Updated: Oct. 3, 2023
As a lactation consultant with several years of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journeys, I understand the pain when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned. It’s heart-wrenching to witness a mother’s disappointment when her body doesn’t produce enough milk, or when medical issues force her to stop nursing altogether. Many mothers have turned to donated breast milk from friends, but often, formula becomes the only option.
While I firmly believe that formula is not a substitute for breast milk—after all, human milk is uniquely crafted for human infants—I want to stress that modern formulas are produced with great care. They are a safe and effective alternative for many families. Mothers shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing formula, whether due to necessity or personal choice.
Now that we’ve established that feeding your baby is what truly matters, I need to be direct: Do not make homemade baby formula. Seriously, just don’t.
I get it—the desire to provide your baby with the most natural ingredients is strong. You might find yourself standing in the formula aisle, overwhelmed by the long list of ingredients, many of which you can’t pronounce. Just when you think you’ve reached a breaking point, someone approaches you, glowing from their yoga session and talking about homemade formula as if it’s the holy grail of infant nutrition.
They might even suggest a website where you can find the “perfect” recipe. But as you dive into that recipe, you realize the ingredients are as unusual as they are pricey—liquid whey? Bifidobacterium infantis? High-vitamin butter oil? You might even encounter cod liver oil, which is a huge red flag for infants.
And let’s not forget the mention of raw milk in these recipes. Here’s a crucial tip: it’s definitely not safe for babies. In fact, infants and young children are at a greater risk for health complications from non-pasteurized milk.
Take a breath and recognize that while the person who introduced you to homemade formula might have had good intentions, they possibly are misinformed. Those online recipes often feature a myriad of “affiliate links” to obscure, expensive ingredients and don’t guarantee safety or nutrition. The truth? Homemade formulas can lead to severe nutritional imbalances and serious health risks.
Every infant formula on the market has gone through rigorous testing and must be approved by the FDA. The agency ensures that formulas meet specific nutrient guidelines critical for infant health. Yes, no formula can perfectly replicate breast milk, but these products are developed to support infant growth and well-being based on extensive research.
The FDA has explicitly warned against homemade formulas, citing the dangers of incorrect ingredient measurements and the potential health issues that could arise. A notable instance involved a baby being hospitalized due to an overdose of vitamin D in a homemade recipe.
Listen to the experts who prioritize your baby’s health. While homemade formulas may sound appealing, they can’t compete with stores’ regulated formulas. If you’re concerned about ingredients, many organic options are available.
Remember, whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, in a few years, your toddler will be devouring snacks off the playground slide anyway!
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In summary, bypass the temptation of homemade formula and stick to products that have been thoroughly vetted for your baby’s safety and nutrition. It’s better to choose what’s been scientifically designed for infant wellbeing.
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