THE RISKS OF DIY BABY FORMULA: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

In recent years, a growing number of parents have turned to making their own infant formula, often called “DIY formula” or “formula hacking,” amid recalls and shortages of store-bought options. However, a new research study has raised significant concerns about the safety of these homemade formulas, particularly when recipes found online contain ingredients that could be harmful to babies. Mother making baby formula. PEXELS.COM The study, conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, examined 600 DIY baby formula recipes shared on Pinterest in early 2023. Shockingly, over half of the recipes included potentially dangerous ingredients, such as raw milk, which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and experts like Dr. Ari Brown warn against. Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli, posing serious health risks to infants, whose immune systems are still developing. Many parents are turning to homemade formulas for a variety of reasons. According to the study, 38% of parents were in an emergency situation, another 38% had difficulty breastfeeding, and 60% believed homemade formulas were healthier. While these concerns are valid, they don’t justify putting babies at risk by using unregulated and unsafe ingredients. Baby eating...