I know what you’re thinking. Homemade baby formula? Isn’t that a little… out there? I promise I’m not some kind of crazy person (well, I plead the 5th). I’m a pretty normal mom just like you. I was skeptical of homemade baby formula at first too, but then I did my research and found that it’s actually a really great option for some babies. Plus, it can be way cheaper, and 1000% healthier (emphasis mine) than store-bought formula.
So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to give the homemade baby formula a try, read on and see if it might be right for your little one AND peace of mind for you!
Over here at Grass-fed Babies, we want real food going into the bodies of our babies. That’s where we look to history and how traditional moms prepared homemade baby formula before grocery stores stacked the shelves with chemical-laden powders labeled “baby formula“.
What is Homemade Baby Formula?
Homemade baby formula is just what it sounds like—a formula made at home using simple ingredients like milk (raw in this case), water, some essential nutrients, and vitamins. There are a few different recipes out there, but they all have similar basic ingredients. You can find lots of recipes online, or you can ask your pediatrician for a recommendation.
We were intrigued when we learned about homemade baby formula for the first time. Could this be a more natural option that would provide our babies with all the nutrition they need? We did some digging, so keep reading to see what we found out from the Weston A. Price Foundation.
What are the Benefits of Homemade Baby Formula?
There are a few key benefits of homemade baby formula that might make it the right choice for your family. First of all, it can be significantly cheaper than store-bought formulas. If money is tight, this can be a huge help! Additionally, some babies have trouble digesting store-bought formulas but do just fine with homemade formulas. This is because store-bought formulas often contain whole milk proteins – like A1/A1, soy or corn syrup solids, which can be hard for some babies to process. Finally, you may simply prefer to know exactly what ingredients are going into your baby’s food – just like we do. With homemade formula, there are no surprises—just simple, wholesome ingredients.
When it comes to developmental health, homemade baby formula has some big advantages over store-bought as well. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, “While store-bought formulas are based on soy oil or corn syrup solids and low-quality milk proteins, a homemade formula can provide a balance of easily digested fats, complex carbohydrates, high-quality protein and all the micronutrients your baby needs for proper development.” This is key because a baby’s brain and nervous system develop at an incredible rate during the first year of life, and nutritious food is essential for proper development.
Additionally, store-bought formulas often contain unhealthy fats like trans fats and vegetable oils, which can actually promote inflammation in the body. This is something we want to avoid at all costs, as inflammation is linked to a whole host of health problems down the road.
So, if you’re considering making the switch to homemade baby formula, there are definitely some compelling reasons to do so! Keep reading for more information on how to get started because think about it…what did babies drink before formula?
This is why we advocate for homemade baby formula over the standard, store-bought kind – because when it comes to the health of our babies, only the best will do! Beware of any “fad-like” baby formulas out there that aren’t complete in their nutritional panels needed for optimal growth!
What are the Downsides and is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?
Of course, there are also a few downsides to using homemade baby formula that you should be aware of before making the switch.
Shocked? Yeah, us too. First of all, it does take somewhat more time to mix up a batch of homemade formula than it does to open up a can of store-bought formula, toss in some water, and voilà, baby gets fed in mere seconds. If time is tight, this might not be the best option for you.
Additionally, you need to be extra careful about cleanliness when preparing homemade baby formula to avoid any bacterial contamination.
And finally, you will need to use certain minerals and vitamins to fortify the recipe if you want it to meet all of your baby’s nutritional needs (which our recipe does) —something that most store-bought formulas already contain, but they may not always be natural. This is when the dangers of homemade baby formula are very real.
Common Questions about Homemade Baby Formula
I know there’s a lot to consider when deciding whether or not to use homemade baby formula. So let’s answer some common questions that moms have about this topic:
Can I really trust recipes I find online?
Yes and no. You definitely want to do your homework and make sure you’re using a reputable source—preferably one recommended by your pediatrician or alternative health care provider that respects your nutrient-dense food choices. That being said, there are definitely some great recipes out there from trusted sources (like this post)! Just make sure to do your research before getting started.
What kind of milk should I use in my recipe?
Again, this is something you’ll want to talk to your pediatrician or alternative health care provider about since they will have the most up-to-date information on what kind of milk is best for your baby based on their age and health history. But in general, raw cow’s milk or goat’s milk are both good options for most babies.
Can I use this recipe for older babies?
Yes, this recipe can be used for babies up to 12 months old. After that, you may want to consider transitioning your baby to raw whole milk (if they haven’t already) and some beginner, grass-fed first solid foods.
What if my baby has a reaction to the formula?
If you notice your baby having any adverse reactions to the homemade formula—such as diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas—stop using it immediately and consult with your pediatrician or alternative health care provider.
In general, however, homemade baby formulas are much easier on a baby’s stomach than store-bought formulas since they don’t contain any artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or fillers that can sometimes lead to digestive upset.
How Much Will This Cost Me?
The cost of making your own baby formula will vary depending on a few factors, such as where you live and the quality of the ingredients you use. In general, however, you can expect to spend somewhere between $0.50 and $2.00 per day on ingredients—a fraction of the cost of store-bought formula! And when you factor in the fact that homemade baby formula is so much healthier for your little one, it’s really a no-brainer – your baby’s development and growth will prove that!
Getting Started with Homemade Baby Formula
The thought of making your own baby formula might seem a bit daunting at first. But trust us, it’s not nearly as complicated (or time-consuming) as you might think! To get started, all you need is a high-speed blender and some basic kitchen supplies. Then, just follow the simple recipe below adapted from the Weston A Price Foundation.
How to Make Homemade Baby Formula
So, now that you know all about the benefits of homemade baby formula, you might be wondering how on earth you’re supposed to make it. Luckily, it’s not nearly as complicated as you might think! We’ll give you some pointers on where to find some of the ingredients in your local area. However, if you cannot find them locally, you can order online.
The following recipe was formulated to exact specifications to mimic nutrient-rich human mother’s milk – which is exactly what you want in a baby formula; no matter where it comes from. These homemade baby formulas were created by Mary Enig, PhD, and first published in the book Nourishing Traditions – this is our go-to for our grass-fed babies!
The formula incorporates several nutrients to meet the demands of the baby, including whey, lactose, vitamin C, niacin, as well as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are more abundant in human milk than in cow’s milk, but are less abundant in casein. It will be easier for the infant to digest cow’s milk formula when gelatin is added to it. Formula recipes should only use oils that are truly expeller-expressed, otherwise, vitamin E may be deficient.
In the event that your baby cannot be breastfed, a baby needs clean, whole raw milk from old-fashioned cows that feed on green pastures and are disease-free. The Weston A. Price Foundation has local chapters across the country that can provide good-quality milk. To find one in your area, visit www.realmilk.com.
In the circumstance that commercial milk is your only option, choose whole milk, preferably organic and unhomogenized, and culture it with piima or kefir to restore enzyme levels.
Homemade Baby Formula Recipes
Raw Milk Baby Formula
Homemade baby formula Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole raw cow’s milk, preferably from pasture-fed cows
- 1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (recipe for whey – below) Note: Do NOT use powdered whey or whey from making cheese (causes curdling). Use only homemade whey made from yogurt, kefir or separated raw milk.
- 4 tablespoons lactose
- 1/4 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis
- 2 or more tablespoons good quality cream (preferably not ultrapasteurized), more if you are using milk from Holstein cows
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored high-vitamin or high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil or 1 teaspoon regular cod liver oil
- 1/4 teaspoon high-vitamin butter oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil (this is food grade)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons Frontier brand nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 teaspoons gelatin (note: not recommended – collagen hydrolysate)
- 1-7/8 cups filtered water
- 1/4 teaspoon acerola powder
Instructions
- Put 2 cups filtered water into a pyrex measuring pitcher and remove 2 tablespoons (that will give you 1-7/8 cups water).
- Pour about half of the water into a pan and place on a medium flame.
- Add the gelatin and lactose to the pan and let dissolve, stirring occasionally.
- When the gelatin and lactose are dissolved, remove from heat and add the remaining water to cool the mixture.
- Stir in the coconut oil and optional high-vitamin butter oil and stir until melted.
- Meanwhile, place remaining ingredients into a blender.
- Add the water mixture and blend about three seconds.
- Place in glass bottles or a glass jar and refrigerate.
- Before giving to baby, warm bottles by placing in hot water or a bottle warmer. NEVER EVER warm bottles in a microwave oven.
