What did babies drink before formula was invented?

The Historical Context of Infant Feeding
Before the advent of commercial infant formula, the options available for feeding babies who could not be breastfed were limited and often perilous. The history of infant feeding reveals a tapestry of practices that evolved over centuries, driven by necessity and the challenges of maternal health.
Wet Nursing: The Preferred Alternative
For much of history, wet nursing was the most common alternative to breastfeeding. This practice involved hiring a lactating woman to nurse another’s child. Wet nurses were often employed by families of higher social standing who could afford to pay for this service. This method was generally considered safer than many alternatives, as it provided infants with human milk, which is biologically tailored to their needs.
Early Substitutes: Animal Milk and Homemade Formulas
In cases where wet nursing was not an option, caregivers turned to animal milk, particularly from cows or goats. Historical records indicate that in ancient Egypt, for instance, babies were often fed goat’s milk or even honeyed water when human milk was unavailable. However, this practice was fraught with risks. The milk from animals could be contaminated or improperly prepared, leading to serious health issues for infants.
In the Middle Ages, some innovative yet crude methods emerged. For example, caregivers sometimes used hollowed-out animal horns as makeshift baby bottles to deliver milk. This practice, while resourceful, lacked the hygiene standards we expect today, contributing to high infant mortality rates.
The Dangers of Improvised Feeding
The improvisation of feeding methods often led to tragic outcomes. Many infants died from tainted milk, improper sterilization, or the use of unsafe water. In desperate situations, some caregivers attempted to create homemade formulas using various ingredients, but these concoctions were rarely nutritionally adequate or safe.
Cultural Variations in Infant Feeding
Different cultures developed unique feeding practices based on available resources. For instance, some Indigenous communities utilized recipes that included ingredients like walnut milk boiled with cornmeal, which were deemed nourishing for infants. These alternatives reflected a deep understanding of local resources, though they varied widely in nutritional value and safety.
The Shift Towards Commercial Formula
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant advancements in the understanding of infant nutrition, leading to the development of commercial infant formulas. These formulas aimed to replicate the nutritional profile of human milk more closely and were produced under regulated conditions, drastically improving the safety and health outcomes for infants who could not be breastfed.
Conclusion
The journey of infant feeding before the invention of formula was marked by a mix of ingenuity and desperation. While wet nursing provided a relatively safe alternative, many infants relied on animal milk or improvised solutions that often posed serious health risks. The evolution of infant feeding practices reflects broader societal changes and advancements in medical knowledge, ultimately leading to the regulated formulas we have today.

What did parents give babies before formula?

After an infant was weaned from breast milk or cow’s milk he or she was given an infant food called pap, which consisted of boiled milk or water thickened with baked wheat flour and, sometimes, egg yolk.

What did babies drink before formula in the 1960s?

From 1930 through the 1960s, breast-feeding declined and cow’s milk and beikost were introduced into the diet at earlier and earlier ages. Although commercially prepared formulas, including iron-fortified formulas replaced home-prepared formulas, few infants were breast-fed or formula fed after 4–6 mo of age.

Can you use evaporated milk for baby formula?

Can I make my own formula? If necessary, you can make your own formula temporarily from evaporated milk.

Did babies used to drink evaporated milk?

By the 1940s and through the 1960s, most infants who were not breastfed received evaporated milk formula, as well as vitamins and iron supplements. It is estimated that, in 1960, 80% of bottle-fed infants in the US were being fed with an evaporated milk formula.

Can I give my baby evaporated milk instead of formula?

You may also see recipes suggesting evaporated milk, which is canned milk with about 60 percent of the water removed. It’s still cow’s milk, though, and isn’t safe for your baby. There’s nothing magical about turning 1 year old, but that’s the age experts have agreed on when babies are able to digest cow’s milk.

What did parents feed their babies before formula?

Infants ate soft or liquid foods made from animal milk, broth, or grains. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these foods were homemade; by the late 19th century, industrially produced options became available. But until the 20th century, babies who were not breastfed often died.

What did babies drink in the 1970s?

By the early 1970s, the majority of babies in many developed countries were not being breastfed and most infant milks used were commercially produced.

What to feed baby if no breast milk or formula?

If you cannot find infant formula and you usually give your child a regular infant formula, you can give your 6 month to 12 month old child some pasteurized (not raw), unflavored, whole cow’s milk. Cow’s milk should only be given for a short time (no more than a week) as instructed by your child’s doctor.

What was baby formula in the 50s?

A 1950s recipe card for homemade baby formula — containing evaporated milk, water and karo (corn syrup) — is spreading online.

What did moms do before formula if they couldn’t breastfeed?

Wet nursing and dry nursing
This allowed mothers who were unable to breastfeed to ensure their infants were still receiving breast milk. Dry nursing involved feeding the infant with a bottle or cup of animal milk, usually from cows or goats. This method was often used when a wet nurse wasn’t available or affordable.