What did they feed babies before formula?

The Historical Landscape of Infant Feeding
Before the advent of commercial baby formula, the methods of feeding infants were diverse and often fraught with challenges. The primary alternative to breastfeeding was wet nursing, where another woman would breastfeed the baby. This practice was common in many cultures and provided a relatively safe source of nutrition when the biological mother was unable to nurse. Wet nurses were often hired, and this arrangement allowed mothers to return to work or manage other responsibilities while ensuring their infants received breast milk.
The Rise of Feeding Bottles
As society evolved, so did the tools available for infant feeding. By the mid-19th century, glass feeding bottles began to emerge, featuring elaborate designs that included cork nipples and air inlets to regulate milk flow. These bottles allowed for a more controlled feeding experience, although they also introduced new risks. The cleanliness of the bottles and the milk used was paramount, as improper sterilization could lead to serious health issues for the infant.
Homemade Formulas and Their Risks
In the absence of formula, many caregivers resorted to creating homemade mixtures. Common ingredients included cow’s milk, diluted with water, and sometimes sweetened with sugar or mixed with other foods like mushed bread or white fish. However, these concoctions were often poorly formulated and could lead to malnutrition or illness. The mortality rate for infants fed these homemade formulas was alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting a 30% mortality rate in some cases.
The Transition to Evaporated Milk
By the early 20th century, evaporated milk became a popular alternative. Studies conducted in the 1920s and 1930s showed that infants fed evaporated milk grew similarly to those who were breastfed, leading to its widespread adoption. This shift was driven by the availability and affordability of evaporated milk, which reassured parents and physicians alike.
Conclusion
The journey of infant feeding before the invention of modern formula was marked by a blend of traditional practices and evolving technologies. While wet nursing provided a safe alternative, the introduction of feeding bottles and homemade formulas presented new challenges. The eventual acceptance of evaporated milk as a viable option marked a significant turning point in infant nutrition, paving the way for the development of the commercial formulas we see today.

What did they feed babies in the early 1940’s instead of formula?

From beef soup to caramel pudding
The first commercial baby food to hit the market was a vegetable soup with a beef broth base. Other common baby foods in the 1940s included liver, veal, and strained single-ingredient vegetables and fruits.

What did mothers feed babies before formula?

Before the invention of commercial baby formula, babies primarily relied on breast milk for nourishment. Breastfeeding was the most common and natural method of feeding infants. In cases where breastfeeding was not possible, various alternatives were used:

What did mothers feed their babies in the 1950s?

In the 1950s and 1960s, as already mentioned, most infants were fed cow’s milk beginning at 4–6 mo of age and this practice extended into the early 1970s.

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.

How did people feed babies without formula?

Before the era of “modern” medicine, breastfeeding was the preferred method of feeding infants, just as it is today. But if a mother’s milk supply was inadequate or she chose not to nurse, the family often employed a “wet nurse” to nourish infants.

What kind of milk did babies drink in the 60s?

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 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.

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 did mothers do when there was no formula?

Use of a wet nurse, “a woman who breastfeeds another’s child” (Davis, 1993, p. 2111), was a common practice before the introduction of the feeding bottle and formula. Wet nursing began as early as 2000 BC and extended until the 20th century.

What did they feed babies in the 60s?

By the 1940s and through the 1960s, most infants who were not breastfed received evaporated milk formula, as well as vitamins and iron supplements.