Make Formula Like a Cup of Coffee

I almost feel dirty for writing this because it gives the product more press, but have you seen Nestlé's new BabyNes?

Like one of those K-Cup coffee machines, you put a capsule of formula into the machine and about one minute later, a perfectly made bottle of formula pops out for you to feed your baby. There are four changes of formula during the first year and one for each year after that. There's also a "sensitive" formula for days your baby isn't feeling so hot.

There's a lot of outrage in the breastfeeding communities over it right now and many think (or hope) the cost will be prohibitive enough to keep it from catching on all over (it's sold as a test run right now only in Switzerland). I don't know tons about the Swiss economy, but I don't think the cost will keep many away if you're the type into designer baby stuff. I converted the prices and the machine is about $300 Canadian and the capsules are about $60 Canadian for a pack of 26 (making one bottle about $2.20. I have no clue how much a "normal" bottle of formula costs). One can also buy a handy carrying case ($93 CAD) to take the machine with you wherever you go!

However, when you consider there's obviously a market out there for baby wipe warmers, $700 cribs and $500+ strollers, this machine is small beans. I can see it becoming a status symbol also.

You can choose between a 90ml capsule and a 120ml capsule. (I actually have no clue how much a formula fed infant drinks - and it should be added that even though their site specifically says one should breastfeed for the first 6 months at least and they say their formula is for "babies," they still offer infant formula capsules. Interesting! No where do they use the term "infant." They do use "little one" and avoid infant terminology all together.) Would there be a lot of wasted formula with those sizes?

Unlike regular formula, they're also willing to deliver capsules to your house. They're just trying to make feeding your child as easy as possible for you. Maybe they'll offer to have someone come to your house and push the machine button for you while they're at it. Why not just offer wet-nursing services at that point? I wouldn't be surprised if Nestlé got into that business. I can see it now: We know breastmilk is best for your baby, so here at Nestlé, we will offer you healthy, high-quality wet-nurses. Your wet-nurse will live in your home 24/7 so you can have access to perfect breastmilk for your baby day and night. She is also portable (two well-designed feet and legs for walking) and fully washable."

I'm not in outrage over this because I believe if you have already made the decision to breastfeed, this machine doesn't really change much for you. Formula is formula, even if it only takes a minute. You still have to wash the bottles!


*Note: my information comes directly from the BabyNes.ch website. I in no way support or endorse Nestlé or formula feeding. My opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to write this.