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GERBER® GOOD START® Protect Formula – Powder

GERBER® GOOD START® Protect Formula – Powder

Birth Supported Sitter Sitter Crawler Toddler Preschooler

Product Highlights

Advanced Immune Support

GERBER GOOD START Protect Formula features:

– Immune Supporting Probiotics, Bifidus BL, similar to those found in breastmilk


– Comfort Proteins® Advantage:

  • Easy to digest
  • May reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis
    (See product description for more information.)

– DHA & ARA for brain and eye development


For Babies 0-12 months
Milk-Based Powder Infant formula with Iron – ADD WATER


Find in Store Buy Online

The first formula you feed your baby matters……

Breastfeeding is the best way to reduce the risk of your baby developing atopic dermatitis. If you decide to introduce formula, studies show that by starting with a formula made with 100% whey protein partially hydrolyzed, like GERBER GOOD START Protect, may also reduce the risk of developing Atopic Dermatitis

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema and a common sign of allergy in infants.

The first and only qualified health claim for infant formula

For healthy infants who are not exclusively breastfed and who have a family history of allergy, feeding 100% whey-protein partially hydrolyzed infant formula, like GOOD START Protect from birth up to 4 months of age instead of a formula containing intact cow's milk proteins may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis throughout the first year of life. The FDA has concluded that the relationship between 100% whey-protein partially hydrolyzed infant formulas and the reduced risk of atopic dermatitis is uncertain, because there is little scientific evidence for the relationship.

GOOD START Protect should not be fed to infants who are allergic to milk or infants with existing milk-allergy symptoms. Not for allergy treatment.

Only Gerber® Good Start® has the Comfort Proteins® Advantage

100% whey protein partially hydrolyzed - our unique process to break down proteins into smaller pieces designed for your little one. Our Comfort Proteins may be more accepted by baby's immune system than the whole (intact) proteins found in other routine formulas.

Gerber Difference

The formula you choose may make a difference!

Only GERBER GOOD START has the Comfort Proteins® Advantage

Easy-to-Digest

  • Our Comfort Proteins ® are easy for baby to digest.

Protective Benefits

  • Our Comfort Proteins® may be more accepted by the baby’s immune system than whole (intact) proteins found in most other routine formulas. This may affect some babies’ risk of developing atopic dermatitis – the most common allergic disease of infancy. (See product description for more information)

GOOD START Protect also offers:

Brain & Eye Development

  • DHA & ARA for brain and eye development

Advanced Immune Support

  • Immune Supporting Probiotics, Bifidus BL, similar to those found in breastmilk.
  • Clinically shown to help the immune system build key antibodies.

Ingredients
Whey Protein Concentrate (from Cow's Milk, Enzymatically Hydrolyzed, Reduced in Minerals), Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High-Oleic Safflower or High-Oleic Sunflower), Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin, and less than 2% of: Potassium Citrate, Potassium Phosphate, Calcium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenate, M. alpina Oil*, C. cohnii Oil**, Sodium Ascorbate, Inositol, Choline Bitartrate, Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Taurine, Nucleotides (Cytidine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, L-Carnitine, B. lactis Cultures, Soy Lecithin.

*A source of arachidonic acid (ARA).
**A source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Nutrition Facts per 100 Calories (5 fl oz, prepared as directed):

Nutrients:
Protein 2.2 g
Fat 5.1 g
Carbohydrate 11.2 g
Water 134 g
Linoleic acid 900 mg
Vitamins:
A 300 IU
D 60 IU
E 2 IU
K 8 mcg
Thiamine (B1) 100 mcg
Riboflavin (B2) 140 mcg
B6 75 mcg
B12 0.33 mcg
Niacin 1050 mcg
Folic acid (Folacin) 15 mcg
Pantothenic acid 450 mcg
Biotin 4.4 mcg
C (Ascorbic acid) 10 mg
Choline 24 mg
Inositol 6 mg
Minerals:
Calcium 67 mg
Phosphorus 38 mg
Magnesium 7 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Zinc 0.8 mg
Manganese 15 mcg
Copper 80 mcg
Iodine 12 mcg
Selenium 3 mcg
Sodium 27 mg
Potassium 108 mg
Chloride 65 mg
Always refer to the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date product information.

