For Infants Living with Their Mothers
Mothers should try to provide breast milk to their infants, either through breastfeeding or expressed breast milk. If that is not possible, a suitable breast milk alternative is needed.
For infants who are not able to breastfeed or have no access to breast milk, a suitable breast milk alternative is needed. Possible breast milk alternatives include commercial infant formula and home-modified animal milks (cow or goat).
Choose the first available option, starting at the top.
- Breastfeeding
- Expressed Breast Milk
- Commercial Infant Formula
- Home-modified Animal Milk
Breastfeeding
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding (no other food is given) is recommended for the first 6 months of life for optimal growth, development, and health. After 6 months of age, infants should start eating nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed until up to at least 2 years of age.
Expressed Breast Milk
If breastfeeding is not possible but the mother is able to produce breast milk, expressing the milk and feeding it to the infant with a cup or bottle is the preferred alternative.
Commercial Infant Formula
Commercial infant formula is the best alternative to breast milk because it contains nutrients in the right amounts for children’s growth. Infant formula should only be used when breast milk is not available.
Home-modified Animal Milk
Home-modified animal milk is NOT recommended for infants under 6 months and may result in anemia, stunting, and undernutrition. It should only be used as a short-term solution when breast milk and commercial infant formula are not available.