Feeding is regarded as the process by which a baby is provided with all the essential minerals and nutrients for the growth and development of the body. There are mainly two processes of feeding a baby which are breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Breastfeeding is done for around six months to two years or above depending upon the weight and the requirement of the child. It is very important that the mothers take a balanced and healthy diet including a lot of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Bottle feeding is the act of feeding a baby using powered mil. This method of feeding requires continuous sterilization and cleaning of bottles and teats in order to avoid infections.
Given below are some of the crucial points of comparison between breastfeeding and bottle feeding:
Nutrition
- Breastfeeding provides the perfect balance of nutrients. Breast milk contains a high level of nutrients. It can be easily digested and absorbed by the baby. It provides nourishment and a special bonding experience to the mother and the baby. It helps defend against infections, protect against a number of chronic conditions and prevent allergies. Breastfeeding is encouraged until at least 12 months and longer if both mother and the baby is willing. Germ fighting factors pass from the mother to the baby which strengthen the immune system. It also protects babies against asthma, obesity, allergies, diabetes, etc. It is very beneficial for premature babies. It contains many of the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires.
- But breastfeeding is not good for all women. You can use formula feed as an alternative to This formula is a healthy alternative that provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow. But it is not efficiently absorbed as breast milk. Its nutritional content depends on proper preparation. Some babies may have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients present in the formula. Whichever way you choose to feed your baby the most important thing is that your baby is well-fed, well-loved and well cared.
Related: Top 8 Best fruits you should eat while breastfeeding
Advantages
- Breast milk tends to be more easily digested than formula-fed It is always fresh and available whether you are home or out. It is said that babies who were breastfed have a higher IQ than children who were formula fed. It also enhances the emotional connection between the infant and the mother. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine and ovarian cancer, etc. It also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus so that nursing mothers may be able to return their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. Also, there is no need to wash bottles and nipples or warm up the bottles at night as in formula feed.
- Bottle feeding has its own advantages like anyone can feed the baby when the mother is at work or in the middle of something. In fact, it provides similar Feeding with formula can control the timing of feedings. Mothers can decide on a schedule that works for them. Sharing feeding may promote a positive balance of childcare duties. It may help the person who is breastfeeding feel more rested as it takes the pressure off of the mother. If formula helps you to be calmer and be more emotionally present during feeds it may be more beneficial for your child health. You also don’t have to worry about what you eat as mothers who breastfeed may have to avoid certain foods that her baby can’t tolerate.

Disadvantages
- Breastfeed babies are fed on demand, not on the schedule. It has less control over timing. Women must feed the baby when he is hungry. So it becomes difficult to establish a regular schedule when the beast is the only source of food. Breastfeeding is more likely to cause nipple This can leave the mother with very little time as infants may eat many times each day.
- Bottle feeding does not offer as many health benefits. It provides only a few immune system benefits. Taking a breast pump can be inconvenient on vacation, work or on a family outing as you may hear from strangers their opinions or unsolicited advice about that. It offers less privacy and is inconvenient especially when they pump on a regular schedule. It can be difficult to store as keeping a large supply of formula milk can be expired or frozen. Some mothers found it a challenging task to save milk and keeping track of what order to use it in. You may have to try several nipples and the exact size before you find the best one for your baby.
Related: Major Questions to provide the necessary breastfeeding help
Cost
- Breastfeeding is generally cheaper than formula feeding. .However, it may include little costs for nursing pads and nursing bras, etc. Unless you are pumping breast milk and giving it to your baby there is no need for bottles or nipples. Also breastfed babies are less likely to be sick and hence it means fewer trips to the doctor and also less money for prescriptions and over the counter medicines. Families that breastfeeding can save between $1200 to $1500 in the first year alone.
- The formula can be costly. Any specialty formulas cost more than the basic formulas. The cost of a basic formula during the first year of life can run about $1500. It requires additional equipment like bottles, milk storage bags, breast pump, hands-free pumping bra, additional refrigerator and freezer to store pumped milk, nursing pillows, etc. Also taking care of your partner’s feeders require an assortment of salves and nipple soothers. All of them cost
Final Words
Thus, this article provides a detailed explanation of how breastfeeding is different from bottle feeding and how can it benefit the mental growth of the baby. Both of these have different advantages and disadvantages and vary depending upon various circumstances and situations. It is the duty of the mothers to choose what is best for the overall development of the baby.