GERBER® GOOD START® Protect Formula – Powder comes in the following forms and sizes:

Product: Form: Size:
GERBER® GOOD START® Protect Formula – Powder Powder NET WT 23.2 OZ (1.45LB / 657g) Buy Online 
GERBER® GOOD START® Protect Formula – Powder Powder NET WT 12.4 OZ (351g)  
About GERBER® formulas

Q: What products make up the GERBER® family of formulas?

A:

The GOOD START family of formulas includes:

  • GOOD START® Protect: Specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk. GOOD START Protect also has gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS® to be easy to digest, plus DHA & ARA, nutrients naturally found in breastmilk to support Baby's brain and eye development.
  • GOOD START® Gentle: Our first formula with both gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest and DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development.
  • GOOD START®: Our original milk-based formula, made with gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest.
  • GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect: The only older-baby formula specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with probiotics like those found in breastmilk. It's specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.
  • GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle: The only formula for older babies and young toddlers with both gentle 100% whey and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.1
  • GOOD START® Soy: The only soy-based formula that combines easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS with DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development. SOY PROTEINS are gentle soy proteins that have been broken down to be easy to digest in Baby's developing tummy.
  • GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy: The only soy-based older-baby and young-toddler formula made with easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.1

Disclaimers/Notes: 1Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy provide extra nutrition insurance.

Q: How long has Nestlé been making infant formula?

A:

Our company’s roots stretch all the way back to 1867—to the town of Vevey, Switzerland—where Henri Nestlé created the world’s first commercial infant food.

Henri’s discovery marked the beginning of a long tradition of caring and innovation that Nestlé continues today. Nestlé has thousands of research and development professionals worldwide. Which means that every minute of the day, a Nestlé scientist is working to advance the science behind infant nutrition. Our commitment to ongoing research has led to innovations like GOOD START infant formulas.

Q: What are COMFORT PROTEINS?

A:

All GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, made with our patented two-step process. It starts with 100% whey protein, the highest-quality protein available in infant formula. Then we break down this gentle protein into smaller pieces to be easy to digest in Baby’s developing tummy. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS, and only GOOD START milk-based formulas have them.

Q: What are DHA & ARA?

A:

DHA & ARA are fatty acids, or lipids, found naturally in breastmilk. They’re important components of Baby’s healthy brain and eye tissues. During the third trimester of pregnancy, Mom passes DHA & ARA to Baby. After Baby is born, Mom can provide DHA & ARA to Baby by breastfeeding or giving her formula with added DHA & ARA.

Q: Why do GERBER® formulas have a lighter texture than other formulas?

A:

The appearance and consistency are lighter, because of the 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS used in all GOOD START milk-based formulas. Whey is a naturally gentle protein that doesn’t form curds in Baby’s tummy. Our gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS are broken down to be easy for Baby to digest. If you prepare and refrigerate a GOOD START milk-based formula ahead of time, it may separate into layers, like breastmilk does. Mix the layers by gently shaking the bottle.

Q: Are green stools normal for babies fed GOOD START?

A:

Because our GOOD START milk-based formulas contain gentle 100% whey protein, you may notice that your baby's stools become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal—in fact the texture is similar in appearance to the stools of breastfed babies.

Q: What changes should I expect when introducing my baby to GERBER® formulas?

A:

Because GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, you may notice that your baby's stools may become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal. In fact the stool consistency of babies who are fed GOOD START formulas is similar to that of breastfed babies.

If you and your baby’s doctor have decided to switch formulas, plan to change formulas gradually to minimize upsets to your baby's stomach and digestive system. That way your baby also will be less likely to notice any change in her formula's taste.

To ease the transition of weaning from breastmilk or introducing a new formula, we recommend a gradual change. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.

Q: Why do you suggest that I slowly switch from other formulas to GERBER® formulas?

A:

Most milk-based formulas, such as Similac® Advance® and Enfamil® LIPIL®, contain whole whey and casein proteins.1 GOOD START milk-based formulas are made of gentle 100% whey protein that’s broken down into smaller pieces called COMFORT PROTEINS®. It may help to introduce the new formula gradually to minimize notice of any changes in taste and ease the switch on baby’s digestion.

To wean or switch your baby to a GOOD START formula, do so over a week's time. This will help minimize any changes in taste and ease the switch on your baby's digestive system. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.

