Infants need a specific balance of nutrients—not too much or too little of anything—to grow and be healthy. Human milk contains everything in exactly the right amounts, and
infant formula can provide excellent nutrition when families can't or choose not to breastfeed. But, keep in mind:
If you feed your baby formula, it's important for their health to only use formulas that are registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Closely following the directions on the formula label each time you prepare a bottle is also key.
Risks of homemade baby formula recipes
Although recipes for homemade formulas online may seem healthy or less expensive, they are risky. Homemade formula may not be safe or give your baby the right balance of nutrients. Some babies fed homemade formula have been hospitalized for
hypocalcemia (low calcium), for example, and
vitamin D-deficient rickets.
Formula-feeding tips to keep your baby healthy
If you feed your baby formula, make sure to always:
Choose an infant formula sold for babies under 12 months of age and sold through reputable U.S. retailers. Baby formula sold in the U.S. must meet FDA
minimum nutritional and safety requirements.
Prepare it according to directions on the label, unless you are given different instructions by your pediatrician because of a special medical need your baby has.
Use water from a safe source. If you're not sure your tap water is safe, contact your local health department or use bottled water.
Store prepared formula safely. Use it within 2 hours of making it, refrigerate right away if you won't use it soon and use refrigerated formula within 24 hours. Throw out any leftover formula in the bottle after a feeding.
What's important
NOT to do:
Do not make a homemade formula from ingredients at the store, such as powdered cow milk or raw milk and sugar.
Do not feed your infant under 1 year old cow milk or plant-based milk
substitutes from the dairy section of the grocery store, such as almond, oat or soy beverages (sometimes labeled as milk). These are not designed to meet a baby's nutritional needs.
Do not use formulas imported from other countries that are not registered by the FDA. Not all online sites provide only fully registered products. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about this.
Do not water down formulas by adding more water when mixing powdered formula, or adding extra water to ready-to-serve, non-concentrated liquid formula.
Why can't I make my own formula or use regular milk or milk substitutes from the dairy aisle?
Although feeding babies regular milk or making homemade formula was common decades ago, it is not a safe or recommended practice. In the United States, laws and other government rules make sure that all infant formula sold in stores meets very strict rules about their ingredients. These regulations help ensure it supports healthy growth and development.
The FDA requires infant formulas to include 30 essential nutrients, with minimum levels for all of them and maximum levels for some. It also oversees how approved formulas are made and stored. The government inspects both the formulas and the manufacturing facilities regularly to be sure the rules are followed to avoid contamination and spoilage.
Formula mixtures made from online or other resources may not have vital components, such as enough iron or vitamins for a baby. Or, they may have too much salt or other nutrients that your baby's kidneys and liver cannot handle in large amounts.
In addition, regular dairy products like cow milk or alternatives such as soy, oat, hemp or almond milk are not designed with the right amount of very important nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium and vitamins that a baby needs. Even if it seems like they have enough from the label, the chemical forms of the nutrients may not be easily absorbed by the baby's body. Or, certain ingredients may affect each other (such as calcium and phosphorus) in ways that are not ideal for things like bone growth.
Why are a baby's nutrition needs so specific?
The first year of life is a key time for your baby's brain and body to grow. If your baby doesn't get enough of the important parts of infant formula—even for a few days or weeks—they can suffer long-term effects on their abilities grow strong and do well in school. Lack of these nutrients can lead to severe health problems and even death.
Homemade formulas may also lead to risks of contamination, causing
infections or may even cause serious problems with high or low levels of minerals like calcium or electrolytes such as sodium.
The chemicals on the infant formula ingredients label seem scary. How do I know these are safe for my baby?
The label lists the names for specific chemical forms of ingredients like calcium and iron. These are forms considered safe to feed a baby. Every formula that is reviewed by the FDA has been shown to lead to good infant growth.
Is it OK to buy formulas online that are imported from other countries and supposedly better for babies?
Buying baby formula from overseas websites can feel tempting, especially if you've heard claims that these products are "cleaner" or "better." But be careful. Many imported formulas sold online have
not gone through FDA review. That means the FDA hasn't checked their nutrition, safety or how they were made.
Shipping can also be a problem—some products may not be kept at the right temperature or handled safely along the way. And even though they often cost a lot more, research hasn't shown that these formulas are better for babies than the ones sold in U.S. stores.
During the 2022 formula shortage, the FDA allowed certain trusted international brands into the U.S. under special rules. Some of these formulas are still available today, as long as they continue to meet U.S. nutrition and safety standards. These brands are now sold through regular U.S. retailers, not unregulated third‑party sellers. If you choose one of these formulas, look for products that are clearly FDA‑authorized and sold by reputable stores. This helps ensure you're getting a safe product that meets the standards your baby needs.
Can I stretch the formula by adding a bit more water than the instructions say?
No. Although this might seem like a harmless way to help save money, FDA-approved infant formula is designed for just the correct amount of nutrition as described by the label. Adding extra
water decreases and dilutes the nutrients and may cause serious growth problems or imbalances in vital nutrients like salt that can lead to serious health problems.
Can you use toddler formula for babies under 12 months old?
No, this is not a good idea, because the nutritional needs of a small infant are not the same as it is for a toddler. Also, toddler formula doesn't have to be FDA reviewed the way it is for infant formulas. Look at the label on the formula and make sure it says that it is designed for infants. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or pediatrician to help you make sure that you are choosing the best formula for your baby.
What should I do if I can't afford formula?
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Mothers who qualify based on income can enroll in WIC to receive vouchers for formula.
Learn how to apply here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): You can use your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card (formerly called food stamps) to buy formula. If you are enrolled in WIC, you also might qualify for SNAP.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program offers temporary cash assistance to qualified families.
Locate your state TANF program here.
Where can I get help if I do not qualify for benefits?
Feeding America is a nonprofit network of 200 food banks. Many provide free baby food, infant formula, diapers and other supplies.
Find your local food bank.
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist who can help you find local resources. The number can be dialed from almost anywhere in the U.S.
You also can get help online.
More information