Infant formula

Some babies drink special milk.

This milk is called formula. It comes in a can.

You mix the powder with water. Then you use a bottle or a cup.

Most doctors say breast milk is best. But formula can be a safe choice. It can help if a mother is sick.

Some babies use it every day. It helps them grow and stay strong.

Infant formula is a food made for babies.

It is often called baby milk. You can buy it as a powder or a liquid. Most people mix the powder with water. Then they feed the baby from a bottle or a cup.

Many health groups say breastfeeding is the best choice. For the first six months, they say babies should only have breast milk. However, many families use formula.

Some babies must use it for health reasons. A mother might be sick with a virus. Or, a baby might have a health problem that makes breastfeeding hard. Formula can also help if a mother is not around.

Using formula can lead to some health risks. These can include things like asthma or diabetes. Some studies also link it to how a baby's brain grows. But formula can be a safe choice in many ways. In some places, formula is safer than breast milk. This happens if the water used is not clean. Making formula must follow strict rules to keep it safe.

Infant formula is a special food made for babies under 12 months old.

People often call it baby milk or formula. It is made to act like human milk for infants. You can find it as a liquid or a powder. Most people mix the powder with water before feeding.

Then, the baby drinks it from a bottle or a cup. This food helps babies grow when they cannot have breast milk.

There are many reasons why a baby might use formula. Sometimes, a mother's health makes breastfeeding difficult or unsafe. For example, a mother might have a virus like HIV. Using formula can help prevent passing certain diseases to the baby.

A baby might also have a health problem like galactosemia. This makes it hard for them to use breast milk. In these cases, formula is a helpful tool for feeding.

Health groups have many rules about how to use formula. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it can be a safe substitute. In 2003, the WHO and UNICEF shared a global plan for feeding. They said that processed foods for young children must meet high standards.

These rules come from the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Following these standards helps make sure the food is safe for babies to eat.

Even though formula is helpful, there are important facts to know. Many health experts say breastfeeding is the best choice for the first six months. Worldwide, only 48% of babies under six months are exclusively breastfed.

In the United States, about 24.9% of babies were exclusively breastfed in 2025. Some studies show formula can be linked to health risks. These might include asthma, eczema, or even type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Using formula is often about finding the best path for a family. Some mothers find breastfeeding very hard or stressful. This can affect their mental health or how much milk they make. Other families use bottles so that fathers can help with feeding.

Financial reasons, like unpaid maternity leave, also play a part. Whether a baby uses breast milk or formula, the goal is to keep them healthy and strong.

Infant formula is a manufactured food designed for feeding babies under 12 months of age.

It is often called baby milk, formula milk, or simply formula. This food is made to simulate human milk or serve as a complete or partial substitute for it. It is usually prepared as a liquid or a powder that must be mixed with water.

Once prepared, it is typically fed to infants using a bottle or a cup. This food provides necessary nutrition when breastfeeding is not possible or chosen.

There are several medical reasons why a baby might use formula instead of breast milk. Sometimes, a mother's health makes breastfeeding unsafe for the infant. For example, a mother with HIV has a 5% to 20% chance of transmitting the virus through breastfeeding. Other viral risks include cytomegalovirus, which can be dangerous for pre-term babies. Mothers may also have infections like herpes simplex or chickenpox. In these specific cases, using formula can help avoid passing these infections to the child.

Infants may also require formula due to their own biological needs. Some babies are born with inborn errors of metabolism, such as galactosemia. This condition makes it difficult or impossible for them to process breast milk. Additionally, some infants may be at risk for malnutrition. This might involve deficiencies in iron or vitamin D. In some places, like Canada, infant formulas are fortified with vitamin D to help prevent these issues.

Beyond medical needs, many social and personal factors influence feeding choices. Some parents choose to use bottles so that fathers can play a larger role in parenting. Financial pressures also play a role, such as when maternity leave is unpaid. Some mothers may find breastfeeding difficult due to work, school, or religious settings. Mental health is another major factor. The intense pressure to breastfeed can lead to postpartum depression or a decline in mental well-being. This pressure can even cause physical issues like milk depletion or poor latching.

Health organizations provide strict guidelines to ensure these products are safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF published a Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding in 2003. They stated that processed foods for young children must meet standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. A 2001 WHO report also found that formula prepared to these standards is a safe substitute for breast milk.

These rules help ensure that the food is nutritious and reliable for families worldwide.

Despite these safety standards, there are documented health differences between feeding methods. Health authorities widely advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Currently, 48% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed worldwide. In the United States, the rate was 24.9% in 2025. Studies have associated formula use with certain increased health risks. These include risks for asthma, eczema, obesity, and type 1 or 2 diabetes. Some research also suggests a link to lower cognitive development.

Choosing between breastfeeding and formula involves balancing many different risks and benefits. In developing countries, the risk of diarrhea from unclean water used to mix formula can be very high. This risk often outweighs the risks associated with breastfeeding in those environments. In other cases, families use the "AFASS" principle to make decisions. This stands for making sure the choice is Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable, and Safe.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide the best possible nutrition for the growing infant.