DIY Infant Formula

Article 6 in the Got Real Milk Series

As parents, we all want to give our babies the very best start in life, and that begins with proper nutrition. Breast is best, and when that is not possible, parents will seek out infant formulas.  While commercial infant formulas are widely available, they are highly processed and filled with artificial ingredients, including synthetic vitamins, refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and unhealthy vegetable oils. These formulas can be harder to digest, disrupt gut health, and lack the full spectrum of nutrients found in natural, whole-food ingredients.

What’s Lurking in Baby Formula?

The New MDS including mothers (Zen Honeycutt), physicians (Michelle Perro), and scientists (Stephanie Seneff) published research on 5 toxic metals in 40 infant formula samples.  All of the tested samples were found to contain aluminum and lead.  Six of the 40 samples contained all 5 toxic metals.  The results of the study can be found here.

Prior to the introduction of Similac® infant formula in 1923, families made infant formula at home without all the extra bells and whistles.  Dairy often came straight from the farms and cows were fed a nutritious diet without GMOs and pesticides.  The rise of powdered and ready-to-use formulas in the 1950s through the 1970s led to a decline in the rate of breastfeeding.

Homemade organic infant formula, made with thoughtful, nutrient-dense ingredients, can be a healthier alternative for babies for parents looking to avoid ultra-processed formulas or for their babies with dairy sensitivities.

A balanced, whole-food formula supports brain development, digestion, immune function, and overall growth and development, while also reducing exposures to toxicants. Of course, every baby is unique, so always consult with your practitioner to ensure the best choice for your infant.

Clearly, there is an urgent need for the formula industry to produce a healthy formula with FDA oversight and regulation.  The FDA under the leadership of Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., just announced ‘Operation Stork Speed’, to assess and expand safe, nutritious formula.  Until that time, home-based formulas may prove to be a better option.  Provide utmost care to sterilization procedures in order to not contaminate the formula.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Infant Formula

Before processed formulas came on the market, parents successfully fed their babies.  Information has grown over the past 100 years, and we’ve learned a lot about what essentials babies require for optimal growth.  Below I provide sample formula preparation (dairy and dairy-free) to try at home.  My recommendations are based on the amazing work of Sally Fallon and Nourishing Traditions.

credit: westonaprice.org/

Base Ingredients for Growth and Development

• Organic grass-fed/grass-finished cow’s milk or goat’s milk – Easier to digest and provides essential proteins and fats. I prefer A2 milk which is less antigenic (allergy producing).
• Organic lactose – The primary carbohydrate in breast milk, supporting brain development and digestion.
• Organic whey protein – Helps balance casein and make the formula more digestible and more like breast milk.
• *Collagen? – The idea of adding collagen to baby formula is a topic I find of profound interest and not currently a standard practice in infant nutrition. However, here are some potential reasons why you might consider supplementing infant formula with collagen peptides or collagen precursors.
• **Colostrum? – Adding colostrum to baby formula could enhance immune support, as colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (especially IgA), growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides that help protect against infections, support gut maturation, and promote healthy immune development in infants, similar to the benefits provided by breastfeeding.

*NOTE: Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, has a rich supply of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – crucial amino acids for gut integrity, connective tissue development, and bone formation. These amino acids support tissue repair, immune function, and may help reduce inflammation, potentially mimicking some protective effects of breast milk. While collagen could enhance formula-fed infants’ gut and joint health, its use requires caution due to infants’ immature kidneys. More research may be required to confirm its safety and benefits before becoming a routine addition to baby formulas.

**NOTE: Potential downsides of colostrum include allergenicity concerns, as bovine-derived colostrum may trigger sensitivities in some infants, and variability in bioactive component stability during formula processing.

Healthy Fats for Brain and Nervous System Development

• Organic coconut oil – Provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for easy digestion and energy. – #1 choice.
• Organic cod liver oil or algae oil – Rich in DHA & ARA for brain and eye development.
• Organic Ghee or Grass-Fed Butter – Mimics some of the fat content in breast milk.
• Consider organic olive oil – However, lacks essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as healthy fats.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

• Organic nutritional yeast – A natural source of B vitamins.
• Organic acerola cherry powder – A natural source of vitamin C for immune support.
• Organic seaweed or kelp powder – Provides iodine for thyroid health.
• Organic molasses – A source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Prebiotics & Gut Health

• Organic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) – Prebiotics to support healthy gut bacteria.
• Organic probiotic blend (Bifidobacteria & Lactobacillus strains) – Helps develop a strong digestive system.

Additional Considerations

• Filtered water – Ensures purity and removes contaminants.
• Organic egg yolk powder (if tolerated/older infants) – Adds choline and healthy fats.

Here’s a simple homemade organic infant formula recipe inspired by traditional, nutrient-dense ingredients. However, always consult with your practitioner before introducing homemade formula to ensure it’s appropriate for your baby’s needs.

