Knowledge Hub

No. Growth rates differ for individual babies. There is no correlation between growth rates and breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Even though formula-fed babies typically gain weight more quickly than breastfed babies in the few months of life, after complimentary foods are introduced, all babies have different weight patterns, regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. The growth chart we commonly use was developed with data from a group of babies who were mostly formula-fed. Therefore, it may not perfectly reflect the growth of breastmilk babies.

Therefore, to ensure our babies’ development is healthy and normal, instead of focusing on their weight, we should make sure that they are breastfed correctly and adequately, and that the amount of stool is normal.

Reason 1:

Formula milk contains more sugar and saturated fat acid than breastmilk, which can lead to fat tissue buildup. In contrast, the nutrients in breastmilk promotes muscle development in babies. Muscles are lighter than fat. Therefore, breastfed babies gain weight at a slower rate than formula-fed babies, even though they are equally healthy.

Reason 2:

Formula milk may provide excessive nutrients, increasing the risk of obesity in babies.

Reason 3:

Breastfeeding is typically responsive; however, formula feeding with bottles can result in overfeeding and obesity. 

Due to the reasons above, breastfed babies typically gain weight at a slower rate than formula-fed babies. Some mothers may therefore develop the misconception that infant formula speeds up babies’ growth rate or that they do not have enough breastmilk, hence supplementing with infant formula. In fact, your baby will receive enough breastmilk and nutrients if you breastfeed correctly, responding to his needs. There is no need to compare them with other babies.