Beware of homemade infant formulas

OTTAWA— Health care professionals from the Canadian Paediatric Society and Dietitians of Canada are warning parents about the potential danger of homemade infant formulas. Recipes for homemade infant formula are being promoted on the internet and by some practitioners who give health advice.  Please be advised that homemade infant formulas are not recommended. These mixtures may contain harmful bacteria and inappropriate amounts of nutrients leading to malnutrition and illness in infants.

“There have been cases of severe malnutrition from feeding infants alternative beverages instead of breastmilk or commercial infant formulas”, states Dr. Jeff Critch, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Memorial University and chair of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee.

The Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, Health Canada, and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada all recommend breastfeeding, exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feedings. Breastfeeding is the normal and unequalled method of infant feeding.  Commercial infant formulas are the only recommended alternative for parents/caregivers of infants who have made an informed decision to transition from breastfeeding or breastmilk. For infants between 9-12 months of age who are no longer breastfed, pasteurized, whole cow milk or commercial infant formula is recommended. 

All infant formulas must undergo a full safety and nutritional quality assessment before they can be sold in Canada.  Health Canada requires that formula companies provide scientific evidence that their products support healthy growth in infants and do not pose chemical or microbiological risks.  Formula companies are also required to meet standards for the nutritional content of infant formulas, which include energy, protein, fats, vitamins and mineral nutrients.  All manufacturers, importers and distributers of infant formula are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with Canadian legislation.

The ingredients in homemade formula recipes are often claimed to be more “natural” than the ingredients in commercial (store bought) infant formula. However, all ingredients in commercial formula, including added vitamins and other important compounds, are included for a purpose. Dr. Tanis Fenton, Registered Dietitian, PhD, and Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary noted,  “Homemade infant formulas that combine protein powders or oils to milk or plant-based beverages will not likely provide the correct balance of nutrients needed by infants.”

If you are concerned that your child needs a special formula, or if you are considering using a homemade formula, you are advised to talk with a medical doctor, registered dietitian or registered nurse in your community.

For more information on child health and breastfeeding, visit:

Health Canada:  Infant nutrition and Health Canada Raises Concerns About the Use of Homemade Infant Formulas

Dietitians of Canada:  Feeding infants and toddlers

Canadian Paediatric Society:  Pregnancy & Babies

For health professionals:  Infant feeding Infant feeding

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About the Canadian Paediatric Society

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national advocacy association that promotes the health needs of children and youth. Founded in 1922, the CPS represents more than 3,300 paediatricians, paediatric subspecialists and other child health professionals across Canada.