Growth Rate In Babies: Breastfed Vs. Formula-fed

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For ages, we have been hearing about the importance of breast milk for baby’s immunity and growth. Breast milk is, undoubtedly, far better than substitutes such as formula milk. But, what are the growth patterns of breastfed babies in comparison to formula-fed babies? Let’s understand them here.

There is a difference in weight gain between exclusively breastfed babies and formula-fed babies. But, pediatricians usually do consider the difference while assessing the growth of the babies. The growth charts (1) released by the World Health Organization in 2006 represent the growth of breastfed babies all over the world.

The growth charts that were in use before 2006 had data of infants who were not on exclusive breastmilk. Instead, they were also given formula-feed and other solids. Doctors, who are unaware of this, recommend the mothers to use formula to match the baby’s weight with the standard weight. This is done in spite of the fact that the baby is healthy with exclusive breastfeeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stated in its policy statement that “Infant growth should be monitored with the World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Curve Standards to avoid mislabeling infants as underweight or failing to thrive.”

The AAP firmly recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months. You can start other foods along with breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding up to one year or beyond depending on your convenience and desirability.

You tend to closely monitor the weight of your baby in the first year. Most pediatricians use weight and height factors as a yardstick to measure healthy growth in babies.

Difference In Growth Pattern of Breast-fed And Formula-fed Babies

The weight gain in breast-fed babies and formula-fed babies progresses at different rates. Let’s understand the growth pattern here:

  1. Babies on formula-food gain weight consistently, as it provides same number of calories always. In breastfed babies, the mother’s milk differs in its nutritional value through the passing months (change in the amount of fats and proteins).
  1. Weight-gain in breast-fed babies:
  • 1st month: 4-7 ounces (112-200 grams) a week
  • 1-6 months: 1-2 pounds (1/2 to 1kg) in a month
  • 6-12 months: 1 pound (1/2kg) in a month
  1. Increase in length:
  • 1-6 months: 1 inch (2.5c.m.) in a month
  • 6-12 months: One-and-a-half inch a month
  1. The duration between each feed also determines the weight of breast-fed babies. Babies who are fed more frequently through the day and night grow faster than those who are fed as per a certain schedule.
  1. Babies on breastfeed tend to deviate after the third month milestone. They are less likely to feed on mother’s milk and focus their attention outside. Their weight gain declines due to shorter feeding times. Formula-fed babies are more often consistent in their feeding and hence there is a greater chance of consistent growth in weight.
  1. Formula-fed babies gain more weight from the fourth to sixth month than the breast-fed babies. However, there is no difference in their length and circumference of the head.
  1. Breast-fed babies go lean after they cross the sixth month and gain one pound (½kg) lesser than formula-fed babies in a span of one year.

Weight-gain also depends on various factors such as genes, body type, and metabolism rate. It’s more important for your baby to be healthy than to hit that ideal percentile on the growth chart. Don’t give up on breastfeeding simply because your child is not gaining weight. There is no cause for concern as long as he is active, healthy, and consistently gaining weight. If not, you should see your pediatrician to understand the underlying cause.

Do share your experience of exclusive breastfeeding or otherwise, and the resulting growth you saw in your baby.

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