What is baby formula?

Baby formula, which is also called infant formula, is a special kind of food made for babies and infants under 12 months old. You can usually make it for feeding by mixing powder with water or using liquid, sometimes with or without adding more water. [2].

The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, also known as the FFDCA, says that infant formula is a special kind of food just for babies. It’s made to be like human milk or to be a replacement for it, either completely or partially.[1][2].

Infant formula is made to resemble a mother’s milk, but it has some important differences. The main ingredients in most infant formulas include cow’s milk whey and casein for protein, a mixture of vegetable oils for fat, lactose for carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and additional ingredients depending on the brand. Nowadays, infant formulas also have human milk oligosaccharides, which help with a baby’s immune system and a healthy gut.[2].

You can get baby formula in three types: powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed. Powder needs to be mixed with water before giving it to your baby, liquid concentrate needs to be mixed with the same amount of water, and ready-to-feed is ready to use without any mixing.[6].

Although infant formula tries to copy breast milk, it doesn’t have everything breast milk has. For instance, breast milk has special things called antibodies that keep babies safe from common illnesses, but formula doesn’t have them.[2]. Even though formula isn’t exactly like breast milk, it’s still a good choice for parents who can’t or don’t want to breastfeed. It’s made to give babies all the nutrients they need for a healthy diet.