Formula vs Breast Milk: Differences and Similarities

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children be exclusively breastfed throughout the first six months of life, this idyllic picture doesn't always match the reality that over half of babies are formula-fed during those formative months. If your baby, like many others under six months, is fed formula, that is A-OK!

Many factors can sway mothers in a certain direction when it comes to feeding preferences, be it health reasons, milk supply issues, difficulty breastfeeding, accessibility, convenience, or other lifestyle preferences. As long as your baby's tummy is full and they're getting the nutrients they need, you're doing a great job!

Feeding your little one is a deeply personal journey that deserves understanding and compassion, no matter which method you choose. Whether you're an expecting mother preparing for what's ahead, holding a tiny tot who isn't thriving with their current feeding method, or standing at a crossroads trying to decide what's right for your family, you may find the answers you are looking for below, as we explore the differences between breastmilk vs formula. 

Understanding The Composition and Benefits of Breast Milk

Let's start by looking at what is considered the gold standard of infant nutrition, breastmilk, and some of its specific advantages:

Nature's Gold Standard

The beauty of human milk is that it isn't just food, it's a dynamic substance that evolves to meet your baby's needs. The composition changes throughout a feeding session and as your baby grows. For example, colostrum, the "first milk" produced after birth, is packed with antibodies and nutrients to help kickstart your baby's immune system!

Cognitive and Developmental Advantages

Breastfeeding supports brain development thanks to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are also now a required ingredient in all European infant and follow-on formulas. Research has shown that these fats are crucial for the development of the brain and retina. Some studies even indicate that, thanks to LC-PUFA, breastfed children score higher on cognitive assessments and may have better language skills as they grow.

Convenience with a Catch

For many parents, breastfeeding offers unmatched convenience because there's no need to sterilize bottles or measure formula. Not only that, but the milk is always at the perfect temperature and ready on demand.

Plus, the skin-to-skin contact involved in breastfeeding helps nurture the bond between mother and baby. However, this convenience comes with a caveat: it's dependent on the mother's availability, which can be limiting.

Digestive Ease 

Breastmilk is easier for infants to digest compared to formula, especially for babies with sensitive tummies. The proteins in human milk are predominantly A2 whey proteins, ranging from 90/10 in colostrum to 60/40 in mature human milk. These proteins are gentle on a baby's stomach, which may result in reduced amounts of constipation, gas, and colic.

Disadvantages of Breast Milk

While breastfeeding may seem like a no-brainer, it does come with some disadvantages, as discussed below.

Physical Challenges

Breastfeeding may be accompanied by some physical challenges. Many mothers experience sore or cracked nipples, and conditions like mastitis (breast tissue infection) can make breastfeeding painful. As babies grow and teeth come in, the discomfort can increase. However, many of these issues can be remedied with the advice of a lactation expert. 

Dietary Restrictions

Mothers who breastfeed need to be mindful of their diet, as what they consume can affect their breast milk. This is particularly important if your baby has allergies or sensitivities.

Substances like caffeine and alcohol can also pass into breast milk, so moderation is key. According to the CDC, alcohol can typically be detected in breast milk for about 2 to 3 hours per drink after consumption, making it important to be cautious about alcohol intake while breastfeeding.

Time and Dependency

Breastfeeding requires the mother to be available for every feeding, which can be tiring and limit personal freedom. Pumping breast milk is an alternative, but it comes with its own set of logistical challenges, such as navigating storage and timing. On the plus side, bottle-feeding expressed breastmilk can allow you to hand off feeding responsibilities to other caregivers!

Understanding Baby Formula Ingredients and Advantages

On the flip side, let's take a look at the benefits of formula.

A Science-Backed Alternative

Modern baby formula is designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk as closely as possible. There are also specialized formulas for babies with particular needs, such as hypoallergenic formulas for those with allergies or sensitivities.

European formula is also fortified with many beneficial ingredients, like DHA and ARA, to support brain and eye development, similar to breast milk.

Feeding Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of formula is flexibility. Anyone can feed the baby, giving the mother more freedom to have more time away from the baby. This shared responsibility can make a huge difference in managing parental stress and fatigue. But don't forget that this flexibility can also be achieved if you bottle-feed your expressed milk.

Predictable Intake

Formula-feeding allows for a more precise measurement of how much a baby consumes, which can be reassuring for parents concerned about their baby's intake. However, if you choose to breastfeed instead, in most cases, it's not necessary to know precisely how much your baby is drinking as long as they seem satiated and are hitting their growth milestones.

Longer Stretches Between Feeds

Since formula digests more slowly than breast milk, it can lead to longer intervals between feedings, which can be a blessing for sleep-deprived parents. However, during the first few months of life up to around 4 months, babies will wake to feed regardless of whether they're fed breast milk or formula.

Disadvantages of Baby Formula

Just like breastmilk, relying on formula may also come with some disadvantages.

Digestive Differences

Formula-fed Babies may be more likely to experience digestive issues such as gas and constipation, especially in the early days, and it may take some trial and error to figure out which product works for your little one.

