Bottle-feeding

Infant feeding using a milk preparation usually based on modified cow’s milk. Formula milk contains similar proportions of protein, fat, lactose (milk sugar), and minerals as those in human milk, but it lacks the protective antibodies that are present in breast milk. Vitamins are added. Bottle-fed babies are at higher risk of gastrointestinal infections than breast-fed babies and may be more likely to develop allergic disorders. (See also feeding, infant.)