What is an infant formula?

In the UK and ROI the Government recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (26 weeks) of life
However there are some situations in which breastfeeding is not advisable and it’s preferable to substitute breast milk with an alternative (infant formula is the only recommended alternative for the first 6 months)
Some mothers may choose to combination feed with breast milk and infant formula, whilst others exclusively bottle-feed

Infant formula is specially formulated to support the adequate growth of infants under six months of age, when infants are not breastfed
Most formulae are based on modified skimmed cows’ milk and have been designed to match, as closely as possible, the composition of breast milk
The cows’ milk needs to be modified to change the ratio of whey to casein so that the protein profile is closer to that of mature breast milk
Infant formulae also have a blend of vegetable oils added as a fat source, and most include omega 3 and 6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to help support brain and eye development
Lactose is added as a carbohydrate source, and there is the addition of vitamins and minerals to make the product nutritionally complete
There may be other beneficial ingredients added to the formula, including nucleotides
There are differences between manufacturers in the composition of infant formula; however the composition has to comply with the latest specifications drawn up by regulatory bodies
Like breast milk, infant formula provides all of the essential nutrients but it cannot provide all the protective factors found in breast milk

The Department of Health recommends that cows’ milk should not be introduced as a drink until 12 months of age, as it contains very little iron or vitamins C and D and is high in sodium, protein and saturated fat
This is why infant formula is important: it’s the only recommended alternative to breast milk for babies under the age of six months whose mothers are unable to, or choose not to breastfeed