Leading health organizations from around the world recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies for the first 6 months, then for suitable complementary foods to be introduced (breastmilk substitutes) and for breastfeeding to continue to two years and beyond.

Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed babies. Science doesn’t have to prove the importance of breastfeeding for mothers and babies. Nonetheless, the body of scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the infant feeding recommendations of leading health organizations. That unmodified milk is an unsuitable breastmilk substitute.

According to the World Health Organization, “Breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life.”

But, what should an infant be fed if he doesn’t receive breastmilk?

Unsuitable Breastmilk Substitute Facts

Here are 4 things you need to know:

#1: Formula Is The Only Suitable Breastmilk Substitute

If a baby is not breastfed or doesn’t receive breastmilk, the only suitable substitute is infant formula which is designed for babies to one year of age. It’s not necessary to switch a baby to a follow-on formula once he is 6 months old. And, once a baby is one year of age, any formula (including toddler formula) is not generally necessary.

You may have heard about evaporated milk being used to feed babies in the past. Evaporated milk was recommended in the early 1900s but we now know it is not suitable.

#2: Unmodified Animal Milks Are Unsuitable Breastmilk Substitutes

There is no unmodified animal milk that is a suitable breastmilk substitute. This includes milk from a cow, goat, or sheep.

Differences in protein and electrolyte concentrations are some of the reasons why these kinds of milk are not suitable breastmilk substitutes. The use of such milk can place extra strain on infants’ kidneys and lead to various nutrient deficiencies etc. Also, unpasteurized milks increase the risk of dangerous infections.

Pasteurized cows’ milk should not be given as the main drink to infants under 12 months of age. However, small amounts of cows’ milk can be mixed with solid foods (e.g. on cereal).

#3: Plant-Based Milks Are Not Suitable Breastmilk Substitutes

There are no plant-based milks that are suitable substitutes for breastmilk. This includes soy, rice, almond, coconut and oat milks. The use of such milks as a substitute for breastmilk can result in severe nutritional deficiencies.

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#4: Non-Milk Drinks Are Not Suitable Breastmilk Substitutes

There are no non-milk drinks that are suitable to be used as a breastmilk substitute. This includes fruit juices, caffeinated and sugar-sweetened drinks. Use of such drinks as a breastmilk substitute could lead to severe nutritional deficiencies.

Young children drinking large amounts of fruit juice has been associated with a range of health problems such as gastrointestinal upsets, reduced appetite, failure to thrive, tooth decay and obesity. Caffeinated drinks such as tea contain tannins which reduce how well some minerals are absorbed in the body.

For infants who are not breastfed or receive breastmilk, formula is the only suitable substitute.

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