Finding chemicals that are toxic and harmful in our food, drinks, and other products around the house has become almost normal. But getting to know that our little babies aren’t safe either, is simply heartbreaking.

Ingredients that are capable of harming a baby’s development are found in products like baby formula. It is imperative that we be cautious and make informed decisions when it comes to our young citizens. Let’s talk about this.

What Is a Baby Formula?

Baby formula, also known as Infant formula, is a substitute for human milk. Baby formula is ideally supposed to provide the complete nutrition that the baby requires for its healthy development. According to MedlinePlus, till the age of 6 months, babies need to be fed breast milk or formula. Infant formulas can be in powder form, concentrated, or ready to use.

Although the exact nutritional value of breast milk can not be replicated, efforts are being made to make baby formulas as close to it as possible. More and more Americans are choosing formula over breastfeeding and the numbers are only going up. 

The 2022 infant formula shortage was a stark example of this. 93% of infants were fed formula during and after this shortage, as opposed to 84% before it. 

Why Do People Give Formula to Babies?

Thousand years ago, there was no baby formula. Breast milk was also the only choice.

Breast milk is complete in nutrition, provides antibodies that the baby needs, and is easy to digest. The child has a lower risk of acquiring diseases, a higher chance of being more intelligent than average, and a reduced chance of being overweight. There are, of course, many more pros of breast milk for a baby.

 So, how did baby formula become a thing?

According to WebMD, parents seem to be inclined towards formula for a few prominent reasons. Including convenience and flexibility. Formula allows you to feed the baby anytime and anywhere. You don’t have to worry about breastfeeding-friendly places, dresses, or people! 

Nighttime becomes a breeze because your partner can feed the baby. The interval between feeding increases because the formula takes time to digest. And mothers can eat anything they want, unlike those who breastfeed. 

Harmful and Toxic Ingredients Found in Baby Formula Today

With this rising demand, comes rising supply. And with rising supply comes deteriorating quality. Some baby formulas today are a mix of chemicals and ingredients you don’t want anywhere near your child. And yet, we end up feeding these. 

Formulas are shown to contain heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Contaminated ingredients like riced-based products can carry these into the mix. Perchlorate is a toxin found in industrial production. It can disturb iodine absorption in the baby and interfere with cognitive development. 

Most of us don’t realize that even common products like cow milk can be harmful to the baby. According to TorHoerman Law, cow milk-based formulas can cause dangerous gastrointestinal issues, particularly in babies that are premature or have low birth weight. 

HFCS or High Fructose Corn Syrup is related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. Soy and Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen and may create trouble in the baby’s hormonal development. All three have been found in baby formulas.

An old scandal had come to the surface when Melamine, an industrial chemical was found in infant formula. This ingredient had single-handedly caused kidney damage in babies. Carrageenan is used as a thickening agent. However, it is speculated that Carrageenan can cause inflammatory reactions in the gastrointestinal system. 

These are some of the more popular toxic ingredients spotted in baby formulas. However, there are more and probably even more we don’t know of. 

Steps to Address the Baby Formula Concerns

Represent and Advocate for Change

Parents play an important role when it comes to increasing the standards of safety regulations and the protection of children’s health. You can support petitions, raise concerns, complain to manufacturers, or contact local and national governments. 

Legal battles like the NEC lawsuits are fighting for changes that will impact babies and children all over the country if not the world. With these lawsuits, parents claim compensation for the pain, suffering, and medical bills for babies suffering due to toxic formula.

Identify Toxic Ingredients in Baby Formula

If you’re a parent, it is imperative that you learn to read labels and ingredients thoroughly. Vague terminology like “artificial flavors”, “processed ingredients”, or “fats” should immediately ring a loud bell. 

The first name on the ingredient list should always be lactose. You can also enquire where the milk source is for additional safety. Check the expiration date on the pack and find out more about any ingredient you don’t know or 

Don’t Fall for Marketing Gimmicks

“Natural”, “Organic”, “Healthy” or “Fresh” are examples of how ads can be supremely misleading. Brands go as far as trademarking names with these adjectives, so as to hold no responsibility. These terms hold no meaning or guarantee of the presence of such ingredients. 

Professor Nigel Rollins, also a WHO Scientist says “…research highlights the vast economic and political power of the big formula milk companies, as well as serious public policy failures that prevent millions of women from breastfeeding their children…”

Third-Party Testing and Certifications

Find out trustworthy testing organizations or groups that certify such products. Once you know of a label you trust, you will spend less time trying to ensure that the formula is safe or not. 

The FDA regulates baby formula strictly and any bottle or pack without its statement may be a big red flag. You can also look for the USDA label that comes on organic baby formula only. 

As parents and responsible adults, it is our responsibility to ensure children’s safety. Knowingly or unknowingly, we have been feeding our babies toxins and chemicals. It is time to make conscious and wiser decisions that facilitate our children’s physical and mental development. 

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