Formula feeding is a valid and valuable option for families who are unable to or choose not to breastfeed. It provides a practical and effective way to ensure that your baby gets the essential nutrition for healthy growth and development. However, with numerous options available, it can be challenging to decide which formula to choose.
Types of Formula
- Cow milk-based formulas: The most common and tolerated by infants. Proteins are treated in cow’s milk to make it more digestible. Make sure they are iron-supplemented.
- Soy formulas: The protein is soy-based. The sugar is also different, usually glucose or sucrose. It is rarely recommended.
- Hydrolyzed (hypoallergenic) formula: The proteins are more digestible and less likely to cause allergic reactions. They are good if the baby has allergic reactions, but they are more costly.
- Specialized formula: Formulas made specifically for medical disorders and premature infants. You would start on these formulas under the direction of a doctor.
Choosing a Formula
The general recommendation is to choose a standard formula that has been on the market for a long time. Most standard formulas are the same and provide the same nutrition. Usually, when you hear marketing names like “soft” or “total comfort,” it’s just the changes related to proteins and sugars.
Things to Consider:
Price
- Ready to feed- $$$
- Concentrated – $$
- Powder – $
Storage
You can prepare the formula in advance and leave it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Warm it by running it under warm water or by letting it sit at room temperature for an hour. Formula can easily stay out for several hours and be safe for consumption. Your formula packaging should have instructions on how to properly store it.
Choosing Bottles/Nipples
Any baby bottle with a regular nipple will work. Make sure the nipple allows the baby to feed without working too hard to get formula but also doesn’t give too much liquid. There are special nipples if your baby has specific medical needs.
Cleaning/sterilizing bottles and nipples
If your water contains chlorine, you do not need to sterilize and wash them as normal. If the water is not chlorinated, boil the bottle and nipples for 5-10 minutes before use.
Feeding Position
Always feed in a reclining position. Avoid feeding lying flat as it increases the likelihood of choking and ear infection.
How Often Should I Feed?
Feeding should follow similarly to breastfeeding – feed about every two to three hours, past four hours you should wake them up to feed.
Before sending you home from the hospital, your pediatrician will first check if your baby can suck and swallow properly. They should be able to consume at least one to two ounces every two to three hours with relative ease, taking no more than 20 minutes for a feeding session.
Over the next few weeks, their intake should gradually increase to two to three ounces every two to three hours. Follow your baby’s lead; if they are hungry, feed them; if not, don’t.
Intolerance? Allergy?
Can my baby be lactose intolerant? No. Lactose intolerance comes with age, and it’s very unlikely that your newborn will have lactose intolerance.
Allergies are also uncommon, but look out for allergy symptoms like painless blood in the stool or heavy patching of dry skin all over the body. If that happens, contact your pediatrician and consider a hypoallergenic formula.
Remember, every family’s feeding journey is unique, and what matters most is that your baby receives the nourishment and care they need to grow healthy and strong. Formula feeding can be a fulfilling and successful choice when approached with the right knowledge and resources. Trust yourself, seek support when needed, and embrace this important part of your parenting journey with confidence.
