For mothers who cannot or who choose not to breastfeed their baby, or need to supplement their baby, infant formula is a safe alternative. In fact, although they still can’t compare with breast milk, today’s formulas are closer to breast milk and more nutritious than ever before.
Babies can only drink breast milk or formula; do not use water, juice, or any other type of milk.
Like everything else these days, if you go to the store you will see a lot of formula choices; in fact, it can be overwhelming. Most of the choices are due to competition between formula makers; in reality, it can be pretty simple.
Choosing a formula
- Protein source: There are two basic types of formula, based on the source of protein: cow’s milk and soy formulas. Soy formulas are not recommended for healthy babies. You should start with a cow’s milk formula unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
- Protein type: Formula can be regular, standard formula or have some of the proteins partially broken down. These are called sensitive or gentle formulas. They are often marketed as solving problems such as gas, fussiness, or reflux. In general, most healthy babies do not benefit from these formulas.
- Special formulas: There are also a variety of specialty formulas, including more extensively broken down ones, lactose free formulas, and others. Again, these are of no benefit to the normal, healthy baby.
Formula preparations
- Ready-to-feed: This formula is completely ready for your baby; you don’t need to mix anything or add any water. It comes in cans and bottles. It is very convenient, but the cans are bulky and heavy and it is the most expensive form of formula.
- Liquid concentrate: This is concentrated liquid; you need to add the correct amount of formula and water to make each bottle. It is more expensive than powdered formula.
- Powdered formula: To make this formula, you measure out the correct number of scoops of powder for the amount of water you are using. You then shake or stir it up to make the formula. Is is the most convenient and least expensive form, and is not as heavy so it is easy to carry around. Some babies seem fussy on powdered formula, and they may do better by stirring rather than shaking it, or by changing to concentrate, which is not exactly the same as powdered formula.
Bottle feeding
- You need to be absolutely sure you mix the formula correctly. Adding too much or not enough water can make your baby very sick. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Add the water first to the bottle then the powdered or concentrated formula.
- Most newborns take about 1 to 2 ounces every 2-3 hours. Babies are very sleepy and may not feed that regularly the first week or so. Just keep trying. Your baby should take some fluid at least every 4-6 hours.
- Put what you expect the baby to take in the bottle; you cannot save formula that your baby has already started for more than one hour.. Hold the bottle so that the milk fills the nipple and the neck of the bottle. Usually babies are held at a slight angle and not flat, and bottles are held at an angle, not straight up and down. After your baby drinks some formula, you may have to take the bottle out to let air back into the bottle so that the milk will flow. You will probably need to burp your baby every 1-2 ounces. After feeding, discard whatever is left in the bottle.
- There are a variety of bottles you can try, with different sized nipples and openings in the nipple.
- You do not usually need to sterilize bottles and nipples or use special water to make the formula, as long as your drinking water is safe. Wash bottles and nipples in clean, hot soapy water or the dishwasher. Sanitize your bottles and nipples before first use, and once a day if your baby is less than 3 months old or was born premature, or has a chronic medical condition.
Formula safety
- Wash your hands before making formula
- Be sure area is clean
- If you want to warm up the formula, never use a microwave.
- Once bottle is started, do not save the formula left in that bottle after 1 hour.
- Use formula within 2 hours of preparation if at room temperature.
- Use formula within 24 hours if stored in refrigerator. Larger amounts of formula made from concentrate can be stored for 48 hours.
- Mix formula exactly as it says on package.
- Add water first to the bottle then the right number of scoops of powder. Shake or stir well.
- Ready to feed: shake and add to bottle. Once larger bottle is opened, use within 48 hours in refrigerator.
- Concentrate: add water to bottle first, then shake formula and add to bottle in exactly the right amount. Opened bottle of concentrate can be stored in refrigerator for 48 hours.
- If you are not sure your tap water is safe to use for formula, check with your local health department.
- Open powder stored properly can be kept for up to 4 weeks.
- Sanitize your bottles and nipples before first use, and once a day if your baby is less than 3 months old or was born premature, or has a chronic illness or immune deficiency.
- Clean bottles in the dishwasher or by hand after each use.
- Powdered formula can contain a dangerous bacteria called Cronobacter which can infect infants. If you are using powdered formula, you may consider using boiling water to prepare formula if your baby is less than 3 months old, was born premature, or has a weakened immune system.
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