Family, Kids & Pets
Baby Food and Heavy Metals One article, from the basics to the full research. It answers first, then goes as deep as you want.
Breast milk first, when it’s possible Major health groups recommend breast milk as a baby’s first food whenever it is possible, for what it protects against. When it isn’t possible, or isn’t enough, formula is a safe choice, and donor milk and breastfeeding help are there if you want them.
Why The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk alone for about 6 months, then breast milk alongside other foods for 2 years or beyond, as long as mother and baby both wish. The World Health Organization gives the same advice. AAP policy statement, Pediatrics 2022 (opens in a new tab) Breastfed babies have fewer infections, especially gut infections. Lancet review, 2016 (opens in a new tab) Breastfeeding likely lowers the risk of sudden infant death. For mothers, it likely lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and high blood pressure. Umbrella review of 192 meta-analyses, 2025 (opens in a new tab) Formula is a safe, regulated choice when breastfeeding is not possible or not enough, used alone or alongside breast milk. FDA, infant formula information for parents (opens in a new tab) Put it into practice Trace heavy metals are common in baby foods and likely add to a child’s total exposure. Varied grains, fruits and vegetables, rather than daily rice cereal, lower it.