The majority compute the cost of baby formula as the sum of the cost of formula, feeding bottles, and artificial nipples. Not to mention the cost of sterilizing and storing all these baby formula supplies. But there is a hidden cost of baby formula on children's health.
Children who are formula-fed have increased risks for certain diseases than children who have been breastfed. These risks mean increased costs to families and societies in terms of greater medical care, medicines, hospitalization costs, and lost time at work because parents have to stay with the sick child. More illnesses may also impede a child's growth and proper development.
Most people calculate the cost of baby formula by adding up the price of formula, feeding bottles and rubber nipples. They might also include the cost of sterilizing everything, which requires clean water and energy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and INFACT Canada, babies who receive baby formula instead of breastmilk have greater chances of developing:
Diarrhea and Pneumonia
Formula-fed babies have been shown to get sick twice as often and 3 times longer than breastfed babies. They also have increased risk of pneumonia and diarrhea. In contrast, exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life prevents at least 33 per cent of diarrhea cases.
Asthma
Babies fed infant formula have a 40-50 per cent higher risk of developing asthma and wheezing than infants breastfed for at least nine months.
Allergies
Children who were breastfed the longest in infancy had the lowest incidence of atopy, eczema, food allergy and respiratory allergy.
Reduced Intelligence
Children who were formula-fed in infancy had lower IQ points than breastfed children. Greater differences were observed with children who were breastfeed longer.
Infection From Contaminated Formula
The International Food Safety Authorities Network says that it is not possible to manufacture sterile powdered baby formula. Therefore, the risk of contamination is always present. In fact, baby formula products are being recalled all the time, because of contamination with anything from molds to metal particles to bacteria.
Chronic Diseases
Children who receive little or no breastmilk are at increased risk for becoming overweight and developing diabetes and cancers, including leukemia.
The hidden cost of baby formula is the cost of illness and even death of a child in a family. The increased risk for illness and disease - even death - are part of the cost of baby formula. The loss of human potential through reduced intelligence is another hidden cost of baby formula. Parents should be aware of the true cost of baby formula in order to make informed choices about how to feed and nourish their children.
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