While it’s recommended by all health experts that mothers breastfeed their newborns (breastmilk is packed with incredible nutrients!), not all moms can. Some mothers, unfortunately, can’t breastfeed due to lactation failure, meaning their breastmilk supply is too low. While baby formula may not have the same nutrients as natural breastmilk, it’s still efficient enough to keep your newborn healthy. However, some moms who can’t breastfeed are trying to save money by making baby formula at home. Our advice? Don’t.
Bad Ingredients
We recommend commercial baby formula as DIY recipes found online often call for unpasteurized cow’s milk or goat’s milk. No one, especially babies, should consume raw milk as it may contain e. coli, salmonella, and listeria, which are bacteria that can cause deadly infections. Full, skim, and soymilk also aren’t suited for babies.
Possible Contamination
There are strict regulations for the prep, handling, and storage of baby formula—regulations that moms making formula at home aren’t aware of. Therefore, the risk of contamination is much higher when you attempt to make your own formula versus buying from the store.
Unbalanced Nutrients
Yes, your baby can have too much of one nutrient. Professionally-made formula is created with a specific balance of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. However, when formula is made at home, there’s a chance that the preparer may put too much or not enough of a nutrient which can be harmful to the baby.
Visit a Phoenix Pediatrician
You don’t have to rely on DIY recipes from the internet that can harm your baby. Your trusted Phoenix pediatrician can help you take care of your newborn and ensure your baby grows up healthily. Request an appointment today.
