What are the drawbacks of bottlefeeding?
When deciding if breastfeeding is the choice for you, consider some of the drawbacks to bottle feeding:
Organization and preparation. When planning to feed formula to your newborn enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be prepared.
Bottles and nipples need an initial sterilization and a good washing after every use. Bottles and nipples can transmit bacteria if they aren’t cleaned properly.
Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula that a baby doesn’t finish must be thrown out. Prepared bottles of formula should be stored no longer than 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Be sure to check the formula’s label for complete information and instructions.
Lack of antibodies. Another of the drawbacks of bottle feeding is that none of the important antibodies found in breast milk are found in manufactured formula. This could mean that the bottle fed child will not have as much immune system development and protection against disease.
Expense. Formula can be costly. Depending on the needs of your child you may end up spending over $2000 during the first year.
Possibility of producing gas and constipation. There has been some indication that formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies.
Can’t match the complexity of breast milk. Certain aspects of breast milk have yet to be effectively duplicated by formula manufacturers.
Hopefully this list of the drawbacks of bottle feeding will help you in your decision as to the method to feed your new child that works best for you and them.