Disclaimers/Notes: 1Enfamil® LIPIL® and Similac® Advance® are registered trademarks owned by entities unrelated to Nestlé.

Q: Are GERBER® formulas kosher?

A:

GOOD START milk-based formulas are not kosher, but soy-based GOOD START formulas are designated as kosher.

  • To make GOOD START milk-based formulas, Nestlé uses a naturally occurring enzyme, trypsin, and heat treatment as processing aids to break down the milk protein into smaller pieces for our proprietary COMFORT PROTEINS.
  • Although it is FDA-authorized and safe, trypsin doesn't meet kosher criteria.
  • In accordance with FDA regulations, formula labels don't specifically list trypsin because it's not an ingredient in our infant formula. Instead, we list the result of the trypsin processing: "Enzymatically hydrolyzed reduced minerals whey protein concentrate (from cow's milk)."
  • Our milk-based GOOD START Formulas include GOOD START® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GOOD START® Gentle, and GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle.
  • Our GOOD START soy-based formulas— GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy—are made by a slightly different process. They don't use the enzyme trypsin and are designated "kosher pareve" (powder forms) or "kosher pareve ingredients that are manufactured on dairy equipment" (liquid forms). GOOD START Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy are milk-free, lactose-free formulas.

Q: Are GERBER® formulas available in a soy formula?

A:

Yes. GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy contain SOY PROTEINS, gentle soy proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces to be easy to digest. GOOD START Soy is the only standard formula and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy is the only older-baby and toddler formula to offer both easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development.

Q: Does Nestlé follow the World Health Organization (WHO) Code?

A:

The best-known infant formula marketing guidelines are the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, developed by the World Health Organization in 1981. These guidelines are known as the WHO Code. We abide by the Code in every country where it is law, and follow the aim of the Code where it is not, such as in the United States, where we affirm our belief that breastmilk is best within consumer communication.

We encourage moms to breastfeed as long as possible, with consideration for their life circumstances. If a mom chooses not to breastfeed, we believe that iron-fortified formula is the best alternative to breastmilk.

For information about how Nestlé complies with the WHO Code in developing countries and in other countries where the code is law, visit www.babymilk.Nestle.com

Q: Where can I buy GERBER® formulas?

A:

Visit our store locator for store information and to order products online. Or call 1-800-811-7500 to find GOOD START® formulas in a store near you.

Q: How can I get coupons for GERBER® infant formulas?

A:

We distribute our money-saving checks for discounts on GOOD START® formulas only through the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center. It's FREE for expectant and new moms, and provides many benefits, including booklets tailored to key stages of your pregnancy and your baby's first months. Each mailing includes expert advice on pregnancy and/or infant care, health and nutrition tips, quick-and-easy recipe ideas, and valuable partner offers. If you haven't had a chance to enroll for the FREE START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center, sign up now.

About GOOD START Protect

Q: What is GOOD START Protect?

A:

GOOD START Protect is the Nestlé trademark for GOOD START formula with BIFIDUS BL™—beneficial cultures like those naturally found in breastmilk to help support Baby’s healthy immune system. Some beneficial cultures, like BIFIDUS BL, also called “probiotics” (meaning “for life”), can provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition. One of the many health benefits provided by certain probiotics is to help support Baby’s healthy immune system.

Q: What is BIFIDUS BL?

A:

BIFIDUS BL is the Nestlé trademarked name for the unique type of beneficial cultures used in GOOD START® Protect. BIFIDUS BL is similar to the type of beneficial cultures naturally found in breastmilk, and BIFIDUS BL can help support Baby’s healthy immune system. BIFIDUS BL has been studied for nearly two decades, and clinical studies at leading scientific institutions around the world have demonstrated its benefit and safety in infants and young children. GOOD START Protect with BIFIDUS BL provides what some experts might consider the most advanced feature of any infant formula on the market today.

Q: Why did Nestlé introduce GOOD START Protect?

A:

Nothing is more important to you than protecting your baby. That’s why Nestlé created GOOD START Protect, a breakthrough infant formula that includes the added protective benefit of beneficial cultures, like those naturally promoted by breastmilk, to help support Baby’s healthy immune system. For more than 15 years, Nestlé has been a leader in bringing the benefit of beneficial cultures to infant nutrition in more than 30 countries.

Q: If I supplement breastfeeding with GOOD START Protect, will my baby consume too many beneficial cultures?

