While breast milk is always the best for babies (and will never be exactly replicated by artificially made formulas), companies who manufacture baby milk formulas aim to carefully modify cow's milk (and in some cases soy bean products), so that they come as close as possible to what a baby needs to drink during the first 12 months of life.
Attempts were first made to commercially produce infant milk formulas in the late 1800's. Unfortunately, no one knew what the make up of breast milk was at the time, and inappropriate formulas were produced. This combined with many unhygienic practises at the time, often leading to the poor health and death of many babies. In the last 50 years or so, formula feeding has become a much safer practise in countries with good public health facilities. However, it still remains one of the main causes of infant deaths in developing countries. Safe formula feeding for newborn babies is essentially based on:
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Having accurate and understandable information about formula feeding and correct formula preparation. |
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Being able to access a continual, clean water supply. |
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Being able to prepare formula and sterilise equipment in a clean environment. |
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Being able to store prepared formula milk in a refrigerator. |
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Being able to afford the cost of purchasing specially designed formula milk for the first 12 months of the baby's life (estimated to be up to $1,200 AUD for one year). |
By the mid 1900's, formula manufacturers started to produce products that were more in line with the composition of breast milk. However, it has only been in the last decade or so that the complexity of breast milk has been truly realised.