Breastfeeding an infant is crucial. A mother’s milk comprises much nutritional value, which is vital for the baby’s development. Hence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that American mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least the first 6 months.
However, many mothers cannot breastfeed their children for as long as they intend to. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 60% of mothers don’t breastfeed their children for the recommended period. There can be many reasons, such as lactation and latching, the mother taking medication while breastfeeding, lack of parental leave, etc.
Hence, many families opt for baby formulas as an alternative to breast milk. The use of such formulas is constantly increasing. According to a market analysis by the Allied Market Research firm, the US baby formula market is expected to reach $6,784.7 million by 2030.
While baby formulas can be an alternative to breast milk, they also pose some dangers to the baby. It’s essential to know the risks associated with feeding your infant formula before making a decision that could impact your child’s health for years to come.
Baby Formulas and Allergies
Formula-fed babies are also more likely to develop allergies, which proteins may cause in cow’s milk, soy, and other ingredients in baby formula. Breastfed infants for at least six months have a lower risk of developing food allergies later in life.
The primary cause of baby formula allergies in infants is the cow’s milk present in those formulas. According to data from the National Health Service (NHS) website, around 7% of babies are allergic to cow’s milk.
Increased Risk of Developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe infection that can occur in the intestines of newborns. It can be fatal if not treated and is most common in premature babies. In some cases, feeding formula may play a role in causing NEC, but other factors are also at play here.
For instance, a study published on the NCBI website shows that low-weight preterm babies are at a 2% to 7.5% increased risk of developing NEC, whereas extremely low-weight kids are at an increased risk of between 5% to 22%.
Most cases of NEC occur in premature infants fed formula instead of breast milk. These infants are more likely to develop NEC because the formula does not contain the nutrients needed for proper intestinal development. As a result, their guts are unable to process fats and proteins properly, which causes them to become malnourished and unable to fight off infections.
Manufacturers must warn parents of these risks. However, they have failed to do so. Hence, many parents of children who developed NEC due to baby formula have filed a lawsuit against these manufacturers. If your baby has shared the same fate, you can file the Toxic Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit against the formula’s manufacturer. Hire a professional attorney to help you file the claim, gather the required evidence, and win the lawsuit.
Result in Lower IQ
It’s important to note that formula is not as good for brain development as breast milk. Many studies have been conducted to prove this. A study published in the Frontiers Journal shows breastfed girls’ greater intelligence quotient (IQ) and social intelligence (SI).
The study was conducted on 111 girls aged between 7 to 9 years. The study concluded that 35% of breastfed girls showed above-average IQs compared to 23% of girls who consumed baby formulas.
Baby formula can cause a lot of deficiencies, including protein, vitamin B, zinc, and iron. These deficiencies can impact the brain’s development. Hence, baby formulas can lead to lower IQ and SI.
Increased Risk of SIDS
According to the KidsHealth website, the risk of SIDS is highest in the first 4 months, when babies are most susceptible to infections. Hence, the AAP recommends breastfeeding as the best way to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.
However, if you choose not to breastfeed or cannot breastfeed, there are ways to lower your infant’s chances of dying from SIDS:
● Don’t use pre-mixed formula until your baby reaches 6 months old and can sit up unassisted and take food by mouth. If you use these formulas before your baby is 6 months old, make sure they’re made according to label instructions, and don’t add anything else like cereal or juice.
● Don’t give babies any other liquids except water at night, since it can cause them not enough oxygen throughout the night which could lead to death during sleep time due to lack of oxygen supply throughout body organs such as brain tissue, etc.
Baby Formulas Can Increase Risk of Diabetes
In addition to being high in sugar and fat, baby formulas also contain ingredients that can increase your child’s risk of diabetes. Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects over 29 million people in the United States alone. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney disease, and other complications such as eye problems or nerve damage.
High sugar in baby formula can lead to an increased risk of diabetes. On the other hand, breastfeeding can reduce the chances. According to a study published in the BMC Journal, a monthly increase in exclusive breastfeeding resulted in 0.83 times lower chances of diabetes mellitus.
Baby Formulas Can Increase Risk of Heart Disease
When you’re feeding your baby formula, you may be surprised to learn that there are some significant differences between breast milk and baby formula. While breast milk contains more calcium and less sodium than infant formula, it also has less cholesterol and saturated fat, making it less likely to increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
Baby formulas tend to be higher in sodium than breast milk because they’re designed to mimic the nutrients found in cow’s milk but this can lead to long-term health problems like high blood pressure and obesity later on. In addition, some brands
contain added trans fats or excessive amounts of sugar. These ingredients have been linked with an increased risk of diabetes among children who consumed them as infants.
Conclusion
Parents should be aware of the dangers of feeding their babies formula. And despite what some people may tell you, there is no “right” choice regarding feeding your baby. Parents should do their research and make an informed decision based on what they find out about each type of infant food before deciding which one they want to use on their child.
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