What did babies drink before formula?

Before the introduction of infant formula in the late 19th century, babies were primarily fed breast milk. Breastfeeding was the natural and recommended method of infant feeding for centuries, as it provided essential nutrients, antibodies, and other benefits for the baby's health and development.

In cases where breastfeeding was not possible or adequate, various alternative feeding methods were used throughout history:

1. Wet Nursing: Wet nursing, involving a lactating woman (a wet nurse) providing breast milk to an infant who is not their own, has been practiced for thousands of years. Wet nurses were often hired by families who could not breastfeed their children due to various reasons, such as illness, insufficient milk production, or societal norms.

2. Animal Milk: Before the development of commercial formula, animal milk, such as goat's milk or cow's milk, was sometimes used as a substitute for breast milk. However, these milks were not as nutritionally balanced for infants and could pose risks if not properly modified and diluted to suit the infant's digestive system.

3. Pap or Gruel: Pap or gruel, made from cereal grains such as oatmeal, rice, or barley mixed with water or milk, was another traditional method of infant feeding. These mixtures were often thin and easily digestible, but lacked the nutritional completeness and protective antibodies found in breast milk.

4. Broths and Soups: In some cultures, broths or soups made from vegetables, meat, or fish were offered to infants once they were weaned from breast milk. However, these may not have provided the complete nutrition required for optimal infant growth and development.

5. Herbal Teas and Remedies: Various herbal teas and traditional remedies were used to supplement or enhance infant feeding. These practices varied across cultures and were often based on local knowledge and beliefs.

It is important to note that the development and widespread adoption of infant formula in the late 19th and early 20th centuries significantly improved infant health and survival by providing a safe, nutritious, and consistent food source for babies who could not be breastfed. Nonetheless, breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing numerous health benefits for both mother and child.