Infant Formula

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness because their immune systems are not developed enough to fight off infections. That's why extra care should be taken when handling and preparing their food and formula.

If you're the parent or caretaker of an infant, you've probably heard that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. In situations in which it's not possible to breastfeed an infant, you may choose to use a commercially prepared infant formula.

Why can't I give my baby cow's milk?

Cow's milk by itself is not appropriate for infants less than 1 year old. Cow's milk does not have the correct balance of nutrients for infants to grow and develop normally, and it can cause problems with anemia and kidney function.

Raw milk is never appropriate for infants – or anyone else. It should not be consumed by anyone at any time for any purpose. Raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, that can pose serious health risks.

But isn't formula made from cow's milk?

Most infant formula is made with cow's milk, but it has been modified and supplemented with additional nutrients. As a result, the formula is more nutritious and easier for the baby to digest than cow's milk. Other formula options include soy-based formulas and hypoallergenic (or protein hydrolysate and amino acid-based) formulas. Special formulas are available for babies who are premature or have other health problems.

How does the government regulate infant formula?

The FDA does not approve infant formulas before they can be marketed. All formulas marketed in the United States, however, must meet Federal nutrient requirements. The FDA also monitors infant formula, which means that it inspects facilities that manufacture formula and analyzes samples.

What can I do to make sure that formula is safe for my baby?

Here are a few basic steps that you can follow to ensure that formula is safe from bacteria that can cause illness.

• Prepare safe water for mixing: Bring tap water to a roiling boil and boil it for one minute. If you use bottled water, follow this same process unless the label indicates that it is sterile. Then, cool the water quickly to body temperature before mixing the formula.
• Use clean bottles and nipples: You may want to sterilize bottles and nipples before first use. After that, it's safe to wash them by hand or in a dishwasher.
• Don't make more formula than you will need: Formula can become contaminated during preparation, and bacteria can multiply quickly if formula is improperly stored. Your best bet: prepare formula in smaller quantities on an as-needed basis to greatly reduce the possibility of contamination. And always follow the label instructions for mixing formula.