Imam Sadiq (as) said: Wellbeing of each new baby born depends on (Aqiqah) sacrifice of animal either the parent free the baby from the obligation of Aqiqah or not, still his health will depend on Aqiqah. (Ref: Mustadrik Alwasael Vol 15).
A narrator says: I was with Imam Sadiq (as) and the messenger of his Uncle Abdullah ibn Ali came and said; your Uncle saying we tried to find animal for Aqiqah but could not is it ok to give (Sadaqah) charity amount of money what is your opinion? Imam replied No! because Allah swt loves to feed to people and sacrifice animals. (Ref: Mustadrik Alwasael Vol 15).