Pros and Cons of Baby Formula Feeding
November 24, 2022
Are you unable to decide whether to bottle-feed or breastfeed your child? Continue reading to learn about all of the benefits and drawbacks to consider when deciding how to feed your child.
Pros of baby formula feeding
If breastfeeding your child is not possible, formula feeds are made with proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins to provide a nutritious alternative.
1) Convenience and Flexibility
Your partner or anyone else can feed your child at any time, removing the need for you to pump and store breast milk, which is especially important if you don’t have access to one. For example, if you don’t produce enough milk or if your nipples are extremely painful. You don’t need to find a private place to nurse in public if you’re using formula. If you’re only going to be gone for a few days, you won’t need to do much planning.
2) Time and frequency of feedings
Formula-fed babies eat less frequently than breastfed babies because formula feeds take longer to digest.
3) Diet
For a mother who is taking medication that could harm her baby, formula feeding is essential. There’s no need to be concerned about what she eats or drinks because if she’s formula-fed, it won’t affect the baby.
Cons of baby formula feeding
1) Lack of antibodies
Breast milk antibodies are not present in formula feeds. As a result, formulas are unable to provide your child with the same level of immunity to infection and illness as breast milk. This is why doctors and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
2) Unable to match the complexity of breast milk
Breast milk is more complex than formula because it adapts to the baby’s needs.
3) There’s a need for planning and organization
Breast milk is always available and at the proper temperature, but formula feeds must be prepared ahead of time to ensure that you have everything you need. Make sure you don’t run out of supplies to avoid making late-night trips to the store.
Breast milk is always available and at the appropriate temperature, but formula feeds must be prepared in advance to ensure that you have everything you need. To avoid making late-night trips to the store, make sure you don’t run out of supplies.
4) Baby formula feeding can be expensive
Baby formula is quite expensive. The most expensive formulas are ready-to-feed, followed by concentrated formulas. The powdered formula is the most affordable. For example, soy and hypoallergenic formulas can be more expensive than ready-to-feed formulas.
5) May cause a gassy tummy and constipation
Formula-fed babies are more likely to have a gassy tummy and constipation than breastfed babies.
6) Baby formula feeding may increase the risk of infections
Formulas must frequently be mixed with water. As a result, if the water is contaminated with bacteria or other germs, there is a risk of infection, which can result in serious complications for the baby during the first 12 months. These were the pros and cons of baby formula feeding.
Where to Seek Assistance?
Please seek the assistance of medical professionals providing maternal healthcare services in Pune, If you require more information about the same topic (Baby Formula Feeding). If you need any further information in this regard, you can also WhatsApp Dr. Vinod Shelar, Paediatrician, on 7972357627.
Book an appointment today to take advantage of the services!