Infant Formulas

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Medical Author: David Perlstein, MD, FAAP
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Which is better, breastfeeding or formula-feeding?
• What is in an infant formula, and how do I choose the right one?
• Can I make my own infant formula?
• So, what types of formula should parents give to their babies?

Which is better, breastfeeding or formula-feeding?

Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants. This includes premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. Pediatricians generally advise that full-term, healthy infants exclusively breastfeed when possible for the first 12 months of life and, thereafter, for as long as mutually desired. Advantages of breastfeeding include: (1) breast milk is nutritionally sound and easy to digest; (2) breastfeeding is believed to enhance a close mother-child relationship; and (3) breast milk contains infection-fighting antibodies (immunoglobulins) that may reduce the frequency of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, otitis media (ear infections), and other respiratory infections in the infant. Please see the Breast Feeding article for more information.

Some parents choose formula-feeding either because of personal preference or because medical conditions of either the mother or the infant make breastfeeding ill-advised. Parents need not feel guilty for choosing formula-feeding. Infant formulas are a time-tested, perfectly acceptable alternative to breastfeeding. Even though formula-fed babies do not receive infection-fighting antibodies from the breast milk, they still will have received a four- to six-month supply of these antibodies through the maternal bloodstream prior to delivery. Remember also that the majority of breastfeeding infants end up on a combination of breast- and formula-feedings before their first birthday.

Some common reasons for choosing formula-feeding include:

• There is an inadequate supply of maternal breast milk.



• The baby is sucking inefficiently.
  
  
• Parents are unable to quantify the amount of breast milk received by the baby. Some parents want to know exactly how much their baby is receiving at each feeding, and formula/bottle-feeding allows exact measurement.



• A significant reason for not breastfeeding is concern about transferring certain drugs the mother is taking due to a medical problem through the breast milk to the infant. Examples of medications that are considered unsafe for the baby include cimetidine (Tagamet), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), lithium (Lithobid), gold salts, methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), metronidazole (Flagyl), cyclosporine, and bromocriptine (Parlodel). Numerous other medications have not yet been adequately studied in the context of breastfeeding and the possible effects on the baby. Mothers may choose bottle-feeding rather than risk any potential effect on the baby.



• An increasing number of mothers must return to work shortly after their baby's delivery. Formula-feeding offers a practical alternative for mothers who may not be able to breastfeed due to work schedules. Formula-fed babies often need to eat less frequently than do breastfed babies because breast milk moves through the digestive system more quickly. Thus, breastfed babies may become hungry more frequently.



• A benefit of bottle-feeding is that the entire family can immediately become intimately involved in all aspects of the baby's care, including feedings. The mother can therefore get more rest, which can be critically important, especially if the pregnancy and/or delivery were especially difficult.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy) - Learn what to expect during the three phases of pregnancy (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester). Find out what changes in your body to expect, and how your baby will develop week by week.
• Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding - Get information on breastfeeding and formula feeding advantages and disadvantages, and nursing questions and answers. Learn how to handle breast soreness and discomfort.

Read more Infant Formulas related articles »

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