Animal milk is readily accessible, while formula supply chains can sometimes be disrupted, making it difficult for families to access their preferred formula. Parents are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before making any changes to their children’s diets, taking into consideration affordability, safety, and accessibility. The Australian Health Department and World Health Organisation recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and continued breastfeeding with solid food until the child turns two. WHO experts found no significant difference in weight gain between babies who consumed cow’s milk versus formula but noted potential risks of cow’s milk leading to anemia due to bleeding in the gut for some children.
The WHO recently updated its guidelines for non-breastfed and mixed-fed infants aged six to 11 months, emphasizing the importance of considering individual circumstances and making decisions based on what is most appropriate in each context. The Infant Nutrition Council, representing infant formula manufacturers and importers in Australia, is concerned by the change in advice, citing scientific evidence that animal milk is not suitable as the main drink for infants under the age of 12 months. The Australian Health Department highlights the importance of fortified infant formula as a safe alternative to breastmilk, particularly as animal milks are poor sources of iron and may impact iron absorption from other foods.
Nicole Bando, co-convenor of Dietician Australia’s breastfeeding and nutrition working group, suggests revising Australia’s infant feeding guidelines to align with new and compelling evidence regarding aspects of infant feeding. Lauren Caulfield shares her experience of exclusively breastfeeding her children until six months before transitioning to mixed-feeding and then solely formula. Transitioning to cow’s milk at six months was a feasible option for her eldest son but not for her youngest, who has an intolerance to dairy. Caulfield emphasizes the importance of choosing the right formula for her child’s sensitive stomach, even though it may be more expensive than cow’s milk.
Bando supports the evidence-based WHO guidelines, which are free from industry influence, but notes the importance of considering global recommendations within the context of individual countries’ circumstances. In many countries with limited access to sanitation and clean drinking water, animal milk may be a safer option than formula. The Australian Health Department continues to monitor new evidence around infant feeding and will update its guidelines as necessary. Experts at the Infant Nutrition Council are reviewing the WHO guidelines and plan to share their findings with the Commonwealth. It is essential for parents to consult with healthcare professionals and consider individual factors such as affordability, safety, and accessibility when making decisions about infant feeding.
