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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.” * This web site is simply a starting point to answer some of your questions about the proper role of baby formula, and to provide some basic information about a baby’s nutritional needs in the critical first year of life. An informed decision regarding an infant's diet should be based on health professional advice as well as the parents' lifestyles and preferences. * 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." |
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What's New IFC Reassures Parents about Perchlorate and the Safety of Infant Formula Click here > IFC Comment on Study Examining BPA Exposure in Premature Infants by Calfat et al. Click here > IFC Comments on Recent Mathematical Modeling study of BPA Toxicokinetics by Edginton and Ritter Click here > New Infant Feeding and Obesity Research Adds Insight to Ongoing Issue Click here > International Formula Council Statement on Melamine and Cyanuric Acid and Infant Formula Click here > New Scientific Review Addresses The Relationship Between Breastfeeding And Risk Of Later Life Obesity Click here > Research Update
New Study Examines Protein Levels in Infant Formula Study Examines Early Iron Supplementation of Breastfed Infants IFC Comments on “Hospital Practices and Women's Likelihood of Fulfilling their Intention to Exclusively Breastfeed,” by Eugene Declercq et al. 2009 Study Finds DHA Supplementation of Healthy Infants Improves Some, But Not All Motor Milestones |
