Raising a family can be filled with both heartwarming moments and challenging decisions—especially when it comes to feeding your baby. From breast milk to baby formula, parents often weigh many considerations to ensure their children get the best start in life. While formula may not always feel like the “traditional” choice, it’s been a lifesaver for countless families who rely on a safe and nourishing alternative.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of baby formula and how it has become a crucial part of infant care in the United States. You’ll learn about the recent shortages that took a toll on parents nationwide and what ongoing legal cases might mean for the future of formula safety and regulations. By understanding the highs and lows of formula’s journey, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions that work for your family’s unique needs.
Baby formula has been a cornerstone of infant nutrition in the United States for decades. For many families, it represents more than just a convenience; it’s often necessary. However, you may be surprised that it wasn’t always this way.
Infant feeding practices have evolved significantly, from wet nurses to today’s sophisticated formulas. Recent challenges, such as the baby formula shortage, have further highlighted its critical role and the need for a deeper understanding of its journey.
The Recent Formula Crisis
In 2022, the US faced an unprecedented baby formula shortage. This left many parents scrambling to find ways to feed their babies. It was a wake-up call for parents and politicians. Pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and a major recall left store shelves empty and families scrambling for alternatives.
Bacterial contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii at Reckitt’s Michigan manufacturing facility was determined as the reason. POLITICO reveals the company recalled two batches of 145,000 Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula units. These recalls came a little after a year following Abbott Nutrition’s recall. During this period, 4 Cronobacter-related recalls were made, more than in the previous decade.
Worse, the FDA identified the breach in November 2022 but didn’t issue the recall until late February. Moreover, the FDA ignored a whistleblower’s explicit leak regarding Abbott’s plant. It prompted nationwide safety concerns and FDA regulatory oversight. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of the infant formula market, which relies on a limited number of production facilities and a few major manufacturers.
Additional safety concerns have grown in recent years. Legal proceedings like the high-profile Similac lawsuit raise questions about the need for greater transparency and stricter regulations. Moreover, they raise awareness about the safety standards of infant formula in the US. These lawsuits allege negligence and marketing deception by manufacturers.
According to TorHoerman Law, certain milk-based infant formulas can cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. This condition damages the intestines and can cause irreparable damage. In July 2024, Abbott Laboratories admitted not warning the parents of this risk and paid over $490 million in penalties.
This episode served as a wake-up call, prompting a closer look at baby formula production and distribution in the US.
How Baby Formula Changed Over Time?
The history of baby formula dates back to the 19th century, when cow’s milk was modified to meet infants’ nutritional needs. Before commercial formulas, many infants faced malnutrition if breastfeeding wasn’t an option.
Wet nurses, lactating women hired to breastfeed other women’s babies, were a common practice. Another method, known as “dry nursing,” involved feeding infants animal milk, typically from cows or goats. However, according to Historian Amy Bentley, these methods often proved inadequate as they weren’t always safe or available options.
One reason is that animal milk lacks the essential nutrients found in breast milk. The first baby formulas appeared in the 1800s. Scientists worked to create something that resembled human mother milk. The quest for a safe and nutritious alternative led to the first commercial baby formula development in 1865 by German chemist Justus von Liebig. This marked a turning point in infant feeding.
The introduction of evaporated milk in 1883 further revolutionized formula production and storage, allowing for safer transportation and preventing spoilage. By the 1950s, baby formula became a common choice for American families. European companies helped shape today’s formula standards. They introduced new ingredients like prebiotics and special proteins.
These additions made the formula more like breast milk. As formulas became more accessible, their use spread rapidly, reshaping infant care in the US.
Today’s Formula Industry
As baby formula grew in popularity, so did concerns about its safety and marketing practices. The US has historically resisted stricter regulations than other countries, particularly regarding formula advertising. WAMU reports that America lobbied against at least 17 nations supporting stricter formula marketing rules.
This affected how companies can advertise and sell their products. Euromonitor, an international market research agency, values the global formula market at over $50 billion. A ProPublica inquiry reveals US authorities collaborated with formula manufacturers to undermine Thailand’s proposed regulations on formula advertising. Likewise, the US also intervened in the affairs of Canada, the European Union, South Africa, Guatemala, Kenya, and several South-Eastern nations.
The lack of oversight caused controversies over the years, as some marketing campaigns undermined breastfeeding without providing accurate information about the formula’s limitations. These days, the modern formula comes in many types. You can find options for different baby needs, from sensitive stomachs to organic and additive-free to allergies.
Manufacturers now use advanced processes like membrane filtration, wet mixing technologies, hydrodynamic cavitation, and micro articulation to make formulas safer and more nutritious. These advancements reflect the growing awareness among parents about the importance of nutrition and safety. Future Market Insights notes that three companies manufacture 90% of US formula.
It valued the US baby formula market in 2023 at $6,150 million and estimates its value to cross $8,454 million by 2033. Special milk formulas that remedy certain deficiencies are particularly on the rise.
This growth comes with new challenges about safety and access. It limits competition, prices, and availability. However, new policies aim to bring more makers into the market.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. Is organic baby formula better than regular formula?
Organic baby formulas appeal to parents wanting fewer additives or GMOs, but both types meet FDA safety standards. Choosing the right formula depends on your baby’s needs, like allergies or digestion issues, rather than organic labels alone.
Q2. What’s the difference between powder and liquid concentrate formula?
Powder formula is more economical and has a longer shelf life. Liquid concentrate requires precise water measurement but reduces preparation mistakes. Both forms provide the same nutrition, but powder requires more careful mixing to avoid clumps.
Q3. When should I switch from formula to whole milk?
Most pediatricians recommend switching to plain milk around your baby’s first birthday. Start by mixing formula and milk to help your baby adjust. Watch for signs of dairy sensitivity, and always consult your doctor about the transition.
Baby formula has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a lifesaving alternative to breast milk. Today, it’s a vital part of infant nutrition for millions of families. While challenges like shortages and safety concerns persist, ongoing innovation and regulatory improvements offer hope for a more resilient and inclusive future.
As our understanding of infant nutrition grows, we can expect further advancements in baby formula. Furthermore, we must ensure that all infants have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. Whether you choose formula or breast milk, today’s options are safer and more complete than ever.