In reply to an email at Scientific American, It has been acknowledged that breast milk is the ideal first food for babies, though modern formula brands can get the job done, too. But Human breast milk naturally contains the vitamins and minerals a newborn requires.Researchers have also found that infants who fed with human breast milk have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhea, rashes and allergies than bottle-fed babies.
Another benefit of breast milk is cost savings against higher incidences of illness and disease down the road means higher costs for all.
Of course, not all mothers are able to breastfeed, and in such cases formula can be a healthy alternative. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates all baby formulas to ensure purity and that they meet nutritional requirements. Leading makers include Nature’s One, Earth’s Best and Bright Beginnings. Enfamil and Similac also now offer organic varieties.
