Infant formula is a safe and healthy substitute for breast milk, with a wide variety of types and brands available. It was invented in the mid 1800s by Henri Nestle and everything sold in the US must meet FDA standards. Parents should consult with their baby’s pediatrician to find the best type for their baby and sterilize bottles and nipples thoroughly when preparing it. Homemade recipes are not recommended.
Although breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies, there are times when breastfeeding is not an option and many parents and caregivers turn to infant formula. Formula comes in liquid, liquid concentrate, or powder form, and can serve as a primary source of nutrition, vitamins, and iron in the first months and sometimes years of a child’s life. It is a safe and healthy substitute for breast milk, and contrary to some reports, feeding a baby formula does not have to take away from the bonding process between mother and child.
Baby formula was invented in the mid 1800’s by the Swiss chemist Henri Nestle. When Nestlé encountered a mother who was unable to breastfeed her premature baby, he created a mixture to feed the child. He named his infant formula Farine Lactee Nestle. Today, there are a wide variety of companies that manufacture and distribute formulas. Everything sold in the United States must meet the strict standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are many types of baby formulas available, and the choice can be daunting for new parents of a young baby. It is available with or without iron, with or without cow’s milk, and there is a soy-based formula. Sometimes it is labeled to add specific vitamins. As if this wasn’t enough, there are countless brands to choose from. Each baby is unique in their needs, so parents and caregivers should consult with their baby’s pediatrician to find out which type is best for their baby.
When preparing baby formula, parents should sterilize bottles and nipples thoroughly. If a concentrated formula is used, the water must be boiled for at least one minute before mixing with the concentrate. Babies normally nurse until they have had enough. Parents should start by placing 3-4 ounces (89-118 ml) of infant formula in a bottle; the baby will most likely not finish the bottle. If the baby empties the bottle, parents should prepare a larger amount for the next feeding.
While there are many homemade recipes for infant formula, the FDA, as well as most health professionals, does not recommend that parents make it at home.
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