Infant formulas are always getting more nutritious, but experts agree that it doesn’t come close to breast milk, which is loaded with active enzymes, living cells, hormones, immunoglobulins and other compounds that can’t be duplicated. Breast feeding will also save a family $800 – $1000 a year as compared to purchasing infant formula.

In addition, breast fed babies are known to get sick less often which translates into less days of work being missed by parents and less medical costs. In Houston, Texas it was found that a single case of diarrhea cost a family $289 in medical care, loss of work, transportation, child care, extra diapers, and special foods. Further more, using formula has equipment costs (bottles and nipples), energy costs (heating and transportation), and preparation time.