Mothers may choose not to breastfeed for social, cultural, health or socio-economic reasons. Situations such as illness, inflexible work schedules, working away from home or necessary medications may prevent a mother to breastfeed her baby. 

Infant formula was developed to address a critical need for a safe and nutritious alternative when breast milk is not available or not chosen. It is the only product recognised to be a suitable breast-milk substitute by the United Nations Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standard setting body.

Since Henri Nestlé invented a milk and cereal food to save the life of a neighbour’s baby who could not be breastfed, Nestlé has striven to continually improve infant formula. Innovations include infant formulas enhanced with probiotics or infant formulas specifically designed for Caesarean-born babies. Learn more about Nestlé Commitment to Innovation.

Infant nutrition products are subject to much stricter regulation than products for adults. Nestlé is committed to give consumers the highest levels of quality and safety. Mothers trust that the Nestlé products that they feed to their children are nutritious and safe and produced to the highest possible quality standards. Learn more about Nestlé Commitment to Quality and Safety.