baby bottle

The infant formula industry takes all potential safety concerns very seriously, and we support science-based efforts to produce infant formula products of the highest possible quality.  When new information becomes available on substances like BPA, we support bringing that information forward through the accepted process of scientific peer review and evaluation. 

International Formula Council* (IFC) supports breastfeeding as the ideal choice for infant feeding. IFC also supports the right of parents to choose the feeding option for their baby that best fits their individual family situation.  For those mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is the only safe, nutritious, and recommended alternative.

Infant formula manufacturers take their responsibility to provide safe and nutritious infant formula to millions of infants every day very seriously. Infant formula is the most highly regulated food in the world and continues to be the only safe, nutritious and recommended alternative to breast milk. Because it is often a sole-source food product for newborn babies, its nutrient content is critical to support a baby’s proper growth and development.

In Rebecca Goldin, Ph.D and Cindy Merrick's recent July STATS article, the answer to this question is “not likely.”  Although the authors note it is possible there will be a drop in SIDS rates if breastfeeding rates rise, they state: “…there is limited evidence that breastfeeding has an impact on SIDS.

NAPNAP is providing an educational video that teaches parents the crucial steps in safely preparing a baby bottle as well as handling and storing baby formula.

Recent research has shown that parents want and need information on infant feeding, both breastfeeding and formula feeding.

The second edition Infant Feeding Guidelines from the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group (PNPG) American Dietetic Association (ADA) titled, “Infant Feedings: Guidelines for Preparation of Human Milk and Formula in Health Care Facilities,” is now available for purchase at: http://www.eatright.org/shop/product.aspx?id=6442463432

A systematic literature review of mothers' experiences with bottle feeding published in the July 2009 edition of the Archives of Disease and Childhood found that while mothers recognize the benefits of breastfeeding, those who bottle feed with infant formula did not receive adequate information and support from their healthcare providers and thus, ultimately put their baby's health at risk.

According to the authors, this was the first systematic review of mothers' experiences of bottle feeding.