In tough times or moments of curiosity, some parents may consider DIY feeding solutions—but why you should never make your own homemade baby formula is something every caregiver must understand. It may seem like a natural, wholesome alternative, but homemade formulas can be dangerously unbalanced. A baby’s nutritional needs are incredibly specific. Store-bought formulas are carefully regulated to ensure they meet these needs, while homemade options can lead to serious deficiencies or even harm. Knowing why you should never make your own baby formula could protect your little one from unnecessary health risks.
If you Google “homemade formula recipe”, you’ll get hundreds of results. Pinterest is also full of boards of homemade recipes, with ingredients ranging from bone broth and coconut oil to cod liver oil and goat’s milk.
While it might be tempting to opt for something “natural”, convenient, “healthy” and affordable, doctors strongly advise against making your own concoction at home, no matter what recipe you use.
Nutritional needs: can homemade baby formula match these?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that babies have very specific nutritional needs that can’t be catered to in a homemade baby formula. Babies need a specific balance of fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamin and minerals for their physical and mental growth and development. Homemade formula, no matter how good the ingredients are, will unlikely supply a baby with exactly what they need.
Formula companies spend a huge amount of money, time, research and science into making formula that’s as nutritiously close to breast milk as possible, and that’s safe and made according to guidelines. The chance of duplicating something that is safe and nutritious in a home environment is impossible.
Some homemade baby formula might not have enough vitamins or iron, while others might have ingredients that your baby cannot digest in large amounts.
There’s a possibility that they might get too little of something, or too much of something else, which can be detrimental to their development. An improper balance of nutrients can lead to excessive weight gain, malnourishment, and even health complications.
“Some homemade formula might not have enough vitamins or iron, while others might have ingredients that your baby cannot digest in large amounts.”
Risk of contamination
Formula is made and stored according to strict guidelines to prevent contamination during storage. When you follow a recipe, even if your hands are clean and the equipment sterilised, there is still a major risk of contamination, which can cause infection and illness.
Beware of certain ingredients
Many homemade formula recipes call for ingredients such as cow’s milk, soy milk or almond milk, which don’t have sufficient protein, iron and vitamins for babies. Some recipes also call for unpasteurised cow’s milk or goat’s milk, which are unsafe for consumption in babies and even adults as they could contain bacteria such as E. coli and listeria, which could lead to dangerous infections.
Breast milk is made up of proteins, fat, minerals and carbohydrates (of which are mainly lactose). For healthy babies, you want a formula that has ingredients as close to breast milk as possible (example Novalac and NAN) which is high in lactose and doesn’t contain sucrose.
The bottom line
While you might have the best of intentions to lovingly make your baby formula at home, it’s not advisable at all. If you’re in doubt, please chat to your paediatrician and try to follow the science that best supports your baby’s nutritional needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Why You Should Never Make Your Own Homemade Baby Formula
Why is homemade baby formula not recommended?
Homemade baby formula cannot provide the precise nutritional balance required for a baby’s healthy growth and development. It lacks scientific formulation and poses serious risks such as nutrient deficiencies, improper digestion, or overconsumption of certain ingredients.
What are the potential health risks of homemade baby formula?
Babies fed with homemade formula may face issues such as malnutrition, excessive weight gain, iron deficiency, and developmental delays. There’s also a risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to severe infections.
Can cow’s milk, almond milk, or soy milk be used for babies?
No. These milks do not contain the right amounts of protein, iron, or essential vitamins that babies need. Additionally, unpasteurised milk (like raw goat or cow’s milk) can carry harmful bacteria such as E. coli or listeria, which are especially dangerous for infants.
Isn’t homemade baby formula more natural?
While homemade options may seem more “natural,” they lack the scientific precision needed for infant nutrition. Formula manufacturers carefully create products to closely mimic breast milk, which cannot be replicated at home.
What makes store-bought infant formula safer?
Commercial infant formula is developed under strict safety and nutritional guidelines, backed by research, and tested for quality and purity. These formulas ensure consistent delivery of the nutrients needed for healthy development.
What should I do if I can’t afford formula or am struggling to feed my baby?
Speak to a healthcare provider or clinic. There may be government assistance programmes, community support services, or options for donor breast milk to help ensure your baby gets safe and nutritious feeding.
Are there any safe alternatives if I can’t breastfeed?
Yes. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, choose a commercial infant formula recommended by your paediatrician, such as NAN or Novalac, which are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants.
Can I trust online recipes for baby formula?
No. Online recipes are not regulated, and even if shared with good intentions, they can seriously harm your baby’s health. It’s always best to follow medical advice and use formulas made under strict nutritional and safety standards.
Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is best for babies, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life by the World Health Organization. If breastfeeding is not possible or is discontinued, an appropriate infant formula should only be used under medical advice. Always follow preparation and storage instructions as indicated on the tin.
References:
National Department of Health (South Africa) – Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy
South Africa’s official guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and, if not possible, using safe, regulated infant formula. It does not support the use of homemade formula.
📘 Source:
National Department of Health (SA) – Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy (2013) 🔗 https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/infantfeed.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO) – Infant and Young Child Feeding
The WHO clearly states that homemade formula is not safe. It supports breastfeeding as the first choice, but if unavailable, only commercially prepared infant formula should be used under medical advice.
📘 Source:
World Health Organization – Fact Sheet: Infant and Young Child Feeding 🔗 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
UNICEF South Africa – Infant Feeding Guidelines
UNICEF South Africa emphasises that infants should either be breastfed or given commercially prepared formula. Homemade formulas are not considered nutritionally adequate or safe.
📘 Source:
UNICEF South Africa – Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies
🔗 https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/search?force=0&query=infant+and+young+children+feeding&created%5Bmin%5D=&created%5Bmax%5D=
South African Paediatric Association (SAPA)
SAPA supports the stance that commercial infant formula should be used when breast milk is unavailable. They do not endorse homemade formulas due to the nutritional risks and infection hazards.
📘 Source:
SAPA – Feeding Your Baby: A Paediatrician’s Guide 🔗 https://www.sapajournal.co.za (General website; specific infant feeding guidance is often published via journal articles)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Although international, the AAP’s guidelines are globally respected. They strongly warn against making infant formula at home due to malnutrition and infection risks.
📘 Source:
AAP – Homemade Formula is Dangerous 🔗 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Is-Homemade-Baby-Formula-Safe.aspx
South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR)
SABR promotes breastfeeding and donor breastmilk over formula where needed, but if formula is used, it must be regulated and prepared properly – never homemade.
📘 Source:
SABR – Donor Breast Milk & Formula Feeding Guidance 🔗 https://www.sabr.org.za
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