Do breastfed babies grow differently than formula fed?

Yes, breastfed babies tend to be heavier in the first few months and then leaner once mobile. Actually, much research has shown that formula fed babies have a much higher risk of becoming obese children and adults than breastfed babies. This is why I am astonished that pediatricians and nurses continue to use growth charts that are based on formula fed infants. The World Health Organization has published growth charts based on healthy breastfed infants with healthy, non-smoking mothers. You can download these charts by visiting the WHO website.