If there?s one way to drive panic into the heart of a new parent, it?s to tell them that the infant formula their baby relies on is suddenly unavailable. This has been the experience of many parents in the United States in recent weeks as supply chain issues and a substantial recall led to unexpected formula shortages. While Canada?s formula supply has remained relatively steady (although there have been some reports of barren shelves here and there), panic has crept over the border and now some parents are considering alternatives?including homemade baby formula recipes.
If you?re concerned about potential formula shortages?or you’re simply curious about homemade infant formula?here?s what you need to know about keeping your infant healthy, safe and well-fed. What’s in baby formula"
Most standard infant formula is made from cow’s milk protein and offers a carefully constructed balance of carbohydrates, iron, fat and micronutrients. It?s designed to mimic the composition of human breast milk, which offers the perfect nutritional balance for developing infants.
The main difference between formula and breast milk is that the latter is a living composition that offers some protective mechanisms based on viruses the mother has been exposed to, whereas formula is inert. Formula also has slightly more iron than breast milk.
?It?s important to remind people that infant formula is highly regulated by Health Canada,? says Heather Mileski, a registered dietitia...