Choosing commercial infant formula

If you have made the informed decision to feed your baby with commercial infant formula (also known as Artificial Baby Milk or bottle feeding), please consult the information in this section. It’s important to know how to feed your baby and to safely prepare and store infant formula. If you have questions, speak to your primary care provider.

Types of Commercial Infant Formula

Infant formula comes in three forms:

1. Ready-to-feed
2. Liquid concentrate
3. Powder

Powdered infant formula is not sterile and can sometimes contain germs. It is strongly recommended to use ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate formulas for babies who are:

• Under 2 months
• Preterm
• Low birth weight
• Immune-compromised

You must choose a cow’s milk-based iron-fortified infant formula, unless advised otherwise by your primary healthcare provider.

NOTE: Cow’s milk is NOT a substitute for infant formula and should never be given to a baby under 9 months old.

Important tips

• Never switch the type or brand of infant formula before talking to your primary healthcare provider.
• Always buy and use infant formula by the indicated expiry date and make sure the can is clean and has no dents. Carefully read the label.
• Do not add cereal to your baby’s bottle. Adding cereal may lead to inappropriate weight gain for your baby.
• Additional vitamin supplements aren’t usually needed unless you’re advised otherwise by your primary healthcare provider.
• Babies who are only fed infant formula do not require a vitamin D supplement because the formula contains vitamin D. However, infants who are partially breastfed should receive a vitamin D supplement of 10µg (400 IU). They should get this amount regardless of their average formula intake.
• Keep up to date with any recalls on infant formula.

Warning about homemade baby formulas

Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and Dietitians of Canada strongly advise against the use of homemade infant formulas due to serious health risks. 

While recipes for homemade infant formulas are promoted by some people who give health advice on the internet and in person, these homemade formulas can lack essential nutrients and may contain harmful bacteria, leading to malnutrition or potentially fatal illness in infants.

For babies who are not being breastfed or receiving breastmilk, only commercial infant formula is recommended by Health Canada as a breastmilk substitute. 

If you have questions about infant feeding, please consult a physician, nurse, or registered dietitian.

For more information:

• Safety of Homemade Infant Formulas in Canada (Health Canada)
• Beware of homemade infant formulas (Canadian Paediatric Society)