Immune System Benefits

While formula is fortified with essential nutrients, it lacks the antibodies present in breastmilk. These antibodies are crucial in the early months of life when a baby's immune system is still developing. Research suggests that breastfed babies generally have a lower risk of infections and certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, and SIDS.

Cost and Preparation

Unlike breastmilk, formula needs to be bought, which can become costly. There's also the added effort of preparation, from mixing the formula correctly to warming it to the right temperature and ensuring bottles and nipples are sterilized properly.

Similarities & Differences Between Breast Milk and Formula

The most important thing to remember is that both breastfeeding and formula feeding provide the essential nutrients babies need to grow and thrive. Whether you breastfeed, use formula, or combine both, your baby can be healthy and well-nourished!

Combination feeding offers the benefits of both breastfeeding and formula feeding, providing some breastfeeding benefits like immune support alongside convenience and flexibility. It's especially helpful for mothers returning to work or managing milk supply issues while also allowing others to bond with the baby during feeding.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that suits your baby's needs and your family's lifestyle. Both formula and breastmilk, or a combination, offer the nourishment and support for a healthy, thriving baby, and your doctor can advise you about your options.

Organic's Best Offers The Closest Formula Options to Breast Milk

If you've decided to include formula in your baby's diet, whether exclusively or alongside breastfeeding, these options may be the best choice as they closely resemble breast milk both in taste and composition.

In general, when trying to find baby formula closest to breast milk, keep an eye out for certain ingredients like lactose-only carbs, A2 milk proteins, prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, and ARA.

Let's dive into what parents consider to be some of the closest formula to breast milk.

HiPP Dutch

HiPP Dutch stands out by excluding added sugars, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, and soy, aligning closely with breast milk's natural composition. A highlight of this formula is its inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics, which mirror the immune and digestive benefits of breast milk.

Unlike many formulas that use starch or maltodextrin for creaminess and satiety, HiPP Dutch relies solely on organic lactose, making it extra gentle. It also features essential fatty acids like Omega-3 (DHA) and Omega-6 (ALA) to support brain and eye development, with nutrients sourced from fish oil and Mortierella alpina oil.

Holle A2 Cow

This EU-certified formula is free from artificial additives, GMOs, and preservatives, and it includes ARA and DHA for brain and eye development. Plus, its DHA is sourced from algae, a plant-based alternative to fish oil. Holle A2 is also free from gluten, soy, and corn syrup, although it does contain palm oil, and Holle A2 Stage 2 and Holle A2 Stage 3 include maltodextrin and starch.

Jovie Goat

Jovie Goat EU-certified organic formula uses a whole organic goat's milk base and includes A2 goat milk, which is known for being easier to digest. It provides energy through lactose, the main carbohydrate in breast milk. It also contains low-allergen milk proteins, making it a great option for babies with sensitivities but unsuitable for cow's milk protein allergy.

Additionally, it's free from palm oil and corn syrup and includes DHA and AA to support brain and eye development. However, it does use fish oil for DHA.

Jovie Cow

Jovie whole cow milk baby formula combines the mild, creamy taste of cow's milk with the gentle benefits of whole milk and no palm oil to provide nourishing support for little ones.

Additionally, this formula is enriched with two types of prebiotics, GOS and FOS, which are essential for your baby's developing digestive system. These non-digestible fibers fuel beneficial bacteria, promoting a diverse and healthy gut microbiome.

Löwenzahn Whole Milk

Löwenzahn whole milk EU-certified organic formula goes beyond regulatory requirements by including higher levels of DHA and ARA to optimally support cognitive and visual development. It uses plant-based DHA sourced from algae rather than fish oil, is fully based on lactose, is palm oil free, and is enriched with prebiotics to nurture your baby's gut health.

Breast Milk vs Formula: Your Questions

Here are answers to some of the questions we get asked the most!

Do Babies Need More Formula than Breast Milk?

Yes, typically they do. Formula is less concentrated in nutrients and takes longer to digest, so formula-fed babies often consume larger amounts of milk but less frequently than breastfed babies.

Is Formula Thicker than Breast Milk?

Yes, formula is often thicker than breast milk. This can contribute to a slower digestion process, which is why formula-fed babies often feed less frequently.

What Formula Taste Like Breast Milk?

Goat milk formula typically has a sweeter, creamier taste compared to cow's milk formula, making it somewhat closer to the flavour of breast milk. However, every baby is different, and their preferences may vary. Most babies can comfortably tolerate cow's milk formula or goat's milk formula.

Is it Okay to Switch Back and Forth Between Formula and Breast Milk?

Absolutely! Many parents use a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding. This hybrid approach can offer the benefits of both methods.

Whether you choose formula or breast milk, or a combination of both, remember that the best choice is the one that works for you and your baby. Every family's situation is unique, and what matters most is that your baby is healthy, fed, and loved. If you're ever unsure about your decision, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional.