A new study on baby feeding habits in the Middle East has identified a knowledge gap in mothers' understanding of infant formula preparation. The study, conducted with over 200 mothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon and the UAE, showed that although 94 percent of mothers surveyed were confident in their knowledge of feeding procedures, a large proportion was not practicing safe infant formula storage or preparation habits, putting babies at risk of a variety of ailments that could potentially result in diarrhea, colic and allergic reactions. Although breast milk is widely acknowledged in the region as being superior to formula for children below the age of 12 months, infant formula is also used either as a primary feeding source or to supplement breast milk. As babies below 12 months do not have fully developed immune systems, they are particularly susceptible to germs and bacteria which can result from incorrectly prepared infant formula. Less than one quarter of mothers surveyed knew that cooled boiled water should be used to mix formula, the method recommended by the World Health Organization to ensure that the formula is not contaminated with bacteria. The survey showed that only 27 percent in KSA, 13 percent of mothers in the UAE, 2 percent in Lebanon and 49 percent in Kuwait used boiled water to prepare infant formula. Almost 16 percent of mothers in KSA believed that they could keep pre-prepared formula in the fridge for up to 12 hours, unaware that such practices could potentially expose their children to harmful bacteria. In addition, 13 percent in total admitted to not following the infant formula preparation instructions on the pack. “Boiling water to 100 degrees kills off the majority of bacteria. Most infant formula manufacturers recommend the use of cooled boiled water although this requirement may vary depending on the water source and the age of the baby. For an infant below the age of two months, even bottled water should be boiled to remove excess minerals which might be harmful. In the Gulf region, it is not recommended to use water straight from the tap without boiling as desalinated water is potentially more likely to corrode metal pipes than other sources of water,” said Dr. Khaled El Atawi, a neonatology specialist. Of the 200 mothers surveyed across the region, over half did not practice safe preparation and storage habits. The overarching message from the survey is that women need substantially more support and education to ensure they are equipped with medically and scientifically approved facts on how to prepare and administer infant formula exclusively, when complementing breastfeeding or once breastfeeding has ceased. Dr. El Atawi continued: “It is alarming that there is a high percentage of mothers in the Middle East who do not practice safe preparation and storage practices for their infant's formula. Studies have shown that improper preparation of water, reuse of prepared formula and reheating formula that has been prepared for more than one hour could lead to the generation of harmful bacteria. Such bacteria could cause serious health risks to infants resulting in illnesses that are avoidable if mothers and cares are correctly informed on the subject. Hence, mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed as it is the most easily available and sterile option.” The study was conducted by Ipsos and commissioned by baby milk brand Milupa Apta-Junior which, with its significant financial investment in educational marketing and public relations program, leads in ensuring consumers are as informed as possible in how to use their products safely. Milupa Apta-Junior has also invested substantial research into the preparation and storage of infant formula and have created new packaging for the powdered formula, the Milupa Apta-Junior “Eazypack.” Dr. Mohamed Hawa, Medical Director from Milupa Apta-Junior, said: “The new packaging comprises internal spoon storage which minimizes the risk of contamination as hands no longer come into contact with the powder. The new leveler inside the pack, ensuring accurate dosage and again minimizing the risk of contamination due to knives being used which may carry germs. The improved closing mechanism ensures the product is kept fresh and dry and this has particular significance in the humid environments of the Middle East. The whole design means that bottle preparation process can now be done with one hand free, which is something we know many mothers will find useful.”
