Although breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies, there are times when breast feeding is not an option and many parents and caregivers turn to baby formula. Baby formula comes in the form of a liquid, liquid concentrate, or powder, and can serve as the primary source of nutrition, vitamins, and iron in the first months and sometimes years of a child’s life. Baby formula is a safe, healthy substitute for breast milk and contrary to some reports, feeding an infant baby formula does not have to take away from the bonding process between mother and child.

Baby formula was invented in the mid-1800s by Swiss chemist Henri Nestle. When Nestle encountered a mother who was unable to breast feed her premature baby, he created a mixture that came to be known as the first baby formula. He called his baby formula Farine Lactee Nestle. Today, there are a large variety of companies that make and distribute baby formula. All baby formula sold in the United States must meet the strict standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Many types of baby formula are available and the choice can be daunting to the new parents of a tiny infant. Baby formula is available with or without iron, with or without cow’s milk, and there is baby formula that is soy-based. Sometimes baby formula is labeled to have specific vitamins added. As if this weren’t enough, there are countless brands of baby formula from which to choose. Every baby is unique in his or her needs, so parents and caregivers should check with their baby’s pediatrician to find out which type of baby formula is best for their baby.

When preparing baby formula, parents should sterilize the bottles and nipples thoroughly. If a concentrated baby formula is being used, water should be boiled for at least one minute before mixing it in with the concentrate. Babies normally nurse until they have had enough. Parents should begin by putting 3-4 ounces (89-118 ml) of baby formula into a bottle; most likely the baby will not finish the baby formula in the bottle. If the baby does empty the bottle, parents should a larger amount of baby formula in for the next feeding.

While there are many homemade baby formula recipes, the FDA, as well as most health care professionals, does not recommend that parents make their baby formula at home.