**Special Note for HIV-Positive Mothers:

In developed countries like the U.S., formula feeding is strongly recommended over breastfeeding for babies of HIV-positive mothers. Whether choosing breastfeeding or formula, there should be little or no switching between the two, as doing so could put the child at a higher risk of contracting HIV, since baby formula can be harsh and weaken the lining of a baby's stomach, giving a path for HIV to enter the baby's bloodstream.