Infant Formula: A Safe, Nutritious Infant Feeding Choice

Babies deserve the best of everything that can be offered. The first year of life is the most critical for a baby, particularly from a nutritional standpoint. During the initial and most crucial months of growth and development in a child's life, infant nutrition and diet should be a major concern to parents. Choosing an infant feeding method, whether breast milk or baby formula, is ultimately the parent's decision. However, in making this decision, parents should rely on the advice of health professionals.

Parents should be aware of certain important facts when deciding whether to breastfeed or feed their baby infant formula. Breastfeeding is the preferred and recommended method of infant feeding. However, if the decision is made not to breast feed, if breast feeding is not possible, if a breast milk supplement is needed, or if breast feeding is stopped before the baby is one year of age, a commercially prepared iron-fortified infant formula is the best alternative to mother's milk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states: "Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk feedings but should receive iron-fortified infant formula." *

* The AAP further states, "Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast milk diet. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."