Homemade Baby Formula Variations
Goat Milk Formula
The fat content of goat milk makes it a good choice for infant feeding, but it lacks folate and vitamin B12, both of which are essential for an infant’s growth and development. To provide folate, nutritional yeast must be included. You can increase the vitamin B12 content of the Milk-Based Formula (above) by adding two teaspoons of organic raw chicken liver, frozen for 14 days, and finely grated. At four months of age, begin feeding egg yolks to your baby.
Liver-Based Formula – 36 oz
A liver-based formula also mimics mother’s milk’s nutritional composition. Mother’s milk contains special medium-chain saturated fats that can only be found in coconut oil, which is the only ingredient that provides them. It is imperative that all oils used in the formula are expeller-pressed, just like in the milk-based formula.
- 3-3/4 cups homemade beef or chicken broth
- 2 ounces organic liver, cut into small pieces
- 5 tablespoons lactose
- 1/4 teaspoon bifidobacterium infantis
- 1/4 cup homemade liquid whey (recipe for whey – below)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored high-vitamin or high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil or 1 teaspoon regular cod liver oil
- 1 teaspoon expeller-expressed sunflower oil (this is food grade)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon acerola powder
Instructions:
- Simmer liver gently in broth until the meat is cooked through.
- Liquefy using a handheld blender or in a food processor.
- When the liver broth has cooled, stir in remaining ingredients.
- Store in a very clean glass or stainless steel container.
- To serve, stir formula well and pour 6 to 8 ounces in a very clean glass bottle.
- Attach a clean nipple and set in a pan of simmering water until formula is warm but not hot to the touch, shake well and feed to baby. (Never ever heat formula in a microwave oven!)
Last Resort Fortified Commercial Formula – 35 oz
In emergency situations or when homemade formula ingredients aren’t available you can use this stopgap formula.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk-based powdered formula
- 29 ounces filtered water (3 5/8 cups)
- 1 large egg yolk from an organic, pastured egg, cooked 3 1/2 minutes (See recipe for egg yolk, below)
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored high-vitamin or high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil or 1 teaspoon regular cod liver oil
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend thoroughly.
- Place 6-8 ounces in a very clean glass bottle. (Store the rest in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for the next feedings.)
- Attach a clean nipple to the bottle and set in a pan of simmering water until formula is warm but not hot to the touch, shake well and feed to baby. (Never ever heat formula in a microwave oven!)
Additional Recipes to Compliment your Homemade Baby Formula
Egg Yolk for Baby
At four months of age, whether a baby is breastfed or formula-fed, the baby should be given the yolk of an egg as their first solid food. For optimal brain and nervous system development, pastured chickens’ egg yolks contain the long-chain fatty acids essential for brain development. A baby should not be given the whites before the age of one to avoid an allergic reaction.
Ingredients:
- 1 organic egg from a pasture-fed hen
- 1/2 teaspoon grated raw organic liver, frozen for 14 days Note: It is VERY important that the liver be frozen for 14 days before use.
Instructions:
- Boil egg for 3 1/2 minutes.
- Place in a bowl and peel off shell.
- Remove egg white and discard.
- Yolk should be soft and warm, not hot, with its enzyme content intact.
- If you wish to add liver, grate on the small holes of a grater while frozen. Allow to warm up and stir into egg yolk.
Homemade Whey
Makes about 5 cups.
Homemade whey is easy to make from good quality plain yogurt, or from raw or cultured milk. You will need a large strainer set over a bowl.
If you are using yogurt, place 2 quarts in a strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl. Cover with a plate and leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Place whey in clean glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
If you are using raw or cultured milk, place 2 quarts of the milk in a glass container and leave at room temperature for 2-4 days until the milk separates into curds and whey – you’ll see a definitive separation. Pour into the strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl and cover with a plate. Leave at room temperature overnight. The whey will drip out into the bowl. Store in clean glass jars in the refrigerator.
Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, PhD.
Making your own baby formula is the best way to ensure that your child gets the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development. Our recipes are simple and easy to follow, and with a little preparation, you can have everything you need on hand in case of an emergency. We recommend storing homemade baby formula in clean glass jars in the refrigerator so it’s always ready when you need it. Making your own baby formula is not only convenient, but it also allows you to control what ingredients go into your child’s food.
It’s important to do your research and figure out what will work best for you when you are wondering, how can I make formula at home? and your family based on your unique circumstances. Start preparing today and rest assured that you’re giving your child the very best start in life.
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