Don't put your baby at risk by watering down formula

A new study out shows an alarming fact:  15 percent of low-income parents are resorting to "formula stretching" by watering down their formula, to keep their infants fed.  This, even with the help of government programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, and WIC.

The study found that 30 percent of parents who brought their children to an inner city clinic didn't have enough food to make it through each month and 1 in 8 resorted to watering down their formula or feeding their babies less often.  It's a terrifying result given the potential consequences to the baby.  According to the researchers, there are risks of cognition, psychological, and behavioral problems and possibly obesity, later in life.

Of equal concern, the researchers found many new moms were slipping through the cracks because of an inability of experts to ferret out the problem by asking the right questions.  For instance, at the hospital where the research was done, residents reported that only 2 percent of the people who came to the clinic had issues with food availability.  As you might expect, many families were reluctant to report that they didn't have enough food because of the stigma attached with their situation.   After getting training on how to ask about hunger issues in a more sensitive way,  the number shot up to 11 percent..

In order for doctors to help their patients (new moms), they need to figure out who actually needs help.  This is so critical.  Then it's important to educate them on their options.  Certainly breastfeeding would be a good answer.  But for many of these women, that's not possible for financial reasons---they have to work and often their workplaces aren't conducive to pumping.  But there are other options:

• look for coupons
• go on infant formula manufacturer websites--they often have deals and coupons
• try generic formula--you don't have to buy brand name

Times are tight---I know that.  But don't water down or "stretch" your infant formula.  It puts your baby at risk. Nutritional safety is of utmost importance for a baby.  To that end, when using infant formula, make sure you follow the directions precisely.  Learning how to properly prepare and store bottles of formula is critical to maintaining the health of your precious little bundle!