzed: The milk proteins have been partly broken down, which makes them closer to the size of the proteins in human milk.Baby formulas with intact proteins, often called “traditional” formulas, are the most commonly used. Intact: The milk proteins have not been broken down.