A:

No. Baby will not get too many beneficial cultures with this combination. Breastmilk contains factors that promote certain types of beneficial cultures. GOOD START Protect contains beneficial cultures like those naturally promoted by breastmilk.

Many experts believe that high levels of certain beneficial cultures called Bifidobacteria may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally so healthy. GOOD START Protect is designed to help bring the balance of cultures in the digestive tracts of formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies.

Q: What scientific evidence is there for the benefit and safety of GOOD START Protect?

A:

Nestlé has worked with leading scientific research institutions around the world in the research and development of GOOD START Protect:

  • The beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL have been studied for nearly two decades, and numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their benefit and safety in infants and young children.
  • Nestlé first included beneficial cultures in infant formula in Europe more than 15 years ago.
  • Beneficial cultures have been used in more than 30 countries around the world.

Q: What forms and sizes of GOOD START Protect are available?

A:

GOOD START Protect is available in powder form. The chart below shows the various sizes available. To locate a formula at a store near you, please use our store locator tool.

GERBER GOOD START Protect Formulas Form Size Buy Now
GOOD START Protect Powder 12 oz. Buy Online
GOOD START Protect Powder 24 oz. Buy Online

Q: Are there special preparation instructions for GOOD START Protect?

A:

Yes. One of the most important things to remember when preparing GOOD START Protect is that using water warmer than 100º F (or 38º C) will compromise the benefits of the beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL.

Your baby’s health depends on carefully following the formula’s preparation, use, and storage instructions. Ask your baby’s doctor about infant formula-feeding, including how much to feed, and the need to boil water and preparation utensils before mixing formula.

As always, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor before making any formula changes.

Q: Can I alternate feedings with GOOD START Protect and other GOOD START formulas?

A:

Yes. It’s safe to alternate between routine infant formulas. If you alternate or stop feeding your baby GOOD START Protect, the immune-system support benefits won’t end right away, but remember that all beneficial cultures within the digestive tract are temporary. Beneficial cultures need to be consumed on a regular basis to maintain a healthy balance of cultures and the related health benefits.

At times when mixing powder formula isn’t convenient, try GOOD START® Gentle ready-to-feed convenience packs, like our nursers. With our handy nurser bottles, there’s no need to mix or measure formula. There’s also no need for bottle preparation, because the bottles are designed for the nipple to attach directly to the bottle. Learn more about our ready-to-feed cans and nursers.

As always, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor before making any formula changes.

Q: Are there any specific conditions that would make it inappropriate to use GOOD START Protect?

A:

As with any powdered infant formula product, use with immunocompromised infants is not recommended. Talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions.

Benefits of beneficial cultures

Q: What are beneficial cultures?

A:

Everyone’s digestive tract, including Baby’s, naturally contains many different types of cultures, or bacteria. Beneficial cultures refer to those groups of “good” or “friendly” bacteria that help keep our bodies healthy. Those beneficial cultures that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition are commonly called “probiotics” (meaning “for life”).

Scientific research has shown that beneficial cultures can help support Baby’s healthy immune system in many ways, including increasing levels of key antibodies and helping to support the natural protective barrier in the digestive tract—where 70% of the body’s immune system is found1.

That’s why GOOD START Protect is specially designed with beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk to help support Baby’s healthy immune system.

Disclaimers/Notes: 1Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby’s digestive tract.

Q: Are beneficial cultures a new invention?

A:

Beneficial cultures have been used for hundreds of years. Some beneficial cultures have been shown to provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, and these are commonly called “probiotics.” Probiotics have grown in popularity in recent years as their health benefits for infants, children, and adults have become increasingly well-documented.

As a global leader in the science of infant nutrition, Nestlé has worked with top scientific research institutions around the world in the research and development of the beneficial cultures added to GERBER® GOOD START® Protect:

  • Nestlé first included beneficial cultures in infant formula in Europe more than 15 years ago.
  • Beneficial cultures have been used in Nestlé infant formula in more than 30 countries around the world.
  • Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit and safety of these beneficial probiotic cultures in infants and young children.

Although beneficial cultures aren’t a new invention, GOOD START Protect is the only older-baby formula with beneficial cultures in the United States. GOOD START Protect also provides what some experts might consider the most advanced feature of any infant formula on the market today.

