Growth differences between breastfed and formula-fed babies

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by Jane Forester, DO

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The question:
How does the growth of breastfed and formula-fed babies differ in the first few months? - Julie in Vienna, Virginia

The Physician Answers:
Your question asks if there is a difference in growth in the first several months of life between a formula-fed infant and a breast-fed infant. It would be more complete for me to answer the question of growth differences through the end of the first year of life. You are probably aware that there are some differences in weight gain at some point during infancy, so I want to be certain to show you when that occurs.

During the first three months of life, a breast-fed baby has a very similar growth rate to a formula-fed baby. The difference occurs after this initial three month period. By the end of the first twelve months, breast-fed babies generally do weigh less than formula-fed babies.

The World Health Organization has revised its growth charts to better reflect the growth of breast-fed babies. In general, breast-fed babies tend to gain 600-650 grams less in their first year than formula-fed babies. The most marked differences occur between the third and the ninth month. Research has been done to thoroughly evaluate these differences, and conclusions currently drawn indicate that breast-fed babies weighed less in their first year because they voluntarily took in less milk than did their formula-fed counterparts.

Most importantly, despite a slight weight difference between the two groups of infants, the breast-fed infants met developmental milestones at similar ages to formula-fed infants. Additionally, the breast-fed infants were just as active, and they were healthier in the first year of life (fewer ear aches and less diarrhea).

I hope this answers your questions regarding growth differences. I tried to answer factually without nearing any of the obvious large issues of debate -- that can be for another column.

Dr Jane Forester
Family Physician
Glencoe, IL

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About the author: Jane Forester, DO, received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1980, and a Master's degree in counseling psychology from UC Berkeley in 1982. She practiced as a psychotherapist for six years before attending medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic medicine, recieving her medical degree in 1992. After the birth of her second child, she worked part time as a solo practitioner before deciding to stay home full time with her children. She and her husband John are very athletic, and are exposing their children to skiing, boating and biking.

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