Babies are almost never allergic to breast milk and may be less likely to suffer from colic, gas, and excessive spitting up if they are breast-fed. Babies who nurse also receive antibodies to bolster their immunity to disease. And since breast milk has a natural laxative effect, infants who nurse rarely suffer from constipation. Despite the strong case for breast-feeding, a good many moms cannot or choose not to breast feed. When mothers decide not to breast-feed, it is essential that baby receive the proper nutrition during the first year of life.
Infant formulas provide an alternative that offers balanced nutrition patterned after breast milk.
Most infant formulas use cow's milk as their protein source, with added fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in a formula that mimics human milk as closely as possible. There is very little nutritional difference among the leading brands, such as Enfamil and Similac, and they all contain iron, a very important mineral for infants. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that iron-fortified formula be fed to any baby weaned before 12 months of age. Some infants develop excess gas or diarrhea while on formula. Some of those babies have a milk protein allergy, meaning they have difficulty digesting cow's milk protein.