Editing Infant formula (section)

===Variations===
Infant formulas come in powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed forms. They are designed to be prepared by the parent or caregiver in small batches and fed to the infant, usually with either a cup or a [[baby bottle]].<ref name="WHO"/>

Infant formulas come in a variety of types:
*Cow's milk formula is the most commonly used type. The milk has been altered to resemble breast milk. 
*[[Soy-based infant formula|Soy protein based formulas]] are frequently used for infants allergic to cow's milk or lactose. Soy-based formulas can also be useful if the parent wants to exclude animal proteins from the child's diet.
*Protein hydrolysate formulas contain protein that's been broken down into smaller sizes than are those in cow's milk and soy-based formulas. Protein hydrolysate formulas are meant for babies who do not tolerate cow's milk or soy-based formulas. 
*Specialized formulas are also available for premature infants and those with specific medical conditions.<ref name="Mayo Clinic">{{cite web | url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-formula/art-20045782 | title=Infant formula: Your questions answered | publisher=Mayo Clinic | access-date=7 October 2015 | author=Mayo Clinic staff}}</ref>

Manufacturers and health officials advise it is very important to measure powders or concentrates accurately to achieve the intended final product concentration; otherwise, the child will be malnourished. It is advisable that all equipment that comes into contact with the infant formula be cleaned and sterilized before each use. Proper [[refrigeration]] is essential for any infant formula which is prepared in advance.

In developing countries, formula is frequently prepared improperly, resulting in high infant mortality due to [[malnutrition]] and diseases such as [[diarrhea]] and [[pneumonia]]. This is due to lack of clean water, lack of sterile conditions, lack of refrigeration, illiteracy (so written instructions cannot be followed), poverty (diluting formula so that it lasts longer), and lack of education of mothers by formula distributors. These problems and resulting disease and death are a key factor in opposition to the marketing and distribution of infant formula in developing countries by numerous [[public health]] agencies and NGOs (discussed in more detail at [[Nestlé boycott]] and [[International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes]]).