Q: What beneficial cultures are added to GOOD START Protect?

A:

The beneficial cultures added to GOOD START Protect are B. lactis (or Bifidobacterium lactis). The Nestlé trademarked name for the B. lactis in GOOD START Protect is BIFIDUS BL. B. lactis is one of the types of beneficial cultures found naturally in the digestive tracts of breastfed babies, called Bifidobacterium. While all healthy infants have varying amounts and types of cultures in their digestive tracts, Bifidobacterium make up as much as 90% of the cultures in the digestive tracts of breastfed infants. Many experts believe that these higher levels provide immune-system support and may be one of the reasons why breastfed babies are generally so healthy.

Q: What are probiotics, and what benefits do they provide for babies?

A:

The word "probiotic" means "for life." The World Health Organization recognizes probiotics as beneficial cultures of "good" or "friendly" bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide specific health benefits. Not all probiotics are the same. The benefit varies with the type of beneficial probiotic culture. The benefits go beyond basic nutrition and might include aiding digestion or supporting a healthy immune system. Beneficial probiotic cultures are added to some foods like the new yogurts and yogurt drinks specifically for their probiotic effect. Learn more about probiotics.

The probiotic added to GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is called BIFIDUS BL. The beneficial probiotic cultures BIFIDUS BL are similar to those beneficial cultures found in breastmilk. Scientific research has shown that these beneficial cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system in many ways, including by increasing levels of key antibodies and helping to support the natural protective barrier in the digestive tract—where 70% of the body's immune system is found.1

Disclaimers/Notes: 1Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby's digestive tract.

GOOD START Protect compared with breastmilk

Q: How is BIFIDUS BL™ similar to the beneficial cultures naturally found in breastmilk?

A:

All healthy babies’ digestive tracts contain different types of bacteria, also known as cultures. ”Beneficial cultures” refers to those groups of “good” or “friendly” bacteria that help Baby remain healthy. Scientists have learned that the digestive tracts of breastfed babies appear to have much more of one type of beneficial culture, called Bifidobacterium. Many experts believe that these high levels may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally healthy.

BIFIDUS BL, the beneficial cultures in GOOD START Protect, are a type of cultures, called Bifidobacterium, found naturally in the digestive tracts of breastfed babies. GOOD START Protect is specially designed to help bring the balance of cultures in formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies. No other formula provides beneficial cultures to help support your baby’s healthy immune system.


NESTLÉ® GOOD START® Protect - Levels of Bifidobacteria

Breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition and protection for your baby. Talk with your baby’s doctor about all your feeding choices.

Q: How does GOOD START Protect compare with breastmilk?

A:

Experts agree that breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition and protection for your baby during the first year, and it’s naturally gentle on Baby's developing tummy.

GOOD START Protect is the first and only formula that contains beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL, like those naturally promoted by breastmilk, to help support your baby's healthy immune system.

  • One way these cultures can help support Baby’s healthy immune system is by increasing levels of key antibodies.
  • Another way is to help support the natural protective barrier found in Baby’s digestive tract—where 70% of the body’s immune system is found1.

No other infant formula provides an immune-system support benefit in this way.

Like other infant formula brands, GOOD START Protect contains both antioxidants and nucleotides—ingredients found naturally in breastmilk that also may help support Baby’s healthy immune system.

Disclaimers/Notes: 1Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby’s digestive tract.

Q: Shouldn’t infant formulas contain casein and whey proteins, just like breastmilk?

A:

No. It isn’t necessary for formulas to contain both casein and whey proteins. Some formula brands that contain a blend of casein and whey claim that their formulas’ protein composition is similar to that of breastmilk. But it’s important to remember that the casein and whey used in all infant formulas comes from cow's milk—not human milk. While this protein blend in cow's milk is ideal for baby cattle, it’s not designed for human babies. And more important, it doesn’t perform like the human casein and whey found in breastmilk.

No formula can ever replicate breastmilk exactly. However, Nestlé continues to do extensive research with the aim of designing formulas that are similar to breastmilk in composition and, more important, performance. Our COMFORT PROTEINS® and beneficial cultures are specially designed to try to help achieve some of the benefits of breastfeeding for formula-fed babies.

START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center

Q: ¿Hay materials español en el START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center (centro de recursos Start Heathy, Stay Healthy)? (Does the Start Heathy, Stay Healthy Resource Center have materials in Spanish?)

