Infant Formula Statistics & Facts: 2025 Data

Feeding a newborn is one of the toughest puzzles a new parent has to solve. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula-feed, or do a mix of both, the only metric that truly matters is that your baby is nourished and growing.

If you are curious about what is actually in that bottle, or just want to understand the industry better, we have gathered the essential infant formula statistics and facts. From global consumption trends to the nutritional breakdown compared to breast milk, here is what you need to know to make an informed choice for your little one.

20 Infant Formula Statistics and Facts

Infant formula isn’t new. It has been around since 1865, when chemist Justus von Liebig concocted a mixture of cow’s milk, flour, and potassium bicarbonate ⁽¹⁾. Since those early science experiments, formula has evolved into a highly regulated, safe nutritional source for millions of infants. Let’s look at the numbers.

Infant Formula Consumption Statistics

Not every parent can, or wants to, breastfeed. Issues like low supply, pain, or medical necessity make formula a lifesaver. Here is a look at how formula is used globally and in the United States.

1. Strict global standards: Formula ingredients aren’t random. They are set by the Codex Alimentarius ⁽²⁾. This program, overseen by the WHO and the UN, lists 30 required nutritional ingredients. Individual countries can add their own guidelines, but the basics are non-negotiable.
2. Rising use in Africa: Over 60 percent of babies under six months in Africa are formula-fed. This number is climbing annually as more women enter the workforce, which often interrupts the ability to exclusively breastfeed.
3. Global prevalence: Worldwide, approximately 66 percent of infants receive formula, either exclusively or in combination with breast milk ⁽³⁾.
4. Highest consumption rates: North America tops the charts for formula feeding. About 74 percent of babies here have formula included in their diet.
5. Lowest consumption rates: On the flip side, South Asia has the lowest rate of formula feeding, with only 43 percent of babies receiving formula.
6. Innovation for allergies: The 1920s saw the development of non-milk-based formulas for babies allergic to cow’s milk ⁽⁴⁾. Soy formula arrived in 1929 but originally lacked key vitamins. Today, these alternatives are fully fortified to meet all nutritional standards.
7. US feeding habits: Fifty-four percent of US infants born in 2018 drank formula within their first three months ⁽⁵⁾. Furthermore, 19 percent were supplemented with formula within just two days of birth. This high dependency highlights why supply chain shortages are so critical for American families.

Formula-Feeding Vs. Breastfeeding Facts

You have likely heard “breast is best” a thousand times. While breast milk has unique biological advantages, the modern parenting motto is “fed is best.” The goal is simply to ensure your baby thrives.

Here are seven facts breaking down the differences between the two feeding methods.

1. The “living” nature of breast milk: Breast milk contains water, fats, carbs, vitamins, and proteins. Uniquely, it adapts to your baby’s needs and contains oligosaccharides, a carbohydrate that fosters healthy gut bacteria ⁽⁶⁾.
2. Formula is the only safe alternative: Babies under one year old cannot process regular cow’s milk or plant-based beverages. Commercial formula is the only safe substitute. While it lacks live antibodies and enzymes, it provides every calorie and nutrient required for growth.
3. Health protections of breastfeeding: Studies show breastfed babies have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, ear infections, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), obesity, and asthma ⁽⁷⁾.
4. Growth patterns differ: Breastfed babies usually consume about 10 fewer calories per kilogram of body weight daily compared to formula-fed infants ⁽⁸⁾. Consequently, they may gain weight more slowly and experience less reflux.
5. Maternal transfer: Breast milk can carry what the mother consumes. If a mother is exposed to toxins or takes certain medications, these can pass to the baby. In instances where specific medication is necessary for the mother’s health, formula may be the safer option for the infant.
6. The Vitamin D gap: Breast milk is a superfood, but it is often low in vitamin D ⁽⁹⁾. Exclusively breastfed babies usually require daily drops. Formula, however, comes fortified with vitamin D right out of the can.
7. Financial impact: Breastfeeding is technically “free” but requires time, pumps, and accessories. Formula feeding has a direct price tag, costing families between $800 and $3,000 in the first year alone ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Facts About Types of Infant Formulas

The formula aisle can be overwhelming. You have organic, sensitive, hypoallergenic, and more. Here is the breakdown of what is actually on the shelves.

