Bottlefeeding - Formula milk is usually based on cow's milk.
- You reconstitute dried formula with water, although 'ready-to-feed' formula is also available in cartons.
- It's important to keep all feeding equipment clean - you must sterilise between uses for the first six months. This is because formula-fed babies don't get the same protection from infection as breastfed babies, and milk can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Make up each bottle as you need it and throw away any leftover milk. The Food Standards Agency has full guidance on preparing and storing formula milk.
- Follow instructions - you should always reconstitute the formula according to directions on the pack, so you get the right proportion of water to formula.
Bottlefeeding needs more equipment, especially if you plan to give more than the occasional bottle. You should consider the following: - At least six bottles and teats
- Sterilising equipment
- A brush/scrubber for cleaning the bottles
If you're using formula (as opposed to expressed breastmilk) you need to choose a recognised, infant formula. It's illegal in the UK to sell anything for your baby that's not a recognised formula, fulfilling government regulations on its nutritional content. The main types of formula for babies under six months are: - Whey-based milks - normally marketed for babies from birth. The protein content has more whey in it than casein, which reflects breastmilk's balance of these ingredients
- Casein-based milk - suitable for babies from birth, though usually marketed as being for 'hungrier' babies as the casein is less easily digestible, and is supposed to keep the baby feeling fuller for longer
- Soya formula - used with babies who can't tolerate cow's milk formula (some other specialist formulas are used for babies who have other special needs, for instance pre-term babies
Is there any milk my baby can't drink?Ordinary cow's milk, goat's milk, condensed milk, dried milk, evaporated milk or any other type of milk should never be given to a baby under 12 months old. Specialist formula milks include formulas for pre-term babies and formula for babies who are not breastfed and who are unable to tolerate regular cow's milk formula. The protein in these formulas is hydrolised, which means it's partially broken down, and this makes them easier to digest. Your doctor can prescribe them if they're needed. Talk over your choice of formula with your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns. When you bottlefeed, hold your baby close and tip the bottle up so the teat fills with milk, and not air. Follow your baby's cues when you feed, and take the bottle out if he starts to wriggle as he may need to burp. Some babies have very strong preferences for warm milk - and some are fine with it straight from the fridge. The guidelines on the packet of formula will tell you how much an 'average' baby can be expected to drink at any one feed, but don't be concerned if your baby doesn't stick to these. His weight and progress are a good guide as to whether you're giving him the right amount. Your formula-fed baby will need night feeds at first. If he always has warm milk you can make the night feeds easier by having the boiled water in vacuum flask ready to mix - don't forget to check the temperature first by shaking a few drops on to your hand, to check it's not too hot or cold. It should feel warm. ProblemsSometimes, a breastfed baby will refuse to take a bottle. This can be problematic, especially if he has to begin bottlefeeding because you're going back to work. - Someone else - not you - should try offering the bottle when your baby's not hungry, so he doesn't get cross that it's not what he's used to
- Try offering the bottle when you're face to face with your baby - for instance, when he's in a car seat looking up at you - that way he doesn't expect to be breastfed and, again, doesn't get so cross
- If attempts to bottlefeed end in a battle, leave it for a few days and then try again
|
|
|
