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Tough times are felt by families nationwide, including parents with infants. As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. The infancy period is notoriously confusing and scary, which can lead to new parents taking advice from social media. Influencers are aware of these circumstances, and use it as an opportunity to provide parenting “hacks”. While most of the hacks are creative and informative, there is one in mind that is downright dangerous.
If you are active on social media, you may have seen a recipe for homemade formula. "These recipes are mostly from people with no credentials related to nutrition or diet." (Johnson-Arbor) Because people share the recipes with no credibility in the area they speak on, it can lead to infants getting seriously ill or even causing death. "It may even hinder growth mentally and physically, leading to physical weakness and failure in school down the road." (Starkman)
The FDA sets strict requirements regarding the manufacturing and storing of formula. "There is a minimum requirement of 29 nutrients and firm overseeing of sanitation". (Brennan) The persons sharing these formula recipes often do not know how to properly prepare formula from scratch, which can lead to infections. "Unsafe preparation can also lead to food-borne illness." (FDA)
Even if the formula could be safely prepared, there is the issue of meeting the nutritional content standard. Poison control states, "Goats milk contains 2-3 times the protein of standard infant formula, high levels of chloride, and high levels of potassium." Alternative milk also lacks the necessary vitamin D, which may lead to rickets. It may also lead to hypocalcemia, which results from low calcium intake. (Johnson-Arbor) Standard infant formula hits the good medium between not too much and not too little. Homemade formula recipes often have little to no knowledge of the specific measurements needed to avoid illness from too much of a nutrient and properly nourish an infant.
A one-year supply of formula can cost more than $2,000. Because of the high cost, it may not be affordable to families. Nonetheless, it is hazardous to make your formula. Contact the resources below if you are struggling.
WIC: Contact state or local agency, for immediate help 1-866-348-6479
SNAP: 1-800-221-5689
TANF: (800) 692-7462
Free Formula Exchange: https://freeformula.exchange/
Sources:
“Infant Formula: Safety Do’s and Don’ts.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 31 May 2023, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/infant-formula-safety-dos-and-donts#:~:text=Other%20potential%20problems%20with%20homemade,which%20can%20be%20life%2Dthreatening.
Starkman, Evan. “Homemade Baby Formula: Is It Safe?” WebMD, WebMD, 11 May 2022, www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/homemade-baby-formula-is-it-safe.
Johnson-Arbor, Kelly. “Is Homemade Infant Formula Safe?” Is Homemade Infant Formula Safe | Poison Control, www.poison.org/articles/is-homemade-infant-formula-safe. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.
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