Infant formula feeding
Infant formula feeding refers to the use of commercially prepared, nutritionally complete substitutes for breast milk, designed to nourish infants from birth up to about 12 months of age. These formulas are typically made from a base of cow's milk or soy, which has been modified to mimic the composition of human breast milk. They are available in liquid (ready-to-feed) or powder forms and are a standard feeding option worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Infant formula is a balanced source of nutrition, carefully formulated to provide a mix of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins essential for early development. A typical serving provides around 100-120 calories and is fortified with key vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D to support growth.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 11.5 g |
| Fat | 5.5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg |
| Potassium | 110 mg |
| Phosphorus | 55 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 bottle, prepared from powder (approximately 150 ml or 5 fl oz) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The composition of infant formula is a feat of food science, designed to evolve with a baby's needs—'starter' formulas for newborns differ from 'follow-on' formulas for older infants. Nutritionally, it is one of the most strictly regulated food products globally, with precise standards for every nutrient to ensure infant safety and health.
