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Bottle-Feeding: Disadvantages for Babies

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Bottle-Feeding: Disadvantages for Babies

Overview

Infant formulas take two times longer for a baby to digest than breast milk. The slower digestion of infant formula can affect:

  • Feeding frequency. Babies who take infant formula usually want to feed less often than babies who are breastfeeding.
  • Bowel movements. Infant formula causes formed, brown stools that have a noticeable odor. Breast milk causes loose, yellow stools that have less odor.

Breast milk, unlike formula, has antibodies. Breastfeeding may lower your child's risk for many types of infections. Breast milk may also help protect your child from some health problems, such as diabetes. For more information, see the topic Breastfeeding.

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Credits

Current as of: February 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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