1. Cow’s milk-based: This is the industry standard, accounting for about 80 percent of sales ⁽¹¹⁾. The proteins are treated to be digestible and mimic human milk. Big players like Similac and Enfamil dominate this space.
2. Soy-based: Naturally lactose-free, this is the go-to for babies with rare galactosemia or families who are vegetarian. However, beware that up to 50 percent of babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy will also react to soy protein.
3. Preemie formula: Babies born early need catch-up growth. Preemie formulas are calorie-dense and packed with higher levels of calcium, phosphate, folic acid, and iron to support bone and brain development ⁽¹²⁾.
4. Extensively hydrolyzed: This is for babies who cannot handle cow’s milk protein ⁽¹³⁾. The proteins are broken down (hydrolyzed) into tiny pieces so the immune system doesn’t detect them. About 90 percent of allergic babies tolerate this well.
5. Hypoallergenic: For severe allergies, hypoallergenic options are key ⁽¹⁴⁾. Most are extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk, but some are amino acid-based, which means they are made from the most basic building blocks of protein (contain no milk chains at all).
6. Goat’s milk formula: A popular alternative in Europe and growing in the US ⁽¹⁵⁾. It forms a softer curd in the stomach which can be easier to digest, but the proteins are similar to cow’s milk; it is not a fix for a diagnosed milk allergy.

Infant Formula Feeding Guidelines

Formula feeding can be confusing, especially if your hospital focused heavily on breastfeeding education. You might be home with a canister of powder and zero instructions.

The golden rule is to feed on demand. Ignore the clock and watch the baby. Generally, newborns eat every two to three hours, but growth spurts can increase that frequency.

Volume guidelines by age:

• Newborns: 2 to 3 ounces per feed.
• 2 Months: 4 to 5 ounces every 3 to 4 hours.
• 4 Months: 4 to 6 ounces per feed.
• 6 Months: 6 to 8 ounces per feed.

Here are some safety tips for the bottle-feeding journey:

• Practice hygiene: Immune systems are fragile. Sterilize bottles often, clean your prep surface, and wash your hands thoroughly before mixing.
• Skip the cereal: Never add rice cereal or other solids to a bottle unless a doctor explicitly orders it for reflux. It is a major choking hazard.
• Try paced feeding: Hold the bottle horizontally so the milk doesn’t pour down the baby’s throat. This forces them to suck actively and prevents overeating.
• Take breaks: Let your baby pause. If they push the bottle away or close their lips, they are done. Never force them to finish the last ounce.
• No bottle propping: Never prop a bottle in a baby’s mouth with a pillow. It causes choking, tooth decay, and ear infections; plus, you miss out on bonding time.
• Burp often: Swallow air happens. Pause mid-feed or after the bottle to burp your baby to prevent gas pain.
• The one-hour rule: Once a baby’s lips touch the bottle, bacteria are introduced. If they don’t finish it, toss the leftovers within one hour. Do not save it for later.

FAQs

When Was Formula Invented?

Formula, as we know it, was invented in 1865 by a chemist. It was a mixture of cow’s milk, wheat, malt flour, and potassium bicarbonate.

What Did Babies Drink Before Formula Was Invented?

Before formula, babies who weren’t breastfed were often given animal milk (goat, pig, horse, donkey, camel) or “pap” (bread soaked in water or milk). Wet nursing, hiring another woman to breastfeed the child, was also a common profession until the 20th century ⁽¹⁶⁾. Unfortunately, dry nursing (feeding with improper artificial foods) often led to malnutrition.

How Long Is Prepared Formula Good For?

Prepared formula that has not been touched by the baby can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If it is at room temperature, it is generally good for 2 hours. However, once the baby starts drinking from the bottle, you must use it within one hour and discard any leftovers to prevent bacterial growth.