When you think of the word "formula," images of bottles, cans, and powdered liquids probably come to mind. However, the reality is that many people view homemade baby formula as a natural solution with no risks. It can be challenging to know which recommendations are based on science and research —and which ones you should trust. Some experts believe that using only breast milk instead of formula will help your child grow stronger and avoid potential food allergies in future generations. While these arguments make sense on their face, the scientific evidence regarding the benefits of this practice is less clear than you might think. Here we will discuss why doctors may not recommend making your baby formula.
- It can be challenging to produce a consistent formula.
The formula is designed to mimic the properties of human milk, which can be challenging to achieve when making your own. This is especially true if you use cow's milk, which is the most common type of milk used to make baby formula. Cow's milk contains different proteins and other ingredients that can make homemade recipes less effective. In addition, the quality of your ingredients will also affect the consistency of the formula. If you are using high-quality ingredients, your formula will likely be more consistent than using lower-quality ingredients. However, even with the best ingredients, producing a formula that is not as effective as commercially produced formulas is possible.
- Homemade formulas may not be safe.
Many people believe that homemade formulas are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and additives than commercially produced formulas. However, this is not always the case. Some homemade formulas may contain toxic chemicals and additives and the ingredients necessary to produce a consistent formula. For example, many people use raw eggs in their homemade formulas. This can lead to the risk of Salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. In addition, many people add extra vitamins and minerals to their formulas to improve their effectiveness. These additives can be harmful if they are not properly diluted.
- Homemade formulas may not be as effective
One of the main reasons doctors may not recommend making your baby formula is that it may not be as effective as commercially produced formulas. Many homemade formulas are not as effective as commercially produced formulas because they are not as consistent or contain harmful chemicals and additives. Tested and approved commercial formulas are often more effective than homemade formulas because they are designed to mimic the properties of human milk.
- Homemade formulas can be expensive
Many people add extra vitamins and minerals to their formulas to improve their effectiveness. These additives can be expensive if they are not properly diluted. In addition, many people believe that homemade formulas are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and additives. However, this is not always the case. Some homemade formulas may contain toxic chemicals and additives and the ingredients necessary to produce a consistent formula.
- Commercial formulas are designed to meet the specific needs of babies.
Commercial formulas are designed to provide infants with the right balance of nutrients and proteins. This means that they are tailored to meet each baby's specific needs. In contrast, many homemade formulas are based on recipes passed down from one parent to another. As a result, they may not be as effective in providing all the essential nutrients your baby needs. Most importantly, this could lead to developmental problems later in life.
- Commercial formulas are available in many different flavors.
Many parents choose to make their baby formula because they want to control the ingredients used in the product. However, this is not always possible. Commercial formulas often come in various flavors, which can be challenging to resist. In addition, some parents find it difficult to find a commercially available formula that meets their specific needs. This is because many brands offer a variety of different options. If you want to make your baby formula, it is essential to choose a brand that offers only specific types of formulas.
- Commercial formulas are easier to use
One of the main benefits of using commercially available formulas is that they are easier to use. They are pre-made, and you do not need to worry about making them yourself. In contrast, homemade formulas can be difficult to make. You will need to mix different ingredients correctly, which can be time-consuming.
Babies are born with a set amount of breast milk, and it is essential to ensure that they are given this milk as their primary source of nutrition. However, some people believe that making your baby formula is better than using commercially available products. There are several reasons why this might be the case, but the scientific evidence is less clear than many people think. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your baby's diet.