A:

Sí. Usted puede llamar este número (1-800-284-9488) o mandarnos un e-mail. (Yes, you can call our Spanish-speaking baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or contact us via e-mail.)

Q: Do you have a special program for moms of multiples?

A:

Nestlé provides a one-time complimentary gift for moms of twins, triplets, and other multiples. We will send you a gift upon receipt of a copy of your babies' birth certificates or a letter from your doctor confirming that you are having or have given birth to multiples. Please call us toll-free for more information at 1-800-284-9488.

Q: Can you take my name off your mailing list?

A:

If you registered online at gerber.com to receive mailings from the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center you can easily unsubscribe online by signing in and updating your profile information. You also can call our baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. (Please note that it can take from four to six weeks to process the information, so you may receive one more mailing. But after that you should not receive any more.)

Supporting Baby's healthy immune system

Q: How does GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect help support my baby’s healthy immune system?

A:

The digestive tract is where 70% of the body's immune system is found1, and a healthy balance of cultures in the digestive tract is very important to developing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Scientists have learned that the digestive tracts of breastfed babies appear to have high levels of certain beneficial cultures, and many experts believe that these high levels may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally so healthy.

  • GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the first formula specially designed to help bring the balance of cultures in the digestive tracts of formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies.
  • One way these cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system is by increasing levels of key antibodies.
  • Another way is to help support the natural protective barrier found in Baby's digestive tract.

Q: Are there ingredients other than beneficial cultures in GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect that help support my baby’s healthy immune system?

A:

Yes. Like other infant formulas, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains both antioxidants and nucleotides—ingredients found naturally in breastmilk that also may help support Baby's healthy immune system. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the first infant formula with the added protective benefit of beneficial cultures like those naturally found in breastmilk.

Q: What are antioxidants?

A:

Antioxidants, nutrients found naturally in breastmilk, support a healthy immune system by reducing natural oxidative damage to cells throughout the body. Our bodies can’t make antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. That’s one reason why these nutrients should be supplied daily in Baby’s diet.

Q: What are nucleotides?

A:

Nucleotides play key roles in many biological processes. They’re found naturally in breastmilk, especially colostrum, Mom’s first milk. They’re the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA, which are found in all the cells in our bodies—including our immune cells. Nucleotides are added to all GOOD START milk-based formulas to help support Baby’s growth and development.

Q: Will immune-system support benefits continue if I alternate or stop feeding my baby GOOD START Protect?

A:

In general, benefits from a healthy balance of beneficial cultures in the digestive tract can remain for several days after the beneficial cultures are no longer consumed. Beneficial cultures need to be consumed on a regular basis to maintain a healthy balance of cultures and the related health benefits.

Q: Will GOOD START Protect help keep my baby healthy as I start to take her out of the house more often?

A:

It’s natural for you to feel protective as you take Baby out into the world and she begins to socialize with other children and adults. But there is no way to guarantee complete protection from childhood illness. GOOD START Protect is specially designed to support Baby’s healthy immune system—and a healthy immune system provides Baby with important natural defenses.

While breastmilk is the best source of nutrition and protection for Baby, if you decide to wean, supplement, or formula-feed exclusively, GOOD START Protect provides complete nutrition, beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk. These beneficial cultures can help support Baby’s healthy immune system, even when she needs it most.

To learn more about how to help maintain your baby’s health, check out 10 Ways to Keep Baby Healthy.

Q: If I use GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, will my baby still need immunizations?

A:

YES. Immunizations provide Baby with specific protection against particular childhood diseases. Detailed schedules for immunizations are recommended for all healthy babies, and many babies receive their first immunizations in their first days of life. Always take your baby for regular checkups, and make sure her immunizations stay on schedule.

Q: How can I continue to provide beneficial cultures to my baby once she’s no longer on infant formula?

A:

After you discontinue formula-feeding, the best recommendation for continuing probiotics through solid foods is by including certain yogurt and yogurt drinks supplemented with probiotics in her diet. Ask your baby’s doctor to recommend products containing probiotics that may be appropriate for your baby.

By the middle of your baby’s first year, your infant may be ready for products with the Supported Sitter milestone symbol™. Look ahead for products to introduce to your child’s first tastes.

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