Homemade Organic Infant Formula Recipe

(Makes about 1 quart)

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic grass-fed raw cow’s milk (or diluted organic goat’s milk: 1 ⅔ cups water + ⅓ cup goat milk)
• 1 ⅓ cups filtered water (to balance protein levels)
• 2 teaspoons organic lactose (natural milk sugar, essential for brain development)
• 1 tablespoon organic whey protein (from grass-fed sources, to match breast milk composition)

Healthy Fats:

• 2 teaspoons organic coconut oil (for MCTs, energy, and brain health)
• 2 teaspoons organic hempseed oil for omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
• ½ teaspoon organic cod liver oil or algae oil (for DHA & ARA, brain and eye development)

• Consider olive oil if there are seed oil concerns.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals:

• ¼ teaspoon acerola cherry powder (natural vitamin C for immune health)
• ¼ teaspoon organic seaweed or kelp powder (natural iodine for thyroid support)
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (natural iron, calcium, and magnesium)
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (for B vitamins)

Gut Health Support:

• ¼ teaspoon organic probiotic powder (with Bifidobacteria infantis & Lactobacillus strains for digestion)
• ¼ teaspoon prebiotic powder (GOS or FOS) (to nourish good bacteria in the gut)

Instructions:

1. Warm the filtered water slightly (not too hot, about body temperature).
2. Add the lactose and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Mix in whey protein, coconut oil, cod liver oil, molasses, seaweed powder, acerola cherry powder, and nutritional yeast. Stir well.
4. Pour in the milk and mix everything together until smooth.
5. Finally, add the probiotic and prebiotic powder and gently stir (do not heat these ingredients higher than 100 degrees, as it kills the beneficial bacteria).
6. Store in a glass bottle in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Shake before serving.

Feeding Tips:

*Warm the formula to body temperature before feeding (never microwave, use a bottle warmer, or warm water bath).
*Check with your practitioner first to ensure your baby is getting the right nutrients.
*If you are using goat’s milk, always dilute with water to match the protein levels of breast milk.
*For dairy-free options, consult your doctor about using homemade organic nut milk or hypoallergenic bases with added fats and nutrients.

Homemade Dairy-Free Organic Infant Formula

(A nutrient-rich alternative for babies with dairy sensitivity—makes about 1 quart.)

Note: This version uses a hypoallergenic base with essential nutrients found in breast milk.

Ingredients:

Base Ingredients (Dairy-Free Alternative):

• 2 cups organic homemade almond or cashew milk (soaked, blended, and strained for purity) OR organic coconut milk (diluted 50/50 with water for better digestion)
• 1 ⅓ cups filtered water (balances protein levels and hydration)
• 2 tablespoons organic hemp seeds (blended with water for added protein and omega-3s)
• 2 teaspoons organic maple syrup or organic coconut sugar (natural alternative to lactose for energy and brain development)

Healthy Fats for Brain & Growth:

• 2 teaspoons organic coconut oil (for MCTs, energy, and brain development)
• 2 teaspoons organic flaxseed oil or avocado oil (for healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3s). Olive oil can be substituted for seed oils, but lacks key fatty acids.
• ½ teaspoon organic algae oil (for DHA & ARA, crucial for brain and eye development)

Essential Vitamins & Minerals:

• ¼ teaspoon acerola cherry powder (natural vitamin C for immune support)
• ¼ teaspoon organic seaweed or kelp powder (iodine for thyroid function and metabolism)
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (natural source of iron, calcium, and magnesium)
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (for B vitamins, including B12)

Gut & Immune Support:

• ¼ teaspoon organic probiotic powder (Bifidobacteria infantis & Lactobacillus strains for gut health)
• ¼ teaspoon prebiotic powder (GOS or FOS) to nourish good gut bacteria and aid digestion

Instructions:

1. Blend filtered water and hemp seeds together, then strain to remove any pulp.
2. Gently warm the liquid (not too hot, just enough to help mix ingredients).
3. Add maple syrup/coconut sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Mix in coconut oil, flaxseed oil, algae oil, blackstrap molasses, acerola powder, seaweed powder, and nutritional yeast. Stir well.
5. Pour in the nut milk or diluted coconut milk, then mix everything thoroughly.
6. Finally, add the probiotic and prebiotic powder and stir gently (avoid heating at this stage to protect the beneficial bacteria).
7. Store in a glass bottle in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Shake before serving.

Feeding & Allergy Tips:

*As noted previously.

In my ideal world, these formulas should be reviewed by a team of integrative pediatricians, holistic nutritionists, infant formula scientists, moms and grandmas, midwives, lactation specialists, and wet nurses! 

References:

1. https://www.westonaprice.org/
2. https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/formula-homemade-baby-formula/
3. https://www.gapsdiet.com/
4. https://sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.jfns.20140204.24
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215837/
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10320619/
7. https://nourishingtraditions.com/bringing-baby-part-1/
8. https://blwstore.com/vegetable-oils-in-infant-formula/
9. https://blwstore.com/seed-oils-in-baby-formula/