Chapter 10 - Influences of timing and duration of formula feeding on infant growth

Summary

This chapter presents a brief history of formula feeding to provide a historical perspective into the evolution of modern infant formulas. It discusses the types and composition of modern infant formulas available, and the regulation of infant formula composition and marketing. The chapter discusses the growth of formula-fed versus breast-fed infants, and the appropriate introduction of complementary foods for both breast-fed and formula-fed infants. The most commonly used infant formulas are standard cow's milk-based formulas. Infant formula is regulated as a food intended solely for infants. It simulates human milk or is suitable as a complete or partial substitute for human milk. Current recommendations for infants with a strong family history of food allergy are that they should be breast-fed for as long as possible and should not receive complementary foods until 6 months of age. The parents' approach to child feeding is central to the child's